Moving from Portugal to the UK: your step-by-step guide

There are over 250,000 Portuguese in the UK at the moment. Although Brexit brought a few changes to the immigration process, there are still ways around it. Moving to the UK from Portugal can be an exciting yet challenging adventure. Whether you're transferring for work, education, or a fresh start, this guide will help you navigate the relocation process. Learn how to move to the UK, find out about visa requirements and more.

How to move to the UK: visa requirements

It is no secret moving to the UK from Portugal after Brexit has become significantly more complicated. Since Brexit, EU citizens, including those from Portugal, need a visa to live and work in the UK if they plan an extended stay. Here’s a breakdown of the types of visas you might need:

1.You can move from Portugal to the UK with a UK Skilled Worker visa. It allows you to reside and work in the UK for up to 30 months. After this period, the visa can either be renewed, or the holder can apply for permanent settlement and then obtain British citizenship one year later. To qualify, you need:

• an offer from a licensed employer,
• a salary that meets the minimum requirement of £38,700 per year (might be lower in some cases),
• to satisfy the language requirement.

2.If you’re wondering how to move to the UK as a businessman, the Innovator Founder visa is for you. It permits a three-year stay. This one is for entrepreneurs who want to set up an innovative business in the country. The criteria is that it has to be unique and approved by an endorsing body.

3.If you’re planning on moving to the United Kingdom with a Student visa, you must be accepted by a UK educational institution, have sufficient funds, and satisfy the language requirements.

4.Moving to the UK with a Family visa means you’ll be joining a British citizen or someone settled in the UK. These could be your spouse or partner; fiancé, fiancée or proposed civil partner; child; parent; relative who’ll provide long-term care for you.

When moving to the UK, advice we could give you is to begin your visa application procedure well in advance, as it may take months to get approved. For more detailed info on visas and requirements visit the official UK government website.

Moving to the UK: accommodation

The UK offers a variety of housing options, from bustling city apartments to quiet suburban homes. As you may have heard, UK rent prices have been experiencing a massive rise in the last few years. The Portuguese in the UK definitely need to get used to the local prices, especially when it comes to rent. The average rental cost in England is £1,276, £723 in Wales, £944 in Scotland, and £735 in Northern Ireland. Check websites like Rightmove, Zoopla, OnTheMarket, and SpareRoom to see your options.

Relocating from Portugal to the UK: health insurance

Getting access to healthcare is an essential step. Luckily, anyone in the UK can register and get an NHS (National Health Service) number for free. Find a GP (general practitioner) practice near you and give them a call to check if you need an appointment. Fill out a GMS1 form, provide proof of identity and address, and receive an NHS number. Keep in mind some services are not covered by the NHS. Besides, you can always opt for private health insurance.

Moving to the United Kingdom: banking and finances

Setting up your finances is crucial when moving to the UK. Here’s how to get started:

• Open a bank account. You’ll typically need proof of identity and address and, in some cases, additional documents like proof of income, student status, residence permit, etc. There are many banks available, including major ones like HSBC, Barclays, NatWest, and Lloyds.

• Transfer money: Remitting via a traditional bank is often not the most favourable option due to hidden costs, unreasonable exchange rates, and long processing times. Use services like Profee to efficiently transfer money from the UK, benefiting from competitive rates and low fees. It’s a fast, secure, and affordable alternative to wire transfers. With Profee, you can send money from the UK to over 65 countries worldwide and manage your international transactions in one app.

Moving to the UK advice

We’ve gathered a few more tips for moving from Portugal to the UK:

• Register with HMRC (Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs) and apply for a NIC (National Insurance number) to get your employment and taxes sorted. You can do this online on Gov.uk.
• Navigate public transport. You might want to purchase an Oyster card if you’re in London and a Railcard for travelling outside of the capital.
• If you’re planning on changing jobs or looking for one, check out Linkedin, Indeed, and Glassdoor for job postings.
• If you’re moving to the UK with children, contact your local council to apply for a school placement. State schools are free, but there are also private and international schools available.

Judging by how many Portuguese are in the UK, it’s continuing to be a popular destination. Whether you’re relocating from Portugal to England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland, use our comprehensive guide on how to move to the UK to ensure a stress-free transition.

Summing up, here’s your friendly reminder that with Profee, you can send money from Portugal to India, Brazil and 60+ countries worldwide. And, once you move to the UK, you can still use our services to transfer funds to Portugal, Nigeria and more and support your family and friends on beneficial terms.