Protecting British Residents in Portugal: The 2020 Brexit Transition Measures

On 31 January 2020, following the United Kingdom’s formal withdrawal from the European Union, Portugal published ministerial guidance and administrative measures in the Diário da República guaranteeing the continued rights of British citizens residing in Portugal during the Brexit transition period.

These measures ensured that UK nationals residing legally in Portugal on Brexit day could maintain their residence rights, access to healthcare, social security, employment and education until at least 31 December 2020. The government also launched a dedicated online platform for British residents to exchange their EU residence documents for biometric residence cards under the Withdrawal Agreement.

For British expatriates, this legal certainty was crucial. It ensured uninterrupted stability for families, retirees, remote workers and investors living in Portugal. It also clarified that rights accrued before the end of the transition period would be safeguarded under international law.

For other nationalities, the measure offered reassurance about Portugal’s consistent and protective approach to foreign residents’ rights.

Official source: Diário da República, Brexit transition measures published 31 January 2020 (https://dre.pt)