A growing number of British citizens are relocating to Portugal, drawn by a combination of favorable weather, a relaxed lifestyle, and a more affordable cost of living compared to the United Kingdom. The country's one-year digital nomad visa has also become a popular option for remote workers seeking a better work-life balance. Official figures from the Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA) indicate that the number of British expatriates in Portugal nearly tripled between 2014 and 2024, reaching 48,238.
Amy Dakin, a 34-year-old brand marketing expert, moved to Porto in May 2025 with her husband, a decision she has not regretted. Initially visiting Portugal on a 90-day visa-free stay, the couple decided to pursue the digital nomad visa to live in the city for a year.
Dakin highlighted significant financial benefits, noting that the cost of living in Portugal is considerably lower than in the UK. A glass of wine, for instance, costs approximately €3 (£2.60), and she described the supermarket produce as "incredible" and "delicious." Her weekly grocery shopping costs about half of what she would spend in the UK, contributing to a higher quality of life. While rent prices are comparable to the UK, her monthly utility bills in Porto are around £150, a substantial reduction from the £500 she previously paid in Nottingham.
Travel costs are also a factor. Dakin mentioned that round-trip train tickets from Nottingham to London, which previously cost between £150 and £200, are now significantly cheaper when traveling within Portugal. A first-class, three-hour train journey from Porto to Lisbon cost €30 (£26). Flights between Porto and the UK are also more economical, with return tickets often found for £30 to £40, or a maximum of £150, which is still less than her previous train fares.
Beyond financial considerations, Dakin also feels that Porto offers a greater sense of safety. She described the city as having a strong community feel and noted that she feels more comfortable walking alone at night than she did in the UK. The city's festivals, such as the Sao João Festival, where locals celebrate with music and food, underscore this community spirit, with children often participating late into the night, a scene she found indicative of the city's perceived safety.
Dakin, who works as a brand marketing lead for the dog food company Pooch and Mutt, views her experience as "one of the most incredible experiences ever," expanding her mind and offering exposure to different cultures. The fact that Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK simplifies remote work for UK-based companies. She has also found a diverse social circle, including people from Nepal, Portugal, France, the US, and other Brits, creating a sense of community abroad.
Although their stay is currently limited to the one-year digital nomad visa, Dakin expressed openness to returning to Portugal in the future. For those considering a similar move, Portugal offers several visa options. The D8 digital nomad visa requires proof of income, accommodation, and savings. The D2 visa, or entrepreneur/independent professional visa, is for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and those looking to start a business, requiring proof of income, a business plan, and evidence of economic activity. The D7 visa, often referred to as the "retirement" or "passive income" visa, is designed for individuals with a stable income. Current income thresholds for the D7 are €920 (£796) per month for the main applicant, with an additional 50% for a partner, and savings of over €11,040 (£9,558) are also necessary, along with proof of property ownership or a long-term rental agreement. Holders of the D7 visa must spend at least 183 consecutive days in Portugal, maintain it as their primary residence, and are not permitted to work.