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Since Brexit, Portugal treats UK household shipments the same way it treats any non-EU import: full customs declaration, on both ends of the journey. The process Portuguese customs (the AT) uses for this is called bagagem de mudança – literally “removal luggage” – and getting your paperwork right, particularly your NIF and proof of residency, is what determines whether your belongings clear duty and VAT-free.
Your move manager prepares this with you from the outset, so nothing is missing when your shipment reaches Portuguese customs.
The bagagem de mudança process is document-heavy, and a UK move to Portugal needs an export declaration on the UK side and a full import declaration on the Portuguese side – there’s no shortcut around either. Your move manager coordinates both, confirms your residency and NIF status early, and stays your one continuous point of contact through to delivery, working with an in-country partner in Portugal.
Household goods genuinely being relocated as part of a permanent move can import free of duty and VAT under Transfer of Residence relief, provided:
Your move manager will confirm a specific cost range for your shipment once they understand your volume and residency timeline – get in touch for a personalised quote.
The 12-month window is measured from when you establish normal residence in Portugal – plan your shipment’s departure and arrival against that date specifically, not against when you’d simply prefer your belongings to arrive. Because goods from the UK are now treated as non-EU origin, this bagagem de mudança clearance applies to every shipment, regardless of volume.
Your move manager and in-country partner prepare and coordinate this documentation with you – it isn’t something you’re expected to assemble alone.
Generally permitted, under Transfer of Residence relief: used household goods, furniture, clothing, and personal effects owned for 6+ months, listed on a detailed, valued Portuguese-language inventory.
Outside the relief: items that don’t meet the 6-month ownership rule, and goods intended for resale rather than personal use.
Gerson Moving Services holds British Association of Removers (BAR) membership with the BAR Advanced Payment Guarantee, International Association of Movers (IAM) accreditation, Planet Mark sustainability certification, and is part of the AGM Group of companies. Disputes are handled through the Furniture & Home Improvement Ombudsman (FHIO).
When moving with us, you have a comprehensive choice of services that ensure removals to Portugal are secure, safe and efficient.
Experts in packing and wrapping, we use only premium materials to ensure all of your belongings stay in great condition throughout the journey. Everything you want to take will have extra care and attention from us, so you won’t need to worry about any mishaps during the long trip to Portugal.
If you have bulky furniture to take with you, leave it to us to ensure it arrives safely. We can handle everything from large tables to wardrobes, beds and sofas, ready for use when you move in. If required, we can also disassemble furniture where this is possible for easier transit.
Have valuable or fragile items that need extra protection? Take advantage of our specialist packing services for these items that go above and beyond to protect them during their onward journey. Everything from antiques to your priceless sentimental possessions will be securely wrapped.
Get from A to B with minimal effort with door-to-door delivery during international removals to Portugal. Wherever in the country you’re moving to, we can provide onward transit after shipping to ensure you’ve got all your items ready to unpack in your new home.
Make the complicated aspect of customs and immigration as simple as possible with our help. We’ve assisted many individuals and families filling in confusing or time-consuming documentation for Portugal, so we’ll ensure nothing important is missed.
We offer temporary storage if you need this both in the UK and once you’ve arrived in Portugal. Both short and long-term options are available if you need them, so that you won’t have to rush if you need more time before the move or after arrival.
We offer a simple 4 step process for all international removals to Portugal that makes it simple for you:
Get A Move
Quote
Packing &
Collection
Sea, Air or Road
Transport
Delivery and
Unpacking
Get in touch for a personalised quote. Your move manager will confirm your NIF and residency documentation status first, since that’s what determines whether your move qualifies for duty-free treatment.
Real feedback from people who chose our international moving company.
“Moved from Brighton to Porto in June. Everything turned up when they said it would and nothing was damaged. The two lads doing the packing were quick.”
“We’d had a bad experience with another company years ago so I was nervous. This time it was fine. Storage for six weeks while our Lisbon flat completed.”
“Nobody tells you how much admin there is moving to Portugal. Our contact answered every question, some of them twice. Everything arrived at the Algarve house intact.”
It’s the Portuguese customs process for household removal goods – the formal declaration and clearance procedure every UK shipment to Portugal now goes through post-Brexit, since the UK is treated as a non-EU origin country.
Yes, a Portuguese tax number (NIF) is part of the required documentation for Transfer of Residence relief and general customs clearance.
Your shipment must arrive within 12 months of the date you establish normal residence in Portugal – measured from your residency date, not your shipment’s departure.
Not if you qualify for Transfer of Residence relief – goods owned and used for at least 6 months, arriving within the 12-month window, with your NIF and residency documentation in place.
Yes. Your dedicated move manager is your primary contact from the initial survey through to delivery in Portugal, working alongside a local partner for customs clearance and final delivery.
