Less than two months for UK nationals to register in Portugal

The Withdrawal Agreement between the European Union and the United Kingdom provided a specific legal framework to uphold a transition period’s status quo.

UK nationals moving to Portugal during the transition period have been enjoying the same as those who arrived in Portugal before Brexit.

The Agreement provides that all UK citizens have until December 31st, 2020, to register their residence in Portugal in a simplified manner. Portugal would grant residency for five years.

After January 1st of 2021, all UK citizens who have failed to complete such registry shall be exposed to a longer and more complex regime, as applicable to third-country citizens. The process will be longer slower and require more documentation.

Please be aware that a previous appointment is required due to the COVID-19 pandemic to request the residency certificate. Several municipalities of Portugal do not have available appointment slots until the end of December.

Before choosing the city where you would wish to settle in Portugal, we advise you to contact a lawyer to guide you through the process and guarantee you will not lose the chance to complete the process.

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