This comprehensive guide covers everything Portuguese citizens and residents in Portugal need to know about travelling and moving to the United Kingdom in 2026. From the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) requirement for short visits to work permits and family visas, you'll find updated fees in Euros, step-by-step application guidance, and essential information about the established Portuguese community in the UK. Whether you're visiting London's "Little Portugal" in Lambeth, reuniting with family, or pursuing career opportunities, this guide provides authoritative, practical advice for your UK journey.
UK Visa from Portugal: Overview for 2026
The relationship between Portugal and the United Kingdom dates back to the Treaty of Windsor in 1386—the oldest alliance in the world still in force. Today, approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals live in the UK, with vibrant communities in London's "Little Portugal" (Lambeth/Stockwell), Thetford in Norfolk, and various other cities. Following Brexit, Portuguese citizens now require either an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) for visits or a specific visa for work, study, and settlement purposes.
Do Portuguese Citizens Need a Visa for UK?
Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) but must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. For work, study, or settlement in the UK, Portuguese nationals require a specific visa. Those with EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) do not need an ETA or visa.
The UK's new rules for Portuguese passport entry represent a significant change from pre-Brexit free movement. While Portuguese citizens remain visa-exempt for visits, the ETA requirement adds a mandatory pre-travel authorisation step. Understanding which route applies to your situation is essential for planning your journey.
Portuguese Entry to UK: Which Route Applies?
Can a Portuguese Citizen Live in UK?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can live in the UK but require a visa for stays exceeding 6 months. Options include the Skilled Worker Visa (requires job offer and sponsor), Student Visa (requires university acceptance), Family Visa (requires British or settled sponsor), or various business routes. Approximately 312,000 Portuguese nationals secured settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme before the 2021 deadline.
Portuguese citizens who lived in the UK before 31 December 2020 were eligible to apply for the EU Settlement Scheme, with approximately 312,000 granted settled status and 177,000 pre-settled status. Those with settled status have permanent residence rights and can live in the UK indefinitely without further immigration applications.
UK Visa Fees from Portugal 2026 (EUR)
The following UK visa fees apply to applications from Portugal and are payable in Euros. Fees are correct as of January 2026 and are non-refundable, even if your application is refused or withdrawn.
Visit Visa Fees from Portugal
Work and Study Visa Fees from Portugal
Family Visa Fees from Portugal
Priority Service Fees
Can I Work in UK with Portuguese Passport?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can work in the UK but require a sponsored work visa since Brexit ended free movement. The most common route is the Skilled Worker Visa, which requires a job offer from a licensed UK sponsor, a minimum salary of £38,700 (or the "going rate" for your occupation), and English language ability. Processing takes approximately 3 weeks with standard service.
Since the UK left the European Union, Portuguese workers require the same immigration permissions as other non-British nationals. The good news is that the UK's points-based immigration system offers multiple pathways for skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Work Visa Options for Portuguese Citizens
- Skilled Worker Visa: For skilled professionals with a job offer from a licensed sponsor. Minimum salary £38,700 or the occupation's going rate. Leads to settlement after 5 years.
- Health and Care Worker Visa: Reduced fees and no IHS for doctors, nurses, and social care workers. Requires sponsorship from NHS or licensed care provider.
- Global Talent Visa: For leaders or emerging leaders in academia, research, arts, and digital technology. No job offer required but needs endorsement.
- Innovator Founder Visa: For entrepreneurs establishing innovative, scalable businesses in the UK. Requires endorsement from approved body.
- Scale-up Visa: For workers joining fast-growing UK businesses. More flexibility than Skilled Worker after 6 months.
Study Visas for Portuguese Students
Portuguese students wishing to study in the UK for courses longer than 6 months require a Student Visa. The application requires a Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) from a licensed educational institution and evidence of funds to cover tuition fees and living costs.
- CAS reference number from licensed UK institution
- Proof of funds: tuition fees + £1,483/month (London) or £1,136/month (outside London)
- Valid Portuguese passport
- English language qualification (usually IELTS or equivalent)
- TB test certificate (if applicable)
- Immigration Health Surcharge: €932/year (discounted rate)
After completing their studies, Portuguese graduates can apply for the Graduate Route to remain and work in the UK for 18 months (reduced from 2 years), or 3 years for PhD graduates. This route does not require a job offer or sponsor.
Family Visas for Portuguese Citizens
Portuguese citizens can join family members in the UK through the Family Visa route under Appendix FM of the Immigration Rules. This includes joining a British citizen, person with settled status, or person with refugee status.
Family Visa Eligibility Requirements
- Genuine relationship: Evidence of living together for at least 2 years, or marriage/civil partnership
- Financial requirement: UK sponsor earning at least £29,000 annually
- Accommodation: Adequate housing for the family without recourse to public funds
- English language: A1 level for initial application, A2 for extension, B1 for settlement
How to Apply for UK Visa from Portugal
UK visa applications from Portugal are processed through VFS Global, which operates the Visa Application Centre in Lisbon. The application process is primarily online, with an in-person appointment required for biometric enrolment and document submission.
Address: Campo Grande 35, 6th Floor, 1700-087 Lisbon, Portugal
Booking: Appointments must be booked online at visa.vfsglobal.com
Services: Biometric enrolment, document submission, passport return
UK Visa Application Steps from Portugal
- Step 1: Complete the online application at gov.uk and pay the visa fee in Euros
- Step 2: Pay the Immigration Health Surcharge (where applicable)
- Step 3: Book appointment at VFS Global Lisbon
- Step 4: Attend appointment with passport and supporting documents
- Step 5: Provide biometrics (fingerprints and photograph)
- Step 6: Wait for decision (standard: 3 weeks; priority: 5 days)
- Step 7: Collect passport or opt for courier delivery
UK Visa for Non-EU Residents in Portugal
Non-EU nationals holding a Portuguese residence card (TRC) who wish to visit the UK must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa. Unlike Portuguese citizens who can use the ETA, residents of Portugal with Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, or other visa-national passports require a full visitor visa application.
UK Visit Visa from Portugal with TRC Card
A Portuguese TRC (Título de Residência) does not exempt visa nationals from UK visa requirements. Indian, Pakistani, Nigerian, and other visa-national citizens living in Portugal must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (€152) to visit the UK. The TRC can serve as supporting evidence of ties to Portugal and intention to return.
Non-EU residents applying from Portugal should include their TRC alongside their national passport. The TRC demonstrates legal residence in Portugal and strengthens the application by showing established ties to the Schengen area. For detailed guidance, see our articles on UK visas for Indian nationals and UK visas for Pakistani nationals.
The Portuguese Community in the UK
The UK is home to a thriving Portuguese community, with approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals according to the 2021 Census. The largest concentration is in London, particularly in the Lambeth borough where "Little Portugal" around South Lambeth Road and Stockwell has been a cultural hub since the 1960s and 1970s. Many in this community trace their heritage to Madeira.
Outside London, significant Portuguese communities exist in Thetford (Norfolk), which has one of the highest concentrations of Portuguese-born residents relative to population, as well as in the South East and East of England. The community is supported by organisations such as the Portuguese Community Centre in Kennington and numerous Portuguese businesses, restaurants, and cultural institutions throughout the UK.
- Portuguese citizens need an ETA (€19) for visits from 25 February 2026
- Work, study, and family visas required for stays exceeding 6 months
- Applications processed at VFS Global Lisbon (Campo Grande 35)
- EU Settlement Scheme holders do not need ETA or visa
- Non-EU residents in Portugal with TRC still need visitor visa (€152)
For the most current information on UK visa requirements and fees, visit the official gov.uk visa and immigration pages. For information about the UK visa processing time after biometrics, see our dedicated guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Portuguese citizens need a visa for UK in 2026?
Portuguese citizens do not need a visa for short visits (up to 6 months) but must have an approved Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. The ETA costs €19 and is valid for 2 years. For work, study, or long-term residence, Portuguese nationals need the appropriate visa. Those with EU Settlement Scheme status (settled or pre-settled) do not need an ETA or visa.
How much is UK visa from Portugal?
UK visa fees from Portugal in 2026 are: ETA €19, Standard Visitor Visa €152, 2-year visitor €569, Student Visa €628, Skilled Worker Visa €922-€1,821, and Spouse/Family Visa €2,323. Priority processing costs an additional €599, and Super Priority costs €1,199. The Immigration Health Surcharge (€1,242/year) applies to most long-term visas.
Can a Portuguese citizen work in the UK after Brexit?
Yes, Portuguese citizens can work in the UK but now require a work visa. The most common route is the Skilled Worker Visa, which needs a job offer from a licensed sponsor and minimum salary of £38,700. Other options include the Health and Care Worker Visa (for healthcare professionals), Global Talent Visa, and Innovator Founder Visa. Portuguese nationals with EU Settlement Scheme status retain their right to work without a visa.
How long can a Portuguese citizen stay in the UK?
Portuguese citizens with an ETA can stay for up to 6 months per visit for tourism, business, or family visits. For longer stays, a visa is required: Student Visa validity matches course duration, Skilled Worker Visa can be granted for up to 5 years, and Family Visa is initially granted for 33 months. After 5 years on qualifying routes, Portuguese citizens can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (settlement).
Where is the UK visa application centre in Portugal?
The UK Visa Application Centre in Portugal is operated by VFS Global and located at Campo Grande 35, 6th Floor, 1700-087 Lisbon. VFS Global replaced TLS Contact as the visa application service provider. Appointments must be booked online through the VFS Global website. The centre handles biometric enrolment, document submission, and passport collection services.
Can I visit UK with Portuguese residence permit (TRC)?
A Portuguese residence permit (Título de Residência or TRC) does not exempt visa nationals from UK visa requirements. If you hold a passport from a visa-national country (such as India, Pakistan, or Nigeria), you must apply for a Standard Visitor Visa (€152) to visit the UK, regardless of your Portuguese residence status. Your TRC can be included as supporting evidence of your ties to Portugal.
How many Portuguese people live in the UK?
According to the 2021 Census, approximately 268,000 Portuguese nationals live in the UK. The EU Settlement Scheme processed about 312,000 Portuguese applications for settled status and 177,000 for pre-settled status. The largest community is in London's Lambeth borough ("Little Portugal"), with significant populations in Thetford (Norfolk) and throughout the South East and East of England.
What if my UK visa from Portugal is refused?
If your UK visa from Portugal is refused, you will receive a written explanation of the reasons. Visitor visa refusals have no right of appeal, but you can reapply immediately after addressing the issues raised. For other visa types, you may be able to request an Administrative Review (€96) or appeal on human rights grounds. Your refusal must be declared in future applications. Professional immigration solicitors can advise on the best course of action for complex cases.