Moving to another country is always a challenge. Especially when it’s not just about where to live, but also about the transportation of your personal belongings: furniture, household appliances, clothes, books, documents, and even pets. If everything is done without preparation, this process is fraught with risks — from lost items and damage during transportation to delays at customs due to missing documents.
Portugal is a popular destination for relocation thanks to its mild climate, high level of safety, accessible medical services, and favorable immigration policies. But even here, the transport of personal items requires careful planning, knowledge of procedures, and reliable partners.
This guide is for those who:
- are preparing for a long-term move to Portugal
- want to transport furniture and household items from another country;
- are looking for a reliable shipping option with minimal risks and delays.
We break down the whole path — from planning and packing to customs clearance and delivery within the country. Everything you need for a stress-free move.
Planning the Move: Where to Begin
Successful personal item transport begins long before departure. The better you prepare for the move, the fewer problems you’ll face at borders and in financial matters. The first step — understand exactly what you are going to transport.
Some things are easier to sell, donate, or leave in storage with family. Others — especially valuable items or those of financial or emotional worth — are better taken with you. Remember: the fewer things you take, the easier and cheaper the transport will be.
To assess the volume, make a list of items you plan to move: boxes of clothing, appliances, furniture, books, documents, electronics, sports equipment, instruments, souvenirs. Divide everything by category and estimate weight and volume — this will be useful when calculating the cost and choosing transport.
At least 2 months before the move:
- determine the date of the move;
- calculate the volume of belongings;
- assess the customs and legal requirements in the country of origin and destination.
4–6 weeks before the move:
- collect the documents;
- prepare an inventory list with an estimated value;
- start packing non-essential belongings.
1–2 weeks before the move:
- pack the rest;
- take photos of especially valuable items;
- check the accuracy of box labeling.
Chaotic relocation often leads to losses, disputes with movers, and budget overruns. A clear plan and structured action are your best investment.
Choosing a Transport Company
The choice of a shipping company affects not only the safety of your belongings but also how easy and fast the entire move will go. Companies offering shipping services can differ significantly — both international logistics providers and specialized moving companies. But not all of them are equally reliable, and prices and conditions can vary greatly in the market.
What types of transporters are there:
- International logistics companies (DHL, FedEx, DPD, TNT): suitable for shipping boxes and small personal belongings, especially if no furniture is needed.
- Specialized moving companies (AGS Movers, Movega Removals, Sirelo): offer full-service packages — from packing to document processing and customs clearance.
Important: Auto transport and sea freight: more affordable options for shipping belongings to Portugal, especially from EU countries and Switzerland, if time is not a critical factor.
What to pay attention to when choosing:
- availability of a license for international transportation;
- experience working specifically with personal belongings, not commercial cargo;
- ability to deliver the cargo “to the door”;
- availability of insurance;
- reviews on independent platforms (Trustpilot, Facebook groups, forums);
- presence of a Russian-speaking or English-speaking manager (if you don’t speak Portuguese).
Tip:
Don’t be afraid to request licenses and registrations from companies, ask for written confirmations of provided services: timing, cost, list of services. The most reliable carriers won’t be surprised and will respond professionally.
Documents and Customs Nuances
Transporting personal belongings across the border is not just logistics, but also formal customs clearance under government supervision. In order to move to Portugal legally and without delays, it’s important to understand what documents you’ll need, how customs works, and how to go through the process without fines.
What documents may be required for customs clearance:
- Passport — an identity document that confirms you are the one relocating;
- List of belongings with estimated value — it is recommended to prepare it in advance and provide it in Portuguese. The list should not include prohibited or new items, especially electronics or large appliances;
- Shipping contract — should contain details about volume, route, type of cargo, and its value;
- Confirmation of registration at your place of residence — temporary or permanent address (for example, from Junta de Freguesia or Câmara Municipal);
- NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) — Portuguese tax number. It may be requested by the customs service, especially when moving appliances and equipment.
Customs clearance features in Portugal
Portugal is part of the European Union, so the rules depend on which country you are moving from.
If you are moving from an EU country:
- Customs clearance is not required.
- The shipment is treated as an internal move within the EU.
- However, for large-volume cargo (e.g., furniture, appliances), a list of items with estimated value may still be required — for insurance and internal records.
If you are moving from a non-EU country (e.g., Ukraine, Russia, USA, Brazil, etc.):
- You will need to submit a customs declaration (DAU — Documento Administrativo Único).
- Personal belongings not intended for commercial use may be exempt from duties if:
- You confirm your move to permanent residence;
- The items have been in use for at least 6 months;
- The shipment is made within 12 months after the move.
- You confirm your move to permanent residence;
Documents are submitted to Alfândega (customs), either by your licensed transporter or broker. You may need:
- Certificate of residence or registration in Portugal;
- NIF and documents confirming your status;
- A rental agreement or other proof of living in Portugal.
What is prohibited to import
Even if you are only transporting personal belongings, it is important to consider restrictions:
- Alcohol and tobacco — limited in quantity, require a separate declaration;
- Weapons or items resembling weapons, including airguns — require a special permit and pre-approval;
- Medicines and supplements — may require separate approval, prescriptions;
- Cash amounts over €10,000 — require a mandatory declaration;
- Perishable products, food of animal origin — often prohibited.
Tip:
If you’re unsure whether something falls under restrictions, check with your moving company or on the official website of Portuguese customs: https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
Packing and Transport Organization
Even the most reliable moving service cannot guarantee the full safety of your belongings if they are not packed properly. If you are packing yourself, it’s important to consider the condition and specifics of your furniture, equipment, clothing, and any personal belongings. This stage requires attentiveness and a practical approach. Properly organized packing is not only about protection and safety, but also about convenience during unpacking in your new home.
How to Organize Your Packing
Before you begin, it’s worth designating a separate space where you can sort and arrange your items. Start by dividing all your belongings into the following categories:
- Fragile items (glassware, dishes, mirrors, equipment);
- Valuables (electronics, documents, jewelry);
- Bulky items (furniture, large appliances);
- Clothing and textiles;
- Books and paper materials.
Each category will require its own type of packing and appropriate materials. Don’t save money on boxes and fillers — damaged or poorly packed items often end up costing more to repair or replace than reliable packing.
Packing Materials
To ensure correct and safe packing, you will need:
- Corrugated cardboard boxes of various sizes — for different types and volumes of items;
- Bubble wrap and foam sheets — to protect fragile and valuable items;
- Packing paper / kraft paper / newspaper — for wrapping dishes, books, shoes;
- Blankets and textiles — to wrap furniture, mattresses, and large boxes;
- Stretch film — for securing bundles and protecting from moisture and dust;
- Labels and markers — to mark boxes with contents — be sure to label “fragile,” “top,” “kitchen,” etc.
Tip:
Make a list of boxes not only manually, but also create a digital inventory in Google Sheets or Excel, indicating the number of boxes and their contents. This will help with customs and unpacking.
What to Do with Furniture and Appliances
Large items require a special approach. First of all, large furniture can be disassembled — this simplifies the process and reduces the risk of damage. It is best to entrust this to professionals, especially if the furniture is custom-made.
Household appliances (refrigerators, freezers, washing machines) must be packed in their original boxes if available. If not — use combined packaging: foam and strong cardboard to prevent shaking and impacts.
Important:
Refrigerators and freezers must be completely defrosted and dried. They should be unplugged 48 hours before packing.
How to Pack Documents, Money and Valuables
These things are not recommended to be transported. Keep them in your hand luggage, which you’ll take with you. Even if you’re working with trusted movers, no one guarantees absolute safety, so all valuables are best carried personally.
Insurance and Additional Safety Measures
Even if you’ve chosen a reliable transportation company and packed everything with maximum care, it’s still worth considering risks during international shipment.
Loss, theft, damage — these happen even with the best companies, especially during customs or transfers in transit countries. For this reason, the issue of insurance should not be viewed as an extra cost, but as an essential element of protection.
Why Take Out Insurance
Insurance provides financial protection. If items are lost or damaged, you will be compensated (in part or in full, depending on the conditions). Without insurance, the responsibility lies entirely with the client — most companies do not reimburse the cost of the cargo in case of accidents.
In addition, insurance is often required by the logistics company. The absence of insurance may result in refusal to transport certain categories of goods.
Types of Insurance
There are two main types of insurance during international moves:
- Basic insurance (included in the cost of transportation):
Covers minimum risks, usually with a small limit (often around €1–2/kg). Works only if damage or loss occurred during transportation.
It’s important to understand that basic insurance may not cover:
- fragile items;
- electronics;
- jewelry;
- antiques;
- damage caused by improper packaging (at the discretion of the carrier).
2. Extended insurance (issued separately)
Allows you to specify the exact value of the cargo (or its parts) and insure each box or item separately. Usually issued:
- through the carrier (who acts as an insurance agent);
- through an independent insurance company (e.g., Allianz, AXA, Mapfre, Generali).
The cost is usually between 0.5% and 3% of the declared value of the goods, depending on risks, delivery country and service terms.
How to Document the Condition of Items
Before shipping, take photos or even a short video of each packed valuable item, especially fragile and expensive ones. Photos should include:
- different angles;
- labeled boxes;
- if needed — serial numbers of devices.
Store the photos in cloud storage (e.g., Google Drive or Dropbox), so in case of damage or dispute you can easily provide proof.
How to Additionally Secure the Cargo
To protect valuable items and fragile goods, use additional protective measures: first — wrap in bubble wrap, then place in a hard box.
- Pack electronics and fragile items in two layers of protection:
first — inner protection (paper, bubble wrap),
then — outer box. - Apply double labeling: both outside and inside the box.
- Do not label boxes as “valuable” or “electronics” to avoid attracting attention — use coded labels instead.
- Leave a copy of the itemized contents list inside each box, especially if it’s a long-term shipment.
- If shipping by land and it takes more than 5–7 days, clarify where the cargo will be stored at night and whether the company provides security.
Transportation and logistics process: from loading to delivery
After packing and preparing all the documents, the final stage begins — the actual shipment. This is where the logistic actions begin, and you must be ready for the moment when the carrier picks up your boxes for delivery to Portugal. Every stage must be under control, especially if you’re dealing with international shipping.
How the transportation process works
The entire process can be conditionally divided into three main stages:
1. Loading and dispatch of goods
A representative of the transport company arrives on the appointed day (or you deliver the boxes to the warehouse yourself — depending on the terms of the agreement). At this stage, you should:
- hand over the cargo according to the list — with the signing of both parties;
- photograph the handover process;
- if necessary — pay the remaining part of the payment;
- receive a tracking number or the contact of the logistics manager accompanying the cargo.
2. International transportation
Items can be shipped:
- by road (the most common method from Europe);
- as part of a consolidated cargo;
- in a separate dedicated truck — for example, when moving a household;
- by air — for urgent or compact cargo (the most expensive route).
At this stage, your cargo may be in transit for 4–5 to 14–20 days, depending on the logistics chain, region of departure, routes and border crossings.
3. Customs and clearance in Portugal
If you are moving from a country outside the EU, your shipment will be inspected by Portuguese customs (Alfândega). The following are checked:
- correctness of the declaration and inventory list;
- presence of grounds for duty-free import;
- contents of the boxes (in individual cases — selective inspection).
All this usually takes from 1 to 5 business days. If the documents are properly prepared and accompanied by a forwarding agent, the procedure usually goes smoothly.
Delivery to destination
After customs clearance, the company:
- delivers the items to your address in Portugal;
- or leaves the shipment in a temporary storage warehouse, if you haven’t arrived yet.
Delivery may be:
- to the door;
- or with a service for lifting and unloading (must be agreed in advance).
If you haven’t yet found permanent housing, ask if the carrier uses self-storage warehouses (armazéns de self-storage) — such warehouses exist in Lisbon, Porto, Faro and other major cities.
Tracking the shipment
Modern carriers provide:
- tracking with access to an online system;
- contact with a manager who can report the status of the shipment.
If such a system is not available, it is important to regularly contact the logistics coordinator and clarify the expected delivery date.
What to do in case of delays
Delays may occur due to:
- bad weather conditions;
- problems at customs or during transit;
- overload at the carrier’s warehouse.
- due to changes in the route caused by road conditions.
In case of delays, request:
- an official letter with an explanation;
- an updated delivery date;
- compensation (if such is specified in the contract).
Useful tips from those who have already relocated
Theory is good, but nothing replaces real-life experience. We’ve spoken to dozens of families and individuals who have relocated and encountered the same problems: lost or misplaced boxes, undocumented items, forgotten furniture, and a missing checklist. To help you avoid these common mistakes, we’re sharing the most practical advice from those who have already moved to Portugal.
Most common mistakes
1. Starting to pack just a few days before departure
Moving is not a vacation. Packing takes time and effort. Start at least a month in advance, especially if you have furniture, appliances, or a lot of documents.
2. Not making a detailed inventory list
Even if the transporter doesn’t require it, a detailed list of boxes and items is your insurance — it will help with customs and potential insurance claims.
3. Choosing a company based only on price
Cheaper isn’t always better. Lower rates can mean no insurance, no license, or poor-quality service. Make sure you understand what’s included in the price. Ask directly: “What happens if something is lost?”
4. Not clarifying conditions in the contract
Always clarify delivery times, the address for unloading, and the party responsible for customs. Don’t sign contracts you don’t understand — even seemingly small points can have serious consequences.
5. Not verifying the delivery address in the contract
Carefully check the recipient address — part of the cargo may go to the wrong city or region if the address is filled in incorrectly.
Tips that will be useful to everyone
- Do not discard the original boxes from appliances or electronics if you have them — they are the best packaging.
- Do not use cheap adhesive tape — it may peel off due to temperature changes.
- Make two copies of the inventory list — one for yourself, one for the transport.
- If you do not speak Portuguese, prepare all documents in English and learn key phrases for communicating with logistics staff in advance.
- When handing over the boxes, always request a written confirmation of their receipt and confirm the estimated delivery date.
- Set reminders in your phone for all important stages: shipment, customs clearance, delivery, unpacking.
Psychological adjustment
Relocation is not only a physical process, but also an emotional event. People often experience stress, especially in the first weeks after arrival, when most belongings are still in transit, and everything feels unfamiliar.
- Take a few personal items with you that create a sense of home — a book, a blanket, favorite clothes.
- Prepare a basic set of essentials that will come in handy in the first days: towels, cosmetics, dishes, bedding, medicine.
- Don’t plan any complex tasks during the first days after the move, until the boxes arrive — this is the time to relax and settle into your new place.
Conclusion
Relocating to Portugal is an important and multi-stage step in life, involving not only finding housing and registering an address, but also organizing the safe transportation of personal items. It’s a task that requires preparation and attention to detail. That’s why we created this guide — to help make your move as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Take your time, start preparing in advance, rely only on verified companies, collect all documents and double-check everything before the move. Be attentive, calm, and plan with a cool head — and the transition to life in Portugal will bring not only excitement, but also joy and comfort.
Remember a few important principles:
- Plan ahead, ideally 1–2 months in advance.
- Don’t skimp on packaging and labeling — this protects your belongings.
- Choose a shipping company based on reputation and reviews, not just price.
- Keep all documents, photos, and receipts — they’re your guarantee in case of dispute.
- Don’t be afraid to ask questions and clarify conditions — a good shipping company is always open to dialogue.
If you feel that you don’t want to go through the entire process alone, the specialists at Move to Cascais are here to help at every stage: from selecting a logistics company to consulting on customs clearance and adapting in Portugal. We can help save you time and effort, and ensure that your personal items are transported quickly, safely, and without stress.
Useful resources and contacts
- Official website of the Portuguese customs service: portaldasfinancas.gov.pt
International shipping services:
○ AGS Movers
○ Movega Removals
○ Gosselin Moving
Insurance services:
○ Allianz.pt
○ AXA.pt
Storage and self-relocation services:
If you need help selecting a shipping method or international partner — write to the Move to Cascais team, and we will find the best option for your situation.
