Expat & International Mortgages

Expat Mortgage - Portugal

Portugal hosts one of the largest British expat communities in the EU - estimated at 35,000-50,000 British residents, particularly in Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve.

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Expat & International

UK mortgages from Portugal

CRD VI caused Skipton International to withdraw from Portuguese-resident applications in March 2026. HSBC Expat and Molo Finance are the primary current alternatives for UK expats buying or remortgaging UK property from Portugal.

35k-50k
British residents in Portugal
CRD VI
Skipton withdrew - March 2026
EUR income
10-20% haircut
HSBC & Molo
Primary alternatives
Your Options

The options available

Post-CRD VI Lender Options

HSBC Expat and Molo Finance are the primary lenders for Portuguese-resident expats post-CRD VI. The brokers we introduce also have access to specialist channel lenders not publicly marketed. The full current Portugal lender shortlist is confirmed at time of enquiry.

EUR Income Treatment

EUR income is well-accepted with a 10-20% haircut. Portuguese and international employer EUR salaries both considered. NHR (Non-Habitual Resident) tax status holders - income may be partially tax-free in Portugal, which is well-understood by specialist lenders.

Lisbon Technology Hub

Lisbon's growing technology sector - Google, Microsoft, Amazon Portugal, Farfetch, Revolut - attracts UK professionals. EUR or GBP salaries from international employers are well-treated.

Algarve Lifestyle Expats

UK nationals retired or semi-retired in the Algarve - potentially intersecting with later life lending. UK pension income (sterling-denominated) is treated as UK income - no haircut. See our Later Life Lending section.

NHR Tax Status

Portugal's Non-Habitual Resident (NHR) tax regime - applicable to qualifying new residents - can provide favourable tax treatment on certain income types. Specialist UK expat lenders familiar with Portugal understand NHR and its income implications.

UK Expat Remortgage from Portugal

UK expats in Portugal with existing UK mortgages on expiring fixed rates must plan remortgage well in advance - Skipton is no longer available as a renewal option. The specialist we introduce you to manages the transition to HSBC Expat or Molo Finance.

The Process

How We Help

01

Current lender shortlist

Portugal lender position confirmed - post-CRD VI, Skipton unavailable. HSBC Expat and Molo Finance assessed.

02

Income and NHR status

EUR income, sterling pension income, or USD income from international employers. NHR status noted for income presentation.

03

Documentation

Portuguese payslips, Millennium BCP/Novo Banco/Santander Portugal bank statements, employer letter in English, passport, NIF (Portuguese tax number) and Portuguese address evidence.

04

Completion

Remote management. WET (UTC+0) or WEST (UTC+1) timezone.

Speak to our international mortgage specialists

Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations

For current pricing, lender appetite and how income is assessed, see our guide to expat mortgage rates for Portugal residents.

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a UK mortgage while living in Portugal?

Yes - HSBC Expat and Molo Finance both remain active for Portugal-resident applications as of August 2026. EUR income is well-accepted with a 10-20% haircut. Skipton International withdrew from Portuguese-resident applications in March 2026.

I am retired in the Algarve with a UK pension - can I get a UK mortgage?

If your income is a sterling-denominated UK pension, it is treated as UK income by specialist lenders - no currency haircut. For pension income, later life lending products (retirement mortgage, RIO) may be more appropriate than a standard expat mortgage. Our Later Life Lending section covers pension-income mortgage options in detail.

Does NHR status affect my UK mortgage application?

NHR status in Portugal can affect how your income is structured and taxed - which affects the documentation you provide to UK lenders. Specialist lenders with Portuguese market experience understand NHR. The brokers we work with advise on how to present NHR income structure to the most appropriate lender.

My Skipton Portugal mortgage is renewing soon - what should I do?

Your existing Skipton mortgage continues but Skipton cannot offer a product transfer for EU-resident customers. Start planning the remortgage to HSBC Expat or Molo Finance 6-12 months before your current rate expires. Contact us now and we will introduce you to a specialist broker who can manage the transition efficiently.

What Portuguese bank statements do UK lenders accept?

Millennium BCP, Novo Banco, Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Santander Portugal, BPI, and international banks in Portugal (HSBC Portugal, Deutsche Bank Portugal) are all accepted. Six months of statements showing salary or income credits.

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