Moving to the UK from Portugal: Guide 2026
What you need to know
- •Free movement ended. New Portuguese arrivals need a visa.
- •No TB test required, but English language test IS required.
- •Portuguese police certificate available online for approximately EUR 5.
- •Portugal permits dual citizenship.
- •Well-established Portuguese community, particularly in London and the Channel Islands.
Portugal has one of the oldest alliances with the UK (the Treaty of Windsor, 1386). The Portuguese community in the UK is well established. Brexit changed the rules for new arrivals. This guide covers the current options.
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
The Portuguese Community in the UK
The Portuguese community in the UK is estimated at 200,000 to 300,000 (including Madeirans), making it one of the larger EU communities in Britain. Portuguese communities are particularly strong in London (Stockwell, Kennington, and Lambeth, with Stockwell sometimes called "Little Portugal"), the Channel Islands (Jersey and Guernsey), and several other towns.
Visa Routes After Brexit
- Skilled Worker visa. Requires a licensed sponsor at the minimum salary of £38,700.
- Family visa. See the spouse visa guide.
- Student visa. See the student visa guide.
- Graduate route. See the Graduate route guide.
Document Requirements
- Valid Portuguese passport.
- No TB test required.
- English language test. Required. Tests available in Lisbon and Porto.
- Certificado do registo criminal. Available online, approximately EUR 5.
Costs in Euros
Preparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.
- Skilled Worker visa fee: £719 to £1,420 (approximately EUR 850 to 1,780)
- IHS (per year): £1,035 (approximately EUR 1,230)
- English test: approximately EUR 200 to 250
See our UK visa fees guide.
After Arrival
- Collect your BRP within 10 days
- Apply for a National Insurance number
- Register with a GP
- Open a UK bank account
- Check English language test options
Path to Settlement
After 5 years, apply for ILR. After 12 months with ILR, apply for British citizenship. Portugal permits dual citizenship.
Next Steps
For official information, visit the GOV.UK EU Settlement Scheme page and the GOV.UK Skilled Worker visa page.
This guide is general immigration information, not immigration advice under s.82 Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an IAA-authorised adviser or an SRA-regulated immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the authoritative current rules.
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Read guidePreparing a UK visa application?
Get the exact document list and step-by-step timeline — £149, paid once.