A guide to moving to Portugal

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Important information you need to know when moving to Portugal

Want to move to Lisbon? Considering moving to Porto? Or thinking about an international removal to Madeira. Here’s the moving advice you’ll need for any international removal to Portugal…

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Moving Household Goods And Personal Effects To Portugal

Please note. That many of these things will not apply to you if you are moving from another EU (European Union) State and/or you are a citizen of the EU (European Union) due to the free movement of goods throughout the EU.

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning an international removal to Portugal:

  • Original Passport (Of the individual moving/importing the goods), stating place of residence abroad (and 1 certified copy)
  • “Certificado de Bagagem” issued by the Portuguese Consulate at origin
  • Detailed moving inventory in Portuguese
  • Original Bill of Lading (OBL) / Air Waybill (AWB) – We will take care of this if completing the entire international removal to Portugal for you.
  • Residence Certificate (Atestado de Residencia)
  • Photocopy of air ticket or declaration (must include details, date of arrival, etc.)
  • Photocopy of work contract (if applicable)
  • Proof of application for Residence Permit
  • Copy of Identity Card (applicable only to diplomatic relocations / diplomats moving)
  • Declaration as per EU regulations
  • Copy of Visa

We recommend providing these as soon as possible to reduce delays with your removal to Portugal. Late receipt of documentation can lead to missed shipments, additional charges and penalties at Portuguese Customs. For your own protection, we will almost never ship your goods without the above in place.

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Additional Removal Advice for Removals to Portugal

  • The Certificado de Bagagem must state that all the items are used and have been in the client`s possession for more than 6 months (do not show values).
  • Residence Certificate (Atestado de Residencia) can be obtained by the transferee and issued by the Junta de Freguesia in which transferee’s residence in Portugal is situated; it must state that he/she has been residing there for less than 1 year and include the exact date of arrival in Portugal, if possible.
  • If shipper is not a citizen of the origin country, proof of residency for a period of at least 12 months is required (photocopy of Identity Card, certificate issued by the Portuguese Consulate or Employment Contract from the origin country, etc.).
  • Portuguese nationals are not required to provide proof of application for a Residence Permit.
  • Transferees must be present for Customs clearance and must provide an exact date of arrival in Portugal.
  • Although normal goods are duty free, Custom´s broker fees are generally required and are based ad valorem.
  • Port handling charges and warehouse fees may be included in Custom’s broker fees but can be expensive; estimates should be requested from agent prior to import.

Popular Destinations in Portugal

Gerson Moving Services is vastly experienced in international removals to cities all over the globe. Their long history and detailed knowledge of different countries makes them the perfect choice for your move. Here are some of the most popular destinations we are asked to move people to in Portugal:

Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Cascais, Coimbra and Braga.

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Additional Services for your move to Portugal

Moving Your Money

If you’re moving to Portugal, it’s very likely you’ll need to exchange a significant amount of currency. Many people lose out by using their bank, assuming it’s the only option. However, there are specialist currency exchange providers that offer more competitive rates and can help you save thousands. To find out how to make your money go further during your move, speak to one of our move managers, click here, or give us a call: +44 20 7097 5335.

Get Move Liability Cover for your international removal to Portugal

We always advise taking out move protection liability cover with us on every move. Although we like to think we’re the best in the industry, the odd accident can occasionally happen. For added peace of mind, make sure to speak to one of our move managers about this.

Discover Our GMS Xtra Value Services

Gerson Moving Services goes beyond standard removals, offering a full range of relocation solutions to make your move seamless. Our value-added services include international currency transfer, home and school search, visa and immigration support, health insurance, container tracking, car purchase and leasing, and temporary accommodation. We also provide expert packing, secure storage, customs clearance, and pet relocation, ensuring a smooth transition whether you’re moving locally or internationally. With our end-to-end relocation management, you can trust Gerson for a stress-free, efficient move.

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Moving Your Car Or Motorcycle

Documents required

Below is a list of the documents you will need when planning to move your vehicle to Portugal:

  • Registration Certificate
  • Title
  • Insurance documents
  • Any documents related to the details of the motor vehicle (Purchase Invoice, inspection records, etc.)
  • International Driver’s License
  • Import License
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Additional Import Advice

  • Duty-free entry for temporary import period of 6 months, during which definitive importation of the car must occur.
  • If no definitive importation is performed, the motor vehicle must leave the country before a period of 6 months.
  • Boats are subject to the payment of duties.
  • Costs of duties and taxes depend on value of the motor vehicle in Portugal.

Relocating Your Pets to Portugal

These documents will be required when planning to relocate your pet to Portugal

  • Veterinary Health Certificate
  • Vaccination Certificate (must include rabies vaccination information)

Additional Import Advice

  • Pets must be identifiable (tattoo or an electronic identification system) and vaccinated against rabies.
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Restricted & Dutiable / Taxable Items

Think very carefully before moving these items to Portugal. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Portugal:

  • Restricted & Dutiable/Taxable Items
  • Think very carefully before moving these items to Portugal. Items on this list will be taxed and/or require specific permission to import. In all cases they must be declared prior to you relocating to Portugal:
  • Pornographic objects
  • Powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pet food) may be allowed if not requiring refrigeration and with original, unbroken seal (unless in use at the time), Quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries
  • Fish if it is disemboweled (cannot exceed 20 kg)
  • Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals (special authorization required)
  • Systems for copying mail stamping systems
  • Tobacco
  • Firearms, cut and thrust weapons, and any instrument without specific application
  • Medicines and foodstuffs harmful to national health and drugs
  • Alcohol
  • Essences for regional wine counterfeit

Prohibited / Banned Items

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Do not move any of these items to Portugal:

  • Protected species and products thereof as listed by the Washington Convention (CITES). For example, ivory, tortoise shells, coral, reptile skins, and wood from Amazonian forests.
  • Meat and milk, and any by-products thereof, from non-EU countries with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries; check with agent for details.

The following additional items are prohibited in GMS Baggage/Courier Consignments:

  • Aerosols (all kinds, Hairspray, Deodorant etc)
  • Aftershaves / Perfumes / Fragrances
  • Airbags
  • Alcoholic Drinks or Bottles
  • Ammunition of any kind
  • Animals of any kind (Dead or Alive)
  • Any items containing Petrol (Liquid, Gas or Fumes)
  • Biological Samples
  • Car Batteries
  • Cash & Cards (Credit / Debit)
  • Chainsaws
  • Cheques (Bank)
  • Christmas Crackers
  • Counterfeit Currency
  • Dangerous Goods
  • Driving Licence
  • Drugs (Including Prescription)
  • Engines
  • Excrement / Filth
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Fish (Dead or Live)
  • Foodstuffs (all kinds)
  • Hazardous Goods
  • Human Remains (including ashes)
  • Infectious Substances
  • Knives
  • Laptop Computers, Mobile/Smart Phones or Tablets
  • Lighters
  • Lottery Tickets
  • Nail Varnish / Nail Varnish Remover
  • Oils
  • Paints
  • Passports
  • Perishable Goods (All)
  • Plants / Seeds etc
  • Printer Toner
  • Seatbelt Tensioners and Steering Wheels
  • Stamps
  • Tobacco
  • Water
  • Weapons (all kinds, including replicas)
  • Windscreens

Disclaimer: Customs regulations can change at any time with or without notice. This information is provided as a guide only. While Gerson Moving Services has exercised reasonable care in publishing this information, Gerson Moving Services makes no representation, either expressed or implied, as to its accuracy or applicability.

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