Brits moving to Portugal are chasing light, sea air, and a slower rhythm that feels like a reset. If that is you, this guide turns a wish into a plan you can trust. You will find crisp steps, real‑world shortcuts, and official links so every form and booking happens at the right moment. With VANonsite you get GPS‑tracked transport, meticulous packing, and a delivery experience that feels effortless from first box to final placement.
TL:DR
- Visa and residence basics: Post‑Brexit rules apply. Start with GOV.UK – Living in Portugal and Portugal’s ePortugal for current residence routes.
- Numbers after arrival: Get your NIF via the Tax Authority Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira and your health user number via Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Check licence rules with IMT.
- Right‑sized vehicle: Moving Basic 5 m³, Moving Medium 10 m³, Moving Premium 15 m³, Moving Premium Plus 30 m³, Full House XXL 90 m³.
- Packing options that save time: DIY materials, or book our Packing Service. Choose White Glove Delivery for art, antiques, and designer furniture.
- Cost clarity: Price depends on volume, access, packing level, special‑care items, and speed. Get a tailored quote here Removals to Portugal.
- Access matters by destination: Old‑town Lisbon may need a shuttle van and time windows. Madeira requires ferry or air coordination. Read our guides to Lisbon and Madeira.
- Peace of mind on the road: Live GPS tracking on every load, storage when keys are delayed, and last‑minute capacity when plans change.
Why Portugal Keeps Calling Brits
Portugal blends magnetic coastlines with soulful cities and a pace that lets you breathe. Cafés hum late, markets brim with fresh fish, and neighbours still chat on doorsteps. For many Brits, that feels like a reset. Add the warmth of the Algarve, Porto’s riverfront buzz, and Lisbon’s miradouros where sunsets erupt in pink and gold. English is widely spoken, flights home are frequent, and daily life feels welcoming rather than complicated. The practical side matters too. With careful planning, a UK to Portugal move is straightforward and beautifully predictable when your mover provides live GPS tracking, protective packing options, and reliable ETAs that respect your schedule.
Ready to start? Get a tailored quote: Removals to Portugal
Your 12‑Step Roadmap
- Book your slot early. Peak months fill up quickly, especially late spring and summer. Lock a date or a delivery window and ask about last‑minute capacity if plans shift.
- Give notice and set dates. Align landlord, utilities, school and mover. Confirm meter readings, key handovers, and building access to remove surprises.
- Build an inventory. Walk room by room. Flag fragile pieces, list anything that needs disassembly, and mark first‑open boxes so the new home works on day one.
- Choose your van size. Use our capacity table or request a quick video inventory check. Right‑sizing prevents extra trips and keeps furniture protected in transit.
- Decide your packing level. Mix and match. Pack books and clothes yourself, then book our Packing Service for glassware, art, and electronics.
- Sort the paperwork. Follow the official links in this guide for visa, residence, NIF, health number, and driving. Keep scans in a shared cloud folder.
- Reserve parking and lifts at both ends. In older quarters of Lisbon, plan for shuttle vans or hoists if streets are tight or timings are restricted.
- Protect essentials. Keep passports, meds, valuables, chargers and pet documents with you. Pack a first‑night kit with bedding, towels, and a simple kitchen setup.
- Move day. Expect punctual crews, floor protection, and room‑by‑room loading. Track everything live via GPS and receive photo updates at collection and delivery.
- Arrival. Register locally, sort internet, and request furniture placement with White Glove Delivery if you want everything set perfectly from the start.
- Unpack smart. Beds and bathroom first, then kitchen. We can remove packing debris so your space feels calm and clean.
- Breathe. Take a short walk to the nearest praça, try a pastel de nata, and celebrate the first sunset in your new neighbourhood.
Documents and Red Tape for UK Citizens
Post‑Brexit, UK citizens are third‑country nationals in Portugal. Rules can evolve. Your safest path is to follow official guidance and keep copies of everything.
Visa and residence overview
- UK country guide for Portugal: GOV.UK – Living in Portugal
- Portuguese migration authority (AIMA) residence info: start at ePortugal – Residence services and follow to the relevant AIMA application pages.
Step by step timeline
- Check your intended route to residence via GOV.UK and ePortugal. Note required proofs such as accommodation and income where applicable.
- Gather clean scans of your passport and supporting paperwork. Store them in a cloud folder you can open on your phone.
- Book any in‑person appointments listed on the official portals. Prepare certified translations if requested by the authority.
- Travel with a detailed inventory of your personal effects. If you are shipping from Great Britain, ask customs about reliefs for household goods when transferring residence via the Portuguese authorities.
- After arrival, apply for your Portuguese NIF and, once you have the right residence status, register with the health service and your local municipality.
- Check IMT for driving licence recognition or exchange steps and deadlines.
Common residence routes
- Work or family reunification: see AIMA via ePortugal above.
- Passive income or retirement: verify current national visa and residence requirements via GOV.UK and ePortugal.
- Students: your institution normally supplies documents. Confirm residence steps via ePortugal.
Numbers and registrations after arrival
- NIF (Portuguese Tax Number): apply via the Tax Authority: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira.
- Healthcare – Número de Utente: register with the National Health Service once your residence steps allow it: Serviço Nacional de Saúde.
- Driving licence: rules may change. Check recognition or exchange with IMT – Mobility and Transport Institute and update your address when settled.
- Pet travel: for pets arriving from Great Britain see GOV.UK – Pet travel to the EU and the EU guidance Travelling with pets.
Tip: Keep scans of all documents in a cloud folder. Name files clearly like
Surname_Residence_Application_YYYYMMDD.pdfandNIF_Name_Date.pdf.
What It Really Costs
Your final price reflects volume, distance, access, packing level, special‑care items, ferry legs for islands, and speed of delivery. Clear information equals a tighter quote and fewer surprises.
Cost drivers
- Volume and weight
- Access on both ends such as stairs, old‑town streets, hoists
- Island logistics for Madeira
- Packing level and materials
- Fixed‑date compared with flexible delivery windows
Budget protectors
- Accurate room‑by‑room inventory with photos
- Parking reservations and lift bookings in advance
- Declutter before you pack to drop volume
- Choose weekday moves outside peak season
- Hybrid packing: you pack non‑fragiles, we protect art and glass
Service models to choose from
- Dedicated vehicle for set dates and the fastest door to door.
- Consolidated route for better value when dates are flexible.
Insurance and liability basics
- Ask about cover options for high‑value items and the claims process.
- Flag antiques, art, and instruments so we can crate or pad them correctly.
How to get a sharper quote
- Share floor numbers, lift sizes, and any tight streets.
- List special items like pianos, aquariums, or large wardrobes.
- Note restrictions such as building time windows or ferry schedules.
Request a tailored quote: Removals to Portugal
Which VAN Size Fits Your Life
Choosing the right capacity prevents repeat trips and keeps your goods protected. Think in cubic metres and access realities, not just “how many rooms.”
| VANonsite Vehicle | Approx. Volume | Max Load | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | Studio essentials, 10–15 boxes, compact items |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | 1‑bed flat, 20–30 boxes, compact sofa + bed |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | 2‑bed flat, 35–45 boxes, beds + dressers |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | 3–4 rooms, wardrobes, white goods, large sofa |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full family home, multi‑room office, extensive furniture |
Example loads by size
| Size | Typical mix |
|---|---|
| 5 m³ | 12 medium boxes, bedside table, compact TV, two suitcases |
| 10 m³ | 25 boxes, 140 cm bed frame, mattress, compact sofa, bike |
| 15 m³ | 40 boxes, king bed, two dressers, dining table disassembled, two bikes |
| 30 m³ | 65 boxes, three beds, large sofa, white goods, wardrobes |
| 90 m³ | Full household with garden equipment, bulky furniture, multi‑room office kit |
Quick volume math
- Standard moving box is roughly 0.07 m³. Ten boxes equal 0.7 m³.
- Add 10 percent buffer for lampshades, plants, and awkward items.
- If you sit between sizes, choose the larger van for safer stacking and fewer shifts.
Weight awareness
- Books, tools, and ceramics are dense. Spread them across boxes so no single box exceeds a comfortable lift.
- Respect max‑load limits in the table. Share any unusually heavy items so we can plan pads and extra hands.
Access checklist
- Street width and parking availability at both addresses
- Lift size and weight limits, stair counts, tight turns
- Old‑town Lisbon or hill streets may need a shuttle van or a furniture hoist
- Ferries or long carries for Madeira and some coastal districts
Not sure which size you need? Share your inventory and we will right‑size with breathing room. A 5‑minute video walkthrough often saves hours on move day.
Packing That Survives 2,000+ km
Packing well is the fastest way to protect your budget and your nerves. Strong materials, simple systems, and a calm rhythm turn a long transit into a non‑event.
Pro materials
Double‑walled boxes, strong tape, bubble, stretch wrap, furniture blankets, corner guards, mattress covers. Label every box on two sides and the top.
Materials checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Double‑walled boxes | Resist stacking pressure and vibration | Order 10 to 15 percent more than you think |
| Tape and dispenser | Seals seams and adds rigidity | Tape all edges, not just the middle |
| Bubble and paper | Cushion fragile items | Wrap individually, then group by size |
| Stretch wrap | Shields upholstery from dust and rubs | Spiral wrap arms and corners |
| Furniture blankets | Stop scuffs during carry and transit | Layer between large items in the van |
| Corner guards | Protect tables, mirrors, TVs | Use on glass and artwork edges |
| Zip bags and labels | Keep screws and fittings together | Tape to the furniture underside |
| Mattress covers | Hygiene and moisture barrier | Seal after the mattress is inside |
Fragile masterclass
Plates travel vertically with dividers. Glassware prefers small boxes with padding top and bottom. TVs love original packaging. If that is missing, ask for a TV crate or edge protectors. Mirrors and framed art need corner guards, paper, then bubble, then a flat box.
Room labelling that speeds unloading
- Assign each room a short code and a colour, for example
KITCH‑blue,BED1‑green. - Write the code and a number on each box, for example
BED1‑12. - Stick a one‑page legend on the front door so our crew can fan boxes to the right rooms in minutes.
Electronics and appliances
- Defrost the fridge at least 24 hours before collection and wipe it dry.
- Photograph cable layouts on the back of your TV or router before unplugging.
- Remove printer cartridges and pack upright in a sealed bag.
What not to pack
- Hazardous items such as paint, fuel, aerosols, solvents
- Perishables and open food
- Valuables like jewellery, cash, and essential documents. Keep them with you
72‑hour sprint plan
T‑72 sort and stage. T‑48 pack non‑essentials. T‑24 pack kitchen and bathroom, leave a kettle kit. Move morning strip beds and seal mattresses.
Need help? Book Packing Service or upgrade to White Glove Delivery for placement and debris removal.
Where You’re Headed
Portugal looks different city to island, and your move plan should mirror that. Here is how we make delivery smooth in the two most requested destinations.
Lisbon: Old streets, modern precision
Lisbon’s historic bairros are beautiful and compact. Streets can be narrow, sloped, and one way, with timed loading windows in some areas. That is why we often plan a two‑stage approach: a larger vehicle for the main haul and a smaller shuttle van for the final stretch.
- Pre‑book a loading bay where possible and align with building managers.
- Check lift sizes, stair turns, and balcony clearance; consider a furniture hoist for oversized wardrobes and sofas.
- Expect careful floor protection, door‑frame guards, and a calm, room‑by‑room unload.
- Read the destination guide: Moving to Lisbon.
Madeira: Island logistics without the stress
Madeira deliveries add ferries or air legs and a little weather awareness. With the right sequencing, it stays simple and on time.
- We coordinate ferry or air schedules with your key handover and build a small buffer for sea conditions.
- High‑value items travel in crates for extra protection during transfers.
- Hilly roads and tight access are common. We plan shuttle vans and extra hands for stair carries.
- Read the island guide: Moving to Madeira.
Quick comparison
| Destination | Access reality | Parking and permits | Vehicle plan | Best add‑ons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lisbon | Narrow lanes, one‑ways, timed windows | Reserve bay, coordinate with building | Main truck + shuttle van; hoist if needed | White Glove placement, debris removal |
| Madeira | Ferry or air transfers, weather buffers | Port coordination and home access checks | Dedicated or consolidated route + shuttle at destination | Crating for art, flexible delivery window |
Other corridors
If your departure point changes, we have precise guidance for common routes: From France, From Germany, or From Netherlands.
Moving With Kids, Pets, or a Business
Relocations are more than logistics. They are family rhythms, wagging tails, and business continuity. Use these field‑tested checklists to land gently and keep momentum.
Families
- Request school records and attendance letters; note term dates and enrolment windows.
- Book GP and dentist goodbyes in the UK and request summaries. In Portugal, register with the local health centre after your residence steps.
- Pack a first‑night kit for each person: bedding, towels, pyjamas, chargers, toiletries, and comfort items.
- Prioritise internet setup. Bring an unlocked router and a short Ethernet cable for quick start.
- Give kids small tasks and a labelled “treasure box” so the new room feels theirs on day one.
Pets
- Follow GOV.UK and EU rules for microchip, rabies vaccination, and travel paperwork. Carry digital and paper copies.
- Crate‑train for a few days before the move; add a worn T‑shirt for familiar scent.
- Plan water stops and a short walk every few hours; avoid heavy meals just before travel.
- Speak to your vet about motion sickness options. Avoid sedatives unless prescribed.
Offices
- Run a pre‑move IT audit and asset tagging. Photograph cable layouts before disconnecting.
- Back up data, freeze deploys if relevant, and plan a weekend or evening cutover to minimise downtime.
- Label desk zones and create a simple floor plan. Colour codes speed setup.
- Consider Office Removals with White Glove placement for sensitive hardware, prototypes, and artwork.
Why VANonsite
When timing is tight and belongings are precious, you need a mover that blends precision with genuine care. Here is what sets VANonsite apart on long‑distance routes to Portugal:
- Real‑time GPS visibility on every consignment, with live tracking links, ETA updates, and optional photo checkpoints at collection and delivery.
- On‑time delivery choices: fixed‑day commitments for certainty or flexible windows for value, plus Last Minute Moving capacity when plans pivot.
- Fleet fit for Europe: from Moving Basic 5 m³ to Full House XXL 90 m³, shuttle vans for narrow streets, and access to hoists where buildings demand it.
- Specialist handling: White Glove Delivery for artwork, antiques, pianos, and designer furniture; careful stair carries and balcony solutions when needed.
- Packing that protects: pro‑grade Packing Service, eco‑conscious materials, itemised labelling, TV crates, wardrobe boxes, and custom protection for glass and marble.
- Storage that bridges gaps: secure short‑ and long‑term Storage with staged delivery options if keys are delayed or renovations run long.
- Insurance guidance: clear support choosing cover levels for high‑value items, with simple inventory photos to speed any claim.
- Single point of contact: an English‑speaking coordinator who keeps you updated on WhatsApp, phone, or email from quote to final placement.
- Moves for every life stage: Furniture Removals for single items, Home Removals end to end, Student Removals that respect tight budgets, and Office Removals for business continuity.
Want fast numbers and a clear plan? Start here: Removals to Portugal
Final Word
Your move should feel like sunrise, not a storm. With VANonsite you get a meticulous plan, a right‑sized van, and friendly specialists who treat your belongings like their own. We will handle permits, tricky access, and careful placement so you can focus on first coffees, first walks, and the sweet relief of a home that works from day one.
Get your fast quote: Removals to Portugal
Planning Lisbon or Madeira? Read our local tips: Lisbon • Madeira
FAQs: Brits Moving to Portugal
Do UK citizens need a visa to live in Portugal?
Yes, post‑Brexit you are a third‑country national. The right route depends on your purpose of stay. Start with GOV.UK – Living in Portugal and then follow the residence steps on ePortugal to the relevant AIMA pages.
What is the usual legal timeline once I arrive?
Secure accommodation, apply for your NIF with the Portuguese Tax Authority Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, then complete residence formalities and register with the health service SNS.
How do I get a NIF and why do I need it?
The NIF is your tax number for rentals, utilities, banking, and contracts. Apply in person or via a representative at the Tax Authority: Finanças.
Can I use my UK driving licence in Portugal?
Rules can change. Check recognition or exchange requirements and address updates with IMT – Mobility and Transport Institute.
How does healthcare registration work?
After your residence steps, register with the National Health Service to obtain your Número de Utente. Guidance: Serviço Nacional de Saúde.
Can I bring my pet from Great Britain?
Yes, with the correct paperwork. See GOV.UK – Pet travel to the EU and the EU guide Travelling with pets. Crate‑train in advance and pack water, pads, and a familiar blanket.
How long does the move take door to door?
Most dedicated road moves to mainland Portugal take roughly 2 to 5 days depending on distance, access, and your service level. Island deliveries add ferry or air coordination.
What van size should I book?
Use the guide in this article: 5 m³ suits essentials, 10–15 m³ covers most 1–2 bed flats, 30 m³ fits larger homes, and 90 m³ handles full‑house moves. Share your inventory and we will right‑size with buffer.
What items cannot travel in the van?
No hazardous goods like paint, fuel, aerosols, or solvents. Avoid perishables and open food. Keep jewellery, cash, and critical documents with you.
Can you pack for me?
Absolutely. Choose our Packing Service for fragile or time‑sensitive moves. Upgrade to White Glove Delivery for placement and debris removal.
Do you offer storage if my keys are delayed?
Yes. We provide secure short‑ and long‑term storage with staged delivery when you are ready.
Will I be able to track my belongings?
Yes. Every consignment has live GPS tracking with ETA updates and optional photo checkpoints.
Do you handle tricky access in Lisbon or Madeira?
Yes. For Lisbon old town we often use a shuttle van or hoist within timed windows. For Madeira we align ferry or air legs and crate high‑value items. Read our guides to Lisbon and Madeira.
How do I get a quote fast?
Share your inventory, photos, addresses, floor numbers, lift sizes, and any access limits. We reply with a transparent, tailored plan: Removals to Portugal.
