The Portugal Playbook
Seven modules. The structured Portugal relocation playbook for British adults in 2026, including IFICI mechanics and the post-NHR reality.
Magic-link account · no password to forget. Stripe checkout, taxes calculated automatically.
Estimate only, simplified bands, ignores allowances and social security. Real numbers depend on residence status, employment vs self-employed, family. The full playbook walks you through the actual calculation with worked examples.
7 modules, sequenced for the move order
Pre-move UK actions
P85, ISA wind-down, UK property sale timing, pension drawdown for Portuguese tax efficiency.
D7 vs D8 vs Golden
Which visa route is right for you, document checklists, realistic timelines.
IFICI / NHR 2.0
Eligibility for the new regime, qualifying activities, registration window, alternatives if you don't qualify.
Arriving and registering
NIF, SEF/AIMA, NISS, bank account, SNS healthcare. The correct order.
Portuguese banking
Millennium, ActivoBank, Novobanco. Plus Wise and Revolut for UK transfers.
Year-one IRS filing
The IRS form, the deadlines, the worked examples, common mistakes specific to UK-source income.
Years 2 to 5: maintenance
Renewals, residency upgrade, citizenship pathway after five years.
What you'll actually be doing, week by week
Most moves take 6 to 12 months from decision to first tax filing. Here's the rough cadence the playbook walks you through.
- 6-12 months outFile HMRC Form P85, review UK ISAs, decide on D7 vs D8 vs Golden Visa route, plan IFICI eligibility if applicable.
- 3-6 months outObtain Portuguese NIF (tax number) before arrival via fiscal representative, apostille required documents, prove minimum income (€820/mo for D7, €3,680/mo for D8).
- 1-3 months outBook consulate appointment, finalise rental agreement or property contract, gather criminal record check.
- First 30 days in PortugalRegister residence with SEF / AIMA, obtain NISS if working, register with SNS for healthcare.
- Year 1Register for IFICI within first year if qualifying activity, file annual IRS return.
- Year 5Apply for Portuguese citizenship if eligible (faster than Spain, A2 language test required).
Every document, every form, walked through
No vague “you'll need ID and proof of address” nonsense. For each of the following the playbook explains exactly what to bring, what they ask, where to file, and the deadline.
This is for you if…
- ✓You're a UK retiree or remote worker planning Portugal in the next 18 months
- ✓You have UK pensions, rental property, or qualifying remote employment income
- ✓You want IFICI mechanics explained properly
- ✓You're comfortable with structured, sourced reading over guru content
This is not for you if…
- ×You're relying on the old NHR (it's gone for new applicants since 2024)
- ×You want generic Portugal relocation content
- ×You need a Lisbon legal expert for an immigration appeal
- ×You're looking for a Golden Visa property guide (route closed in 2023)
Stuff we throw in because it would be weird not to
Pre-move and arrival checklist. Printable. 2026 thresholds.
The 2026 process for obtaining a Portuguese tax number from the UK.
Three Portuguese lawyers we've personally vetted. No kickbacks.
Stronger than “30-day money back”
Complete the first 3 modules within 30 days. If you haven't identified at least £1,000 in tax mistakes you would have made without the playbook, email us for a full refund and keep the materials.
Get the playbook · £397The questions you actually want answered
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