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The number of UK nationals living in Portugal has nearly trebled over the past decade, reflecting a structural shift in how Portugal is perceived by British movers. Data from Portuguese immigration authorities shows the resident UK population rising from 16,559 in 2014 to 48,238 by 2024. Over the same period, more than 12,000 people have attended the Moving to Portugal Shows, organised by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK, underscoring sustained interest in relocation. While early demand was driven largely by second-home buyers and retirees, recent years have seen a marked move towards permanent relocation, family settlement and working residents. Changing tax regimes, post-Brexit residency rules and the growth of remote working have reshaped both location preferences and property choices, with visas and taxation emerging as the primary concerns among prospective movers attending the latest events.
UK migration to Portugal has accelerated significantly over the last decade, with official figures indicating a near threefold increase in British residents between 2014 and 2024. According to data from Portugal's immigration authority AIMA, the number of UK nationals resident in the country rose from 16,559 in 2014 to 48,238 by 2024, reflecting both lifestyle-driven and structural drivers behind relocation decisions. Advertisement
A key role in supporting this movement has been played by the Moving to Portugal Show and Seminars, organised since 2017 by the Portuguese Chamber of Commerce in the UK. Over the past ten years, more than 12,000 people have attended the free-to-access events, which focus on practical guidance around relocation, including property, visas, taxation and lifestyle considerations. The next edition is scheduled to take place in London on 26 March 2026.
According to insights shared by the organisers, the profile of UK movers has changed materially. Earlier cohorts were typically nearing retirement and seeking second homes, often with a seasonal or lifestyle focus. More recently, attendees are increasingly younger, still in employment and viewing Portugal as a long-term base to live, work and raise families. This shift has been reinforced by broader external factors, including Brexit and the Covid pandemic, both of which accelerated reassessments of work-life balance, mobility and wellbeing.
Tax considerations have also evolved. While Portugal's former Non-Habitual Resident regime was widely associated with retirees, the policy focus has since shifted towards attracting highly qualified professionals. The introduction of the IFICI tax regime in 2024, offering a special 20% IRS rate on qualifying income for certain professionals in research, innovation and technology, has strengthened Portugal's appeal to working-age migrants, although pensions are now taxed under standard progressive rates.
These changes have influenced housing demand and location preferences. Property decisions are increasingly driven by access to schools, healthcare, transport connectivity and year-round liveability rather than holiday appeal. Buyers are prioritising flexible layouts, additional rooms for home offices and reliable digital infrastructure. Interest has broadened beyond the Algarve towards urban centres such as Lisbon and Porto, where international schools, private healthcare and employment networks are more readily available. Data from the Moving to Portugal Shows indicates that interest in Porto and northern Portugal rose from 28% of attendees in 2022 to 35% by 2025.
At the same time, the complexity of post-Brexit mobility has increased demand for accurate advice. With short stays limited under Schengen rules and formal residency and work permits required, prospective movers are placing greater emphasis on visas, residency pathways and tax planning. This growing need for clarity has reshaped the content and structure of relocation events, highlighting how UK migration to Portugal has matured from a lifestyle trend into a long-term settlement decision.
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