Portugal Emerges as Top Destination for British Expats
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Portugal Emerges as Top Destination for British Expats
- Portugal has seen a significant increase in British residents, with nearly 50,000 UK citizens holding active residence permits or registered as residents in late 2025 and into 2026.
- Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank, relocated to Portugal in 2022 due to Brooksbank's work, and she recently gave birth to their third child in Lisbon in early August 2026.
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Portugal is increasingly becoming a favored destination for British expatriates seeking a sunnier and more affordable lifestyle. The number of British citizens residing in Portugal has seen a substantial rise, with figures indicating around 48,000 to 50,000 UK nationals holding active residence permits or being registered residents by late 2025 and early 2026. This represents a notable increase, with some sources reporting a 400% rise since 2019.
The appeal of Portugal for Britons is multifaceted, encompassing factors such as a desirable climate, a sense of safety, and a more relaxed pace of life. While Spain might offer larger cities and a broader domestic market, Portugal is often preferred for its quieter lifestyle, lower population density, and friendly local communities. The cost of living is also a significant draw; for example, Dubai is approximately 23% more expensive than Lisbon. When comparing Portugal to the United Arab Emirates generally, the UAE is about 17.5% more expensive overall, particularly in areas like housing, entertainment, and clothing.
Among those who have made the move are notable figures such as Princess Eugenie and her husband, Jack Brooksbank. They relocated to Portugal in 2022 after Brooksbank accepted a marketing executive position with Discovery Land Company, which operates luxurious resorts in the Comporta area. Princess Eugenie recently welcomed their third child, a daughter, in a Lisbon hospital in early August 2026, marking a rare instance of a British royal being born outside the UK. The couple reportedly enjoys a more private life in Portugal, away from the intense media attention often experienced in Britain.