Do Portuguese citizens need a visa to work in the UK?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021, Portuguese citizens must apply for a visa. Those in the UK before 31 December 2020 may have EUSS status.

Do Portuguese citizens need a TB test?

No. Portugal is not on the Home Office TB testing list.

How do I get a Portuguese police certificate?

Apply for a certificado do registo criminal from the Direcao-Geral da Administracao da Justica. Available online. Processing takes approximately 5 to 10 days. The cost is approximately EUR 5.

Does Portugal allow dual citizenship?

Yes. Portugal permits dual citizenship. You can hold both Portuguese and British passports.

Moving to the UK from Portugal: Guide 2026

Updated 27 March 20266 min read

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.

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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

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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

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 information, not immigration advice. Immigration rules change frequently. For advice on your specific situation, consult an OISC-registered adviser or immigration solicitor. Always check GOV.UK for the latest rules.

Preparing a UK visa application?

Get a personalised document checklist and eligibility check — free.

Check your eligibility