Heading abroad for a better quality of life doesn’t have to be complicated. Increasingly, working families and professionals are discovering that relocating to Portugal — particularly Lisbon, Porto and the Algarve — offers accessibility, outdoor living and strong international connections.
Over the past decade of running the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars in London, Christina Hippisley, General Manager of the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, has seen a clear rise in younger families looking for a different way of life.
“Remote and hybrid working arrangements have opened up people’s eyes to what’s possible, especially post-Covid,” Christina explains. “At our spring show last year, nearly 1 in 5 attendees (17.9%) were aged between 20 and 39 years and the majority were in the 40–59 age bracket. Those attending our shows are increasingly asking about international schools, family healthcare and Portugal’s outdoor lifestyle.”
In advance of the next Moving to Portugal Show in London on 26 March 2026, the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce has shared six top tips to help ensure a smooth relocation.
Top tips to help ensure a smooth relocation to Portugal
Start by focusing on where your income will come from
Clarity on your income source will inform everything from visa options to location choice.
Portugal is highly accessible from the UK. Lisbon is just a 2.5-hour direct flight from London and shares the same time zone, making it easy to maintain professional links. With multiple daily flights, commuting back and forth is realistic for many professionals.
This accessibility has driven significant interest from digital nomads and working families alike.
Begin your visa application early
Visa processing times can vary, so starting early is essential.
Popular options include:
At the spring 2025 Moving to Portugal Show, visas topped the list of information requests, with 57% of attendees keen to understand the latest options.
Seeking expert guidance can simplify the process considerably.
Check customs requirements in advance
If you are relocating furniture, personal belongings or vehicles, ensure you understand customs clearance requirements.
You will need a Baggage Certificate and proof that you have owned your possessions for at least six months to avoid import duties.
Preparation here prevents unnecessary costs and delays.
Investigate schooling before you move
Portugal offers excellent state and international schooling options.
Families should research early and decide what suits their children best. School choice may influence which region or neighbourhood you select when purchasing property.
Research locations carefully
Portugal offers a wide range of lifestyle options.
Are you looking for:
- City life in Lisbon or Porto?
- Beach living in the Algarve?
- Or a balance between city, coast and countryside?
At the spring 2025 show, interest in buying property was strongest in:
- Algarve (56.2%)
- Lisbon (42.6%)
- Porto (32.3%)
There is also growing interest in rural areas outside major cities, where buyers can still find strong value.
Cost of living varies significantly by location. While some areas of central Lisbon now rival London prices, moving just 10–15 minutes outside the centre can offer a notably better-value lifestyle.
Check your UK driving licence
Thanks to a bilateral agreement between the UK and Portugal, UK driving licences remain valid in Portugal until their expiry date.
It’s a small but practical detail that can make the transition easier.
Language and community
While English is widely spoken in many urban and tourism-focused areas of Portugal, making an effort to learn Portuguese is always appreciated.
London’s large Portuguese-speaking community offers practical advantages for those preparing to move. Access to lessons, restaurants and cultural hubs — particularly in areas such as Vauxhall and Stockwell — can help future movers build confidence and familiarity before relocating.
Making the move
“Moving to Portugal is easier than you might think – it’s just a question of having the right information on visas, taxation, banking and all those other practical elements,” says Christina Hippisley. “Get those fundamentals right from the start and your move will be much more straightforward.”
The next Moving to Portugal Show takes place in London on 26 March 2026. Registration is free and available online.
For those considering a move from the UK to Portugal, the message is clear: with the right preparation and professional advice, a better quality of life could be closer — and simpler — than you think.
