Client Case Study
“We almost moved, and then discovered it would have cost us more than we expected“
Meet James and Caroline, both early 60s, UK.
2025
Initial Stages
They had around £4m in investable assets (including UK SIPPs and ISAs) and a £2.5m home in London. They were planning a permanent move to Portugal and had been weighing up their options for some time. On the surface it felt straightforward, until we looked a little closer at the detail.
What They Didn’t Realise
Before we spoke, they had a few perfectly understandable assumptions: that ISAs would stay tax-free after moving to Portugal, that the 25% pension lump sum would be treated the same way overseas, that the timing of selling their UK home wouldn’t make much difference, and that their UK adviser could continue supporting them as normal, and they were shocked when they realised that all this was inaccurate.
The Critical 'Pre-Move' Decisions
Before they became Portuguese tax resident, we took a step back and looked at the key moving parts, so the timing of selling their property, how their ISAs/pensions would be treated once they were living in Portugal and the main cross-border “tripwires”. We adjusted the plan while they still had options, before their residency position changed.
Once they Arrived in Portugal
2026
Once resident, the focus shifted to:
How we help structure your retirement income when you are Portuguese tax resident
Once they were in Portugal, the focus shifted from “getting out of the UK” to “setting things up properly here.”
We made sure their pension income was classified correctly, built a sustainable income plan, and aligned everything with the Portuguese tax framework.
We worked closely with trusted local tax and legal specialists so everything stayed joined-up under one clear strategy.
The Result
By the time they landed in Portugal, the big decisions were already taken care of.
Their UK exit was clean, the property sale and liquidity were timed properly, and their retirement income plan was structured with the new rules in mind.​
Why this all matters...
Moving abroad is more than sunshine and scenery — it changes how your money is taxed. Once you’re Portuguese tax resident, some UK advantages fall away, and the order you do things in suddenly matters. Getting the sequencing right upfront can save a lot of stress later.​
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Before your tax residency changes, it’s worth getting clear advice. Book a confidential Discovery Call using “Book Consultation” below.
Disclaimer: This case study is for general information only and does not constitute financial, tax or legal advice. Atlas Bridge Wealth’s services and commentary are intended for individuals who are Portuguese tax resident, or in the process of becoming Portuguese tax resident. Tax treatment depends on your circumstances and can change. Always take advice from suitably qualified tax/legal professionals before acting. Please refer to Atlas Bridge Wealth’s full website disclaimers and regulatory disclosures for further information.