If you plan to live in Portugal, you must meet all visa requirements before you travel.
UK Pensions and Tax
Before moving to France from the UK, you must notify the UK government offices that deal with benefits, pensions and tax.
Healthcare in Portugal
If you are registered as a resident, you should register with the Portuguese national health service (SNS). You will have the same benefits as a Portuguese citizen.
When you are registered as a resident in Portugal, ask for a healthcare user number (Número de Utente de Saúde) at your local health centre (centro de saúde). You will need to show your residence certificate and your passport.
Customs Documents
To move your household goods and personal effects, you will need the following documents.
Export
- T1 transit form
- Export Accompanying Document (EAD)
- Entry Summary Declaration (ENS) in the Import Control System (ICS) to the port of entry.
Import
- Copy of valid Passport
- Proof of Residence in Portugal
- Value and Import Declaration Form
- Detailed inventory of goods
- Original Baggage Certificate from Portuguese Embassy or Consulate
Moving with Pets to Portugal
Documents Required
- Original international vaccination book
- Veterinary health certificate
- Pet microchip number
Prohibited Goods
- Firearms, weapons, ammunition or explosives
- Pornographic material
- Non-prescription drugs
- Radio transmitters
- Animal skins, ivory and similar products from protected species
- Food items
- Animals, birds or fish (alive or dead)
- Counterfeit goods
- Alcohol
Tobacco, cigarettes or cigars are subject to duty or tax payments.
Working in Portugal
To apply for a job, you may need a Portuguese criminal record certificate (Certificado de Registo Criminal) (in Portuguese) and a UK police certificate.
Professional qualifications in Portugal
You may need to get your professional qualification recognised if you want to work in a profession that is regulated in Portugal. The UK Centre for Professional Qualifications can advise.
Driving in Portugal
You can continue to use your valid UK licence in Portugal until 31 December 2022. If you are resident in Portugal, you should exchange your UK driving licence by 31 December 2022.
You cannot renew or replace your UK driving licence if you live in Portugal. You must exchange your licence for a Portuguese one. You do not need to take a test. You cannot use an International Driving Permit (IDP) instead of exchanging your licence.
The British and Portuguese governments continue to negotiate long-term arrangements for the recognition of UK driving licences. If you are resident in Portugal and need to drive, you should not wait for negotiations to conclude before exchanging your valid UK licence.
Importing your Car to Portugal
Documents Required
- Registration certificate
- Original title
- Insurance documents
- Import license
- Purchase invoice
- Inspection records
A step by step guide is available on beportugal.com.
Disclaimer
This guide is an overview only and readers should seek further advice from the official bodies in the country to which they are moving.
