Why thousands of Portuguese nationals are returning home from the UK

Over the past year, Portugal has seen record-breaking numbers of returnees. Programa Regressar received over 36,000 applications in the first half of 2025, a clear sign that the financial incentive is working.

The majority of returnees are in their prime working years (25–44), and around a third hold university degrees. Many are professionals and families leaving the UK for good — motivated by both lifestyle and economics.

The top reasons include:

• The lower cost of living (20–40% cheaper than the UK)

• The five-year tax reduction worth thousands of euros

• Access to financial relocation grants

• The appeal of family, safety, and better quality of life

For British-based Portuguese nationals — particularly those working in London, the Midlands, or the South East — this shift has been significant. More are planning permanent relocations rather than seasonal returns, and many are using professional removals companies to manage the process efficiently.

Returning to Portugal from the UK: understanding Programa Regressar 2026

The government’s Programa Regressar is the cornerstone of Portugal’s effort to bring its citizens back. Officially extended until 31 March 2026, it provides direct grants, relocation allowances, and tax benefits for those returning to work, start a business, or join research in mainland Portugal.

Eligibility criteria

You qualify if you:

• Are a Portuguese citizen or family member living abroad

• Have been outside Portugal for at least 12 months

• Plan to work, create a business, or be self-employed in Portugal

• Were previously a tax resident before leaving

The programme operates on a first-come, first-served basis — so applying early increases your chances of securing funding.

The financial incentive: how much you can claim when returning to Portugal from the UK

The Medida de Apoio ao Regresso de Emigrantes a Portugal (MAREP) provides the main financial support under Programa Regressar. It’s managed by the IEFP, Portugal’s employment and training institute, and the 2026 grants are indexed to the updated IAS (Indexante dos Apoios Sociais) of €537.13.

Plus, you can receive:

• +20% per household member (up to €1,527.78)

• Up to €1,527.78 for relocation expenses — no receipts required

• +25% bonus for moving to an interior region

• Up to €763.89 for qualification recognition costs

A family of three relocating from Manchester to Porto, for example, could receive more than €7,000 in total … enough to offset most of their moving expenses or even cover a professional removals service in full.

50% off your income tax for five years

The Regime Fiscal para Ex-Residentes grants a 50% income tax exemption for five years to Portuguese nationals who return home.

It applies to:

• Salaries and wages

• Self-employment or freelance income

• Business profits

You’ll pay half your normal IRS tax rate on earnings up to €250,000 per year, simply by declaring your intent on your IRS tax form.

To qualify, you must:

• Become a tax resident in Portugal by 31 December 2027

• Have lived outside Portugal for the previous five years

• Not have used the old NHR regime

This regime is separate from the new IFICI (“NHR 2.0”) programme, which targets foreign specialists — making Programa Regressar far more advantageous for returning Portuguese nationals.

The 25% interior region bonus

If you’re open to settling in Portugal’s lesser-known towns, you could get an extra 25% financial bonus.

This applies to residents establishing work or businesses in low-density areas — municipalities with fewer than 100 inhabitants per square kilometre or GDP per capita below 75% of the national average.

That includes parts of Alentejo, Beiras, and Trás-os-Montes, as well as smaller Algarve parishes like Aljezur, Alcoutim, and Vila do Bispo.

For example, someone receiving €3,760 could earn an additional €940 simply by choosing to live in a qualifying interior region.

These rural bonuses also reflect Portugal’s wider goal: to balance its population and bring life back to inland towns. It’s a chance to save more, enjoy a quieter lifestyle, and still stay connected to major cities — with the right removals team managing the logistics of delivery and setup.

Coming soon: Programa Voltar (launching 2026)

For those who don’t qualify under Programa Regressar, Portugal’s new Programa Voltar will soon expand the net.

Planned for rollout in mid-2026, Voltar will include investors, retirees, and financially independent citizens — people who were previously excluded from direct support.

Early details suggest:

• Faster qualification recognition

• Simplified bureaucracy through Portuguese consulates abroad

• Continued focus on encouraging settlement in interior regions

It’s a clear signal that Portugal aims to attract not only its young professionals but also its retirees and second-generation diaspora from countries like the UK.

Moving logistics: how Total Moving Solutions makes it easy

Moving internationally involves more than packing boxes. It means navigating customs, timing, insurance, and often, emotional decisions.

At Total Moving Solutions, we specialise in UK–Portugal removals, working closely with families, professionals, and retirees returning under Programa Regressar.

Here’s what we handle for you:

• Full packing and export wrapping

• Door-to-door transport (shared or dedicated vehicle)

• Transfer of Residence (ToR) customs clearance — enabling tax- and VAT-free import of belongings

• Specialist handling for vehicles, antiques, or pets

• Storage and last-mile delivery for interior-region destinations

Typical costs for removals from the UK to Portugal range between:

• £750–£1,500 for small moves

• £2,800–£3,800 for full home relocations

That means the Portuguese relocation allowance can often cover all or most of your removals bill, reducing your out-of-pocket costs to nearly zero.

Learn more about our Removals to Portugal , European removals , or International Removals services.

Timing your move: why planning early matters

Because the Programa Regressar funding pool is limited, early planning is crucial.

Here’s your action plan:

1. Secure employment or self-employment in Portugal.

2. Apply through the IEFP portal as soon as possible — don’t wait for the 2026 deadline.

3. Book your removals early to align with your work start and tax residency dates.

4. Prepare all documentation (passport, proof of address, inventory) for smooth customs clearance.

Many applicants underestimate the lead time needed for customs and transport — especially when relocating entire households. Planning several months ahead ensures you don’t miss out on funding or face logistical delays.

Ready to return home?

Between Programa Regressar and Programa Voltar, Portugal has made returning home easier, faster, and more financially rewarding than ever.

If you’re a Portuguese national in the UK, this is your chance to come home — to sunshine, family, and a better quality of life — backed by real government support.

Total Moving Solutions will handle the logistics so you can focus on your new beginning.

Request your free removals quote today and take the first confident step towards returning to Portugal in 2026.

Disclaimer: The information in this article reflects official Portuguese government and consular guidance available as of December 2025. Applicants should confirm eligibility and conditions with IEFP or their nearest Portuguese consulate before applying.