The number of UK nationals living in Portugal has almost trebled in ten years. According to Portugal’s immigration authority, Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA), there were 16,559 Britons officially resident in 2014. By 2024, that figure had risen to 48,238.
But the real story isn’t just the numbers — it’s who is moving, and why.
A major shift in who is moving
Since 2017, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK has organised the Moving to Portugal Show, with more than 12,000 Britons attending over the past decade.
According to Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber, the profile of movers has changed dramatically:
“From their ages to their motivations, we’ve seen a significant shift in those attending the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars over the years. When we began running the events, attendees were largely looking for second homes and often nearing retirement. Now, their focus is much more on Portugal as a destination to live, do business and raise a family.”
A decade ago, Portugal was primarily positioned as a sunny, good-value place to retire or own a holiday home. While that appeal remains, the perception has broadened significantly.
As Hippisley explains:
“What’s interesting about the past decade is that we’ve seen two major factors – Brexit and Covid – accelerate moving trends immensely. Brexit made moving to Portugal more complex, meaning guidance matters much more, while Covid opened families’ eyes to achieving a life beyond the office and prioritising physical and mental wellbeing.”
Portugal as a year-round base
Today’s movers are more likely to be working professionals, entrepreneurs and families planning long-term settlement. Remote and hybrid working models have made relocation more realistic, while Portugal’s infrastructure, international schools and healthcare options support full-time living.
Interest has expanded beyond the Algarve to service-rich cities such as Lisbon and Porto. In fact, interest in Porto and northern Portugal among show attendees rose from 28% in 2022 to 35% in 2025.
Property priorities have also evolved. Rather than focusing on peak-season appeal, buyers are now looking for:
- Extra space for home offices
- Strong internet and mobile coverage
- Access to international schools
- Proximity to airports for hybrid working
- Established year-round communities
The emphasis is firmly on long-term liveability.
Tax and visa questions now top the agenda
With Brexit reshaping residency rules, UK nationals must now navigate visa requirements, the 90/180-day Schengen limit and formal residency processes through Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo (AIMA).
Unsurprisingly, demand for practical guidance has increased. In 2022, 58% of Moving to Portugal Show attendees were seeking information on visas and residency, and 41% wanted tax advice. By 2025, those figures had risen to 63% and 48%.
Portugal’s tax landscape has also evolved. While the former Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) regime was widely associated with retirees, the newer IFICI regime (introduced in 2024) focuses on attracting highly qualified professionals in research, innovation and technology. It offers a 20% special IRS rate on qualifying income, alongside exemptions on most foreign income (with pensions taxed at standard progressive rates).
The message is clear: Portugal is positioning itself as a competitive base for internationally mobile professionals.
The lifestyle factor: a healthier way to live
For many families, however, the move isn’t purely financial or administrative — it’s personal.
Stephen Baldwin, who attended two Moving to Portugal Shows before relocating with his wife and three children, describes the wellbeing impact:
“Lifestyle factors were a big part of our reasons for moving. We wanted to spend more time outdoors and enjoy a more active life. The plentiful sunshine certainly makes that possible. We regularly stroll to the nearby beach and I use my electric bike to explore the coastline.”
He adds:
“My wellbeing has benefited significantly from moving to Portugal. The sunshine and active outdoor lifestyle make a big difference – it’s a much healthier way to live.”
This focus on quality of life — rather than simply climate — is increasingly central to relocation decisions.
The 2026 Moving to Portugal Show
The next Moving to Portugal Show takes place on 26th March 2026 at the Pestana Chelsea Bridge Hotel in London.
The event brings together visa specialists, tax advisers, property professionals, banking experts and relocation consultants, offering up-to-date, practical information for those considering a move.
A decade of momentum — and a different kind of move
The past ten years have reshaped the UK–Portugal relocation landscape. The community has grown significantly, but more importantly, its intentions have matured.
Portugal is no longer just a retirement dream or a holiday-home hotspot. It is increasingly a serious long-term base for working families, entrepreneurs and professionals seeking lifestyle, opportunity and stability.
And as the data — and the voices behind it — make clear, this shift shows no signs of slowing down.
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Tucked into the hills of the central Algarve, Silves is a small historic town about 15 kilometres inland from the coast and roughly 45 minutes from Faro Airport. Living in Silves means moving at a noticeably slower pace than in Albufeira or Portimão, and that’s exactly the appeal for many people considering a move.
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