What people wish they’d known

Most British people who move to Portugal love the light, the food and the pace. But the same few surprises come up again and again, and most are about paperwork, housing and money rather than the weather.

1. AIMA is slow, so plan around it

AIMA (Agência para a Integração, Migrações e Asilo) took over from the old border service, SEF, in October 2023. In June 2024 the Government set up a task force of up to 300 staff to clear about 400,000 pending cases. In 2026 the agency was still dealing with thousands of pending court decisions, which delayed residence permits. Residents report that out-of-date documents trigger requests for more evidence, which adds weeks.

• Bring current documents to your AIMA appointment: proof of your present address, bank statements from the last month or two, valid health cover, your NIF and, if you work, your NISS
• Keep proof of everything you send, such as registered-post receipts
• If you plan to bring family later, note that family reunification usually needs 2 years’ residence first, and AIMA has up to 9 months to decide
• See Which Portuguese visa do I need?

2. The number loop: NIF, NISS, address

Almost everything needs a tax number (NIF). You can get one as a non-resident without a tax representative. But once you sign a Portuguese employment contract, buy property or register a car while non-resident, you have 15 days to appoint a tax representative or sign up to electronic notifications from the tax office. Then:

• Your employer gets your social security number (NISS); if you are self-employed, you request it
• To register with the health service you need a residence certificate, passport, NIF and, if you work, NISS
• For many residence permits, a rented home must be registered by the landlord with the tax office, so ask about this before you sign
• Expect some steps to depend on others. See How much tax will I pay in Portugal?

3. Houses are cold and damp in winter

Winters are mild outside, but these figures show how many homes are hard to heat and prone to damp, so indoors can feel colder than in a British house. Ask about heating, insulation, window glazing and signs of mould before you rent, and budget for dehumidifiers and heaters. See What are the cooler months like, and how do we make the most of them? and How do deposits and rental contracts work?

4. Pay is lower than you’re used to

In June 2026 the average gross regular pay was €1,436 a month (about £1,217), and €1,654 in total pay in the private sector including extras (INE). The minimum wage is €920 a month in 2026. The UK full-time median was £39,039 a year in April 2025. Arriving with a job offer, remote income or a pension makes the numbers easier. Compare with the pay calculator.

5. Lisbon rents are high for local pay

INE’s figures for new leases in the first quarter of 2026 put the city of Lisbon at €17.42 per m² a month, almost double the national median of €9.46. That makes an 80 m² 2-bed in Lisbon about €1,394 a month (about £1,180), well above the minimum wage. Asking rents on idealista were €21.8 per m² in Lisbon in May 2026. In the year to May, asking rents fell 2.7% in Lisbon and 7.7% in Porto but rose 11.2% in Faro and 10.8% in Funchal. See Where in Portugal should we live?

6. Portuguese matters more than you think

English is often enough in tech, customer service and shared-service jobs, says EURES. But official letters, contracts, doctors and most local jobs are in Portuguese. There is a free certified course for immigrants, Português Língua de Acolhimento (PLA), run by public schools and IEFP training centres. Starting before you move helps.

7. Healthcare works, with gaps

Once registered, health centre visits carry no user fee and A&E costs €14 to €18 unless you are referred first. Dental care is not usually covered by the SNS, so many residents add private cover. See How does Portuguese healthcare work for Brits?