I recently met a couple that moved to Porto, she’s an American and he is an Italian,  and they were not as well informed as it would be desirable which led them to a lot of stress in addition to all the adaptation period they were going through and it’s implications.

Since the UK is no longer part of the EU and considering that are so many couples and families from different backgrounds, do you know what to do in a similar scenario?

Let me share some information with you.

Imagine if a British woman is married to an Italian man (EU citizen) and they want to move to Portugal, her residency options depend on whether they were married before or after Brexit (January 1, 2021). 

Here’s how it works:

Scenario 1: Married Before Brexit (Before January 1, 2021)

If the marriage happened before Brexit, the British woman can apply for residency in Portugal under EU rules, as if she were still an EU citizen.

Steps to Obtain Residency:

1. Italian Husband Registers in Portugal
   • He must:
     • Get a CRUE (Certificado de Registo de Cidadão da União Europeia) from the local city Hall (Câmara Municipal).
     • Obtain a NIF (Portuguese tax number).
     • Shows proof of address, income, and health coverage.
2. British Wife Applies as an EU Family Member (Easier Process)

1. She applies for a Residence Card for Family Member of an EU Citizen at AIMA (Agência para a Imigração e Mobilidade Administrativa) (formerly SEF).
2. Required Documents:
   • Valid British passport.
   • Marriage certificate (apostilled/legalized and translated if not in Portuguese).
   • Proof of residence in Portugal (rental contract, utility bills, or host declaration).
   • Proof that the Italian husband has financial means.
   • Proof of health insurance (if the Italian husband is not working).

✅ If approved, she gets a residence card valid for 5 years and can later apply for permanent residency or citizenship after 5 years of legal residence.

Scenario 2: Married After Brexit (On or After January 1, 2021)

If the marriage happened after Brexit, she is treated as a third-country national (non-EU citizen). She must apply for residency under the EU family reunification process, but it is slightly stricter.

Steps to Obtain Residency:

1. Italian Husband Registers in Portugal (same process as “before Brexit”).
2. British Wife Applies for Residency as a Third-Country Spouse
   • She must prove a “genuine and durable relationship” (Portuguese authorities may request additional proof of marriage legitimacy).
   • She applies for a Residence Card for Family Member of an EU Citizen under Article 15 of the EU Free Movement Directive.
   • Required Documents (same as above, but authorities may scrutinize the marriage more).

Alternative: Applying for a Visa Instead

If for any reason the family reunification process is too complicated, she can apply for a visa separately, such as:

• D7 Visa (Passive Income Visa) – If she has passive income (pension, rental income, etc.).
• D8 Visa (Digital Nomad Visa) – If she works remotely for a UK or international company.

If you’re considering a move to Portugal, let’s talk! We’d love to help you turn your dream into reality. Contact us today and start your journey with confidence. – info@moveonrelocation.eu

Why Choose Move On Relocation?

Relocating isn’t just about logistics; it’s about feeling supported in every aspect of your move. 

At Move On Relocation, we combine expertise with a personal touch, ensuring a smooth transition tailored to your needs. 

Our services are designed to:

✅ Simplify complex processes ✅ Save you time and avoid costly mistakes ✅ Offer expert advice and local connections ✅ Provide a stress-free, human-centered experience

Looking forward to connect!