How do I ship my things to Portugal?

Since Brexit, a removal from Great Britain to Portugal is an import from outside the EU. Your household goods can still come in free of import duty and VAT (IVA) if you are genuinely moving home, and the Portuguese consulate in London issues the certificate that proves it.

How long it takes and what it costs

Removals from the UK to Portugal usually go by road, in a shared load (part load) or a dedicated lorry, with air freight for small urgent shipments. One UK removals firm’s published price table (headed 2025, on its 2026 page) gives an idea. Get at least three quotes of your own. Estimate

The same firm puts average transit at 1 to 4 weeks for a dedicated or part load, and 7 to 14 days by air, plus time for customs clearance. Its door-to-door quotes include standard customs clearance. You may want to rent furnished at first: see How do I find a place to rent?

Customs since Brexit

Goods from Great Britain are imports from outside the EU, so import duty and Portuguese VAT can apply unless you use the relief for people transferring their residence. GOV.UK says you may need a baggage certificate (certificado de bagagem) to import household goods, and that you request it from the Portuguese Consulate General in London. The consulate’s form cites the EU customs reliefs regulation (1186/2009) and Portuguese VAT law (Decreto-Lei 31/89). Its checklist asks for:

• The completed request form and a list of the belongings you are importing
• Proof you lived in the UK for more than 1 year, such as payslips, GP registration or utility bills
• Proof you have ended your UK residence, such as closing utility accounts or leaving your GP
• A signed declaration of when you set up and ended your UK residence and moved to Portugal
• A signed declaration that the goods were bought more than 6 months before you ended your UK residence, used there, and will be used in your new home
• A copy of your passport and, for non-EU nationals, your Portuguese residence permit

The form also asks for your NIF, so get your tax number first (see how). The consulate contacts you for payment by postal order once it has processed the request. Alcohol and tobacco are generally excluded from the relief. Ask the consulate

Bringing a UK car

Portugal charges ISV (Imposto Sobre Veículos), a one-off vehicle tax, when a car is first registered. You can be exempt if you transfer your residence. Portugal’s customs FAQ and GOV.UK set the conditions:

The steps: get your NIF and Portal das Finanças login; get IMT (the transport authority) to confirm the car type is approved in Portugal, which may need a certificate of conformity from the maker; get an inspection certificate (Modelo 112) from a technical inspection centre; then, because you are coming from outside the EU, a customs agent (despachante aduaneiro) files the import declaration before you submit the vehicle declaration (DAV) online with form 1460.1 and a certificate of residence. The London consulate issues that certificate on proof of 6 months’ UK residence, its end, and 6 months’ ownership. Then apply to IMT for a registration number and to the car registry for the logbook. Every year you pay IUC (road tax) and, for cars over four years old, the MOT (inspeção periódica).

Portugal drives on the right, so a right-hand-drive car may be less practical. Compare the cost of importing with selling in the UK and buying in Portugal: see Can I drive on my UK licence? Get quotes

What not to pack

Don’t pack €10,000 or more in cash without declaring it (see why), and check the rules on medicines first: see Can I bring my medicines?