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.
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.
The options we compare
Post-CRD VI Lender Options
HSBC Expat and Molo Finance are the primary lenders for Portuguese-resident expats post-CRD VI. We also access 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 10-15% 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. We manage the transition to HSBC Expat or Molo Finance.
How We Help
Current lender shortlist
Portugal lender position confirmed - post-CRD VI, Skipton unavailable. HSBC Expat and Molo Finance assessed.
Income and NHR status
EUR income, sterling pension income, or USD income from international employers. NHR status noted for income presentation.
Documentation
Portuguese payslips, Millennium BCP/Novo Banco/Santander Portugal bank statements, employer letter in English, passport, NIF (Portuguese tax number) and Portuguese address evidence.
Completion
Remote management. WET (UTC+0) or WEST (UTC+1) timezone.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Whole-of-market access · All expat locations · FCA No. 814533
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 10-15% 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. We 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 - we 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.