British expat Amy Dakin moved to Porto on a digital nomad visa and finds lower living costs, cheaper transportation, and a safer community compared to the UK.
The mass British exodus to Portugal is easy to understand: sunny weather, a laid-back lifestyle, and better prices make for a welcome change from the soaring cost of living in the UK.
Throw into the mix the country's popular one-year digital nomad visa, which allows non-EU citizens to live and work remotely in the country, and it is a veritable haven for Brits looking to foster more of a work-life balance. The figures back this up: the number of British expats living in Portugal almost tripled between 2014 and 2024, according to the Portuguese immigration authority (AIMA), now standing at 48,238.
One of these Brits is Amy Dakin, a brand marketing expert who moved to Porto in May 2025 with her husband and has absolutely no regrets. To be honest, it has always been a place we wanted to live, Amy explains. Since Covid when people started working from home, we thought wouldn't it be amazing to be a digital nomad and live abroad for a period of time? So it has always been a bucket list dream.
Amy, 34, from Solihull, originally came to the country visa-free for just 90 days but loved it so much she decided to get a digital nomad visa and move to Porto for a year. The financial benefits are abundantly clear. Amy explains: There is such a better cost of living here. Even going out for a glass of wine midweek, you do not question it.
It costs around 3 euros or 2.60 pounds. In the supermarkets, the fresh produce is incredible. Everything tastes delicious, and your weekly shop is half the amount it would be in the UK. So I think that allows for a higher quality of life.
While rent is comparable to the UK, Amy says her bills are far cheaper. In Porto she pays around 150 pounds a month all in, compared to 500 pounds a month when she previously lived in Nottingham, a third of the cost. That is not to mention the price of trains and flights.
Amy says: I used to work in London one to two days a week, and my trains from Nottingham used to cost around 150 to 200 pounds return because you have to go at peak times. But when I took a first-class train from Porto to Lisbon, about a three-hour journey, it was 30 euros or 26 pounds. It is a beautiful incredible experience with leather seats and great Wi-Fi.
Plus, commuting back to the UK on a flight, you can get return flights for as cheap as 30 or 40 pounds if you are lucky, and the most expensive I have found is 150 pounds, but that is still cheaper than what the trains would be. Beyond the cost, the cultural and safety aspects have made a deep impression. Amy says: I think Porto is a really special place.
It is a city but there is a real community feel. I am such a lover of languages and different cultures. In Portugal they have strong family values and a deep sense of community. A good example is the Sao Joao Festival.
Every city has a different saint celebrated on one day of the year, and in Porto it is Sao Joao. Thousands of people of all ages fill the streets and everyone is involved. It is a bigger celebration than New Year's Eve, with sardines grilling on the streets and children staying out playing. It really struck me because people are celebrating and partying until 4am or 5am with children still on the streets, there is such safety.
I cannot imagine feeling safe to do that in the UK. I have noticed Porto feels safer to me than the UK. I would not question walking alone by myself as much as I would in the UK. Obviously you always have to have your wits about you, but there is this mutual sense of community and you just know that people would help you.
Amy, the brand marketing lead at Pooch and Mutt, says it has been one of the most incredible experiences ever. She adds: I think it really expands your mind experiencing a different culture, and Portugal is in the same time zone as the UK, so in terms of remote working for a UK company, there is no difference
Digital Nomad Visa Cost Of Living Portugal British Expats Porto Portugal Safety Remote Work Portugal
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
British Tourist Attacked by Locals in ThailandA British tourist was attacked by locals after being accused of trying to steal drinks from a supermarket in Thailand. The holidaymaker strongly denied the claims and was set upon by furious staff.
Read more »
Reform UK Plans to Dismantle British Cabinet Office, Empower Elected OfficialsReform UK, a Brexit-oriented party led by Nigel Farage, has presented plans to abolish the British Cabinet Office, the heart of the UK deep state, and give power back to elected officials rather than Whitehall bureaucrats. The policy document, authored by Frank Kruger, suggests replacing the Cabinet Secretary with a Prime Minister's Office and a Chief of Staff, as well as reintroducing policy briefs to departments and empowering ministers to hire and remove bureaucrats, challenging the traditional balance of power in British politics.
Read more »
UK Records Its Hottest May Temperature Ever As Brits Enjoy Bank Holiday HeatwaveTemperatures soared to a historic 35C today as Brits flocked to the coast to bask in the sizzling sun on the hottest May day ever recorded. Up to nine counties saw unprecedented heat, with many exceeding the previous record of 32.8C in 1944. The Met Office said eight regions had officially entered heatwave conditions on Sunday, after three days at or above the temperature threshold.
Read more »
Why Portugal Remains Europe's Top Retirement Destination in 2025An in‑depth look at the factors driving Portugal's surge in popularity among British and American retirees, from lower living costs and affordable housing to accessible health care and a vibrant inland lifestyle.
Read more »