Portugal–UK Social Security Coordination Agreement Enters Into Force

On 1 May 2021, the post-Brexit Social Security Coordination Agreement between Portugal and the United Kingdom entered into force, following publication in the Diário da República and the UK’s official treaty registry. The agreement preserves essential social security protections for mobile workers, retirees and cross-border professionals.

The treaty ensures the aggregation of contribution periods, prevents double payment of social security and maintains coverage for temporary secondments. It also protects pension rights for UK nationals who worked in Portugal and vice versa.

For British expatriates living in Portugal—one of the largest foreign communities in the country—the agreement provides legal stability following uncertainty surrounding Brexit. Retirees, remote workers and employees of multinational companies retain clarity regarding their social security obligations.

The agreement also benefits Portuguese nationals working in the UK and contributes to broader bilateral cooperation.

Official source: Diário da República, publication of the Portugal–UK Social Security Coordination Agreement, 1 May 2021 (https://dre.pt)