Life in Portugal as a British Expat: Staying Connected
Between 2014 and 2024, the number of British expats in Portugal grew from 16,559 to 48,283. In addition to retirees, the expat community now consists of entrepreneurs, remote workers, and young families.
If you're thinking of moving, you need to consider how you're going to stay connected to Britain. Portugal may share the same time zone, but not the same banking apps and streaming services.
How to Watch British TV and Streaming Services
One of the first things you'll miss is British TV and streaming. While Portuguese TV is good, you may not understand the language well enough yet to fully enjoy it. To stay entertained, you need to keep British programmes accessible.
Most UK streaming services restrict access from Portugal. You'll find that BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4, and Sky Go are all geo-blocked. Packing your laptop or smart TV box won't be enough - the apps will detect your new location and block playback, regardless of whether you already pay for a UK TV licence or a streaming subscription.
International platforms such as Netflix and Disney Plus are still available in Portugal. However, the libraries change from one country to the next. Streaming platforms cannot feature the same programmes in every country due to regional licensing and copyright agreements.
Fortunately, you can get around most geo-blocks with a UK VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN can change your Portuguese IP address to a UK one, which will let you browse the internet as though you were still in Britain.
Managing UK Banking
As an expat in Portugal, you'll find it complicated to maintain a UK bank account in 2026. Before Brexit, UK financial institutions could serve British expatriates under EU 'passporting' rules. When the UK left the EU, banks lost the privilege.
High street banks like Barclays and digital banks like Monzo require you to be a UK resident. If you move to Portugal permanently, Barclays and Monzo will ask you to close your current and savings accounts.
Exceptions to the rules exist. For example, Santander, HSBC, and Nationwide normally allow you to keep certain existing current accounts open. However, you'll face restrictions on your account - the bank may not let you open new products, borrow money, or take out new credit.
Before you move, contact your bank to explain your situation to them. If it's possible to keep your bank open, they'll let you know how to do so. If you need to open a new account, consider expat banking options. For example, HSBC Expat, Barclays International, or NatWest International.
If you're receiving a local Portuguese salary, it would make sense to open a Portuguese bank account. Having an account with a local IBAN would also make it easier to pay rent and utilities.
Staying in Touch With Family and Friends
Distance no longer means disconnection. You can easily stay connected with your friends and family back home with the help of modern technology.
Video calling services such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and FaceTime make long-distance catch-ups easy. You could arrange weekly or fortnightly calls with your close friends and family. Portugal is also on GMT, so arranging times shouldn't be difficult.
Set up dedicated WhatsApp groups to keep your close ones updated. Here, you can share photos and videos of your life in Portugal.
However, having the technology only takes you halfway - you also need reliable internet. Luckily, Portugal ranks among the best-connected countries in Europe, with 94% of broadband connections being ultra-fast.
When deciding which part of Portugal to move to, make access to fibre-optic internet infrastructure a key consideration. Fibre is widely available, but limited in some parts of Alentejo and the Algarve. To guarantee fast connections, consider major cities like Lisbon, Porto, and Braga.
Stay Connected to Enjoy the Best of Both Worlds
Portugal is great for the weather, beaches, and quality of life. However, moving there doesn't mean you have to forget about everything you love about the UK. With a VPN, you can stay on top of your favourite TV shows and UK streaming platforms and with fast internet and a phone or tablet, you can stay connected to your loved ones. The only thing you'll probably have to change is your bank. After you become a Portugal's resident, doing so will be easy.