Dream of living in Lisbon or other picturesque places in Portugal? Well, if you’re a British national, the path to Portuguese residency has seen some changes post-Brexit.
A Shift in the Landscape
For many years, British nationals enjoyed the luxury of extended stays in Portugal without any hassle. Brexit has shaken things up, limiting stays to just 90 days in any 180-day period within the Schengen area. This affects those who travel frequently or own homes across different European countries.
While EU nationals still have the flexibility to come and go as long as they don’t exceed 183 days (to avoid being deemed tax resident), Brits looking to stay longer than 90 days must explore new avenues tailored to individual circumstances.
The Changing Residency Process
Pre-Brexit, securing a CRUE residency certificate was a breeze, allowing for five years of permanent residency. Post-Brexit, many Brits discovered that the game had changed.
The local town hall process remains for EU nationals, but Brits must now navigate through Golden Visa or D7 visa pathways.
The Golden Opportunity: Golden Visa (check out our blog here)
The Golden Visa requires an investment in property (€500,000) or funds (€350,000). However, note that as of January 2022, Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve’s Coastal areas no longer qualify for this scheme.
With extensions for family members and only a seven-day minimum stay requirement in the first year, the Golden Visa could be a shiny option for those not planning to live full-time in Portugal.
Dreaming of Full-Time Living? The D7 Visa (check out our blog here)
The D7 passive income visa is tailored for those truly dreaming of Lisbon or other parts of Portugal as their new full-time home. With requirements like six consecutive months of stay or eight non-consecutive and proof of being able to support oneself, the D7 Visa might be your key to living the Portuguese dream.
Both visas grant the right to live, work, study, and enjoy visa-free travel throughout the Schengen Zone. Plus, access to Portuguese public health and education services!
Don’t Get Caught Off Guard: Professional Guidance
Navigating the bureaucratic maze of Portuguese residency can be tricky. That’s where professional assistance becomes invaluable. If you’re eyeing the Non-Habitual Residency scheme or grappling with tax efficiency in Portugal, expert guidance can save the day.
Also, don’t overlook the importance of registering your town hall certificate at the tax department within sixty days. Failures in these areas have led to surprising and unpleasant encounters with backdated tax returns for some British nationals.
Dream of Lisbon is Here for You
Whether you’re surfing the giant waves of Nazare or sipping espresso in a Lisbon cafe, we at Dream of Lisbon are here to make your Portuguese dream a reality. Let’s navigate the post-Brexit landscape together and find your perfect home in Portugal.
Visit our website or get in touch for personalised advice and support tailored to your unique situation. Because in Portugal, the dream doesn’t have to end with Brexit!
Watch Sovereign’s Portugal Unlocked Webinar and contact them at serviceinfo@sovereigngroup or telephone 00351 282340480 for more info on tax implications of moving to Portugal.
