Brits are flocking to Portugal: UK relocations triple in a decade with major lifestyle change

Brits are escaping grey skies and political gloom by choosing sunny Portugal as their new home, according to figures. Official numbers reveal a dramatic growth in British residents over the past decade all across Southern Europe, but not least Spain and Portugal.

The Portuguese immigration authority AIMA recorded 16,559 UK nationals living in Portugal in 2014. Numbers then soared to 48,238 by 2024, nearly tripling the total. Interest booms further into 2026, with events like the Moving to Portugal Show, which draws thousands of enquiries from families, professionals, and retirees.

Lifestyle appeal drives permanent moves

Portugal has transformed from a popular holiday-home spot into a full-time living destination, even with Brexit complications and visa loops to jump through. Brits who are seeking an outdoor lifestyle, plentiful sunshine, and healthier routines can’t seem to get enough of the place.

George, says, “We moved to Portugal 4 years ago. Amazing country, wonderful people, reasonable taxes, low crime rates and a great lifestyle. We have friends here from the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, France, and others. I listen to LBC every day and weep at what the UK has become.”

I moved to Portugal 4 years ago. Amazing country, wonderful people, reasonable taxes, low crime rates and a great lifestyle. We have friends here from UK, Netherlands, Germany, France amongst others. I listen to LBC every day and weep at what the UK has become

— George (@GCHMlife) March 27, 2025

Another, who didn’t leave his name but who had made the move recently, said, “I moved to Portugal, live next to the ocean and switched my client base to America. My commute is to my home office. I can fly home to the UK more cheaply than I can get from London to Cambridge.”

Christina Hippisley, general manager of the Portuguese Chamber, organises relocation events. She explains: “From their ages to their motivations, we’ve seen a significant shift in those attending the Moving to Portugal Show and seminars over the years. When we began running the events, attendees were largely looking for second homes and often nearing retirement. Now, their focus is much more on Portugal as a destination to live, do business and raise a family.”

Remote work is part of the story behind this trend. Families embrace year-round residence while high-skilled sectors in tech, research, and innovation attract talent through favourable tax adjustments. Popular Algarve spots have always had an evergreen appeal, yet there is a lot of interest now in lively cities like Lisbon and Porto for services and that urban energy.

Portugal vs Spain: Key expat differences

Portugal and Spain both offer sunny climates, affordable living (relative to the UK), delicious food, and strong British communities, but which is better?

Portugal stands out with easier residency access. The D7 visa requires lower passive income thresholds (around €870-€1,000 monthly for singles) than Spain’s Non-Lucrative Visa (over €2,400). Citizenship is said to arrive faster in Portugal (five years versus ten in Spain), with dual nationality permitted more readily.

Everyday costs favour Portugal slightly. Couples live comfortably on €2,000-€2,500 monthly, often lower than in many Spanish regions, and without Spain’s wealth tax burden. Locals in Portugal earn praise for their warmth and a relaxed pace, creating a safer, quieter feel. English thrives in these expat areas.

However, Spain is better with greater variety, diverse landscapes, bustling cities like Madrid and Barcelona, festivals, and outgoing culture. Infrastructure (sometimes) and healthcare sometimes rank higher, though bureaucracy can be a headache in both.

Portugal suits those craving affordability, tax advantages, simplicity, and peace. Spain attracts seekers of excitement and entertaining options.
Portugal’s rise reflects a broader quest for better quality of life. Sunshine, community, and fresh starts continue pulling Brits southward, despite Brexit.