Moving to Portugal from Netherlands can feel like trading drizzle for golden light. You want easier days, slower meals, and a sea breeze that resets your mind. With the right plan, this long‑distance move stays simple, safe, and swift. VANonsite makes it effortless with careful packing options, white glove handling for delicate pieces, and live GPS tracking so you always know where your world is.
TL:DR
- Intra EU move means simpler admin and predictable timelines. Book 4 to 6 weeks ahead, or use our last‑minute capacity when plans change.
- Paperwork you will touch: deregister in NL, then in Portugal register your EU residence and get your NIF, plus healthcare signup. Official portals: NetherlandsWorldwide – moving abroad and ePortugal – EU residence registration.
- Pick the right vehicle: 5 m³ Basic for essentials, 10 m³ Medium for a one‑bed, 15 m³ Premium for a two‑bed, 30 m³ Premium Plus for larger homes, 90 m³ XXL for full‑house moves.
- Price depends on volume, distance, access on both ends, packing level, special‑care items, and speed requirements.
- Choose DIY boxes or our professional Packing Service. Select White Glove Delivery for art, antiques, or designer furniture.
- Destinations differ: Lisbon has narrow streets and timed access; Madeira needs island logistics. See guides for Lisbon and Madeira.
- Track every consignment in real time with GPS, add Storage if timelines don’t align, and get a fast quote via Removals to Portugal.
Why Portugal, Why Now
Portugal blends ocean air with old‑world charm and a startling sense of calm. Sun‑washed cities, friendly locals, and a vibrant food scene make the adventure worth it. Add in safe neighborhoods, reliable infrastructure, and a pace of life that invites you to breathe. Crucially, an intra‑EU move is simpler than a cross‑border relocation outside the EU, which means fewer customs headaches and a faster timeline when you plan it well. For many families and remote workers from the Netherlands, the equation is clear: more light, more life, less friction.
Plan with confidence: choose a mover that offers guaranteed ETAs, live GPS tracking on every load, and responsive support in English. Prefer a fixed date? We’ll lock it in. Need flexibility? We’ll hold a delivery window and still keep you updated in real time.
Ready for a quote? Start here: Removals to Portugal
Your 10‑Step Move Roadmap — Deep Dive
Use this expanded version to avoid bottlenecks and budget blowouts.
- Book your moving slot early
Lock dates 4 to 6 weeks ahead for summer. If you need speed, our Last Minute Moving team can mobilise within tight windows. For Madeira or the Azores, factor ferry or air cargo schedules. - Serve notice and confirm dates
Align your tenancy end, key handover, and van arrival. Request written confirmation from your landlord. Reserve curbside space or loading permits on both ends to prevent delays. - Sort documents
Gather passports or IDs, proof of NL address, proof of Portuguese address when available, and key forms for NIF and municipal registration. Keep printed copies in a folder and digital backups in the cloud. - Create a room‑by‑room inventory
Walk through each room and list items with rough sizes. Mark fragile, disassemble‑required, and first‑unpack items. This keeps your quote accurate and speeds unloading. - Choose your van size
Estimate volume in cubic metres and add a 10 percent buffer. Our coordinator can validate your list by video call and recommend Moving Basic up to Full House XXL. - Decide your packing level
Self‑pack with double‑walled boxes and quality tape, or book our Packing Service for high‑value or time‑sensitive moves. We supply wardrobe boxes, TV crates, and art protection. - Protect the essentials
Keep passports, meds, chargers, pet docs, and a compact tool kit with you. Prepare a first‑night box for each family member so everyone sleeps well on day one. - Move day execution
We arrive on time, protect floors, and load room by room. You get live GPS tracking and photo updates. We coordinate elevators, narrow streets, and timed access zones. - Arrival in Portugal
If your keys are delayed, we can place goods into secure storage and deliver when you are ready. Otherwise, we unload by room to match your labels for frictionless setup. - Unpack and settle
Start with beds and bathroom, then kitchen. Choose White Glove Delivery for furniture placement and debris removal so the home feels complete the same day.
Documents and Red Tape: Simple, Straightforward
You’re moving within the EU as a Dutch resident or citizen, so the admin is manageable. Still, a few items matter. Use these official resources and steps:
- Deregistering from the Netherlands (if applicable)
Notify your municipality to update the BRP when moving abroad. Start here: NetherlandsWorldwide – Moving abroad. Bring your ID and move date details. - EU Citizen Registration in Portugal
If staying longer than 3 months, register your residence at the Câmara Municipal to obtain the EU citizen registration certificate. Guidance: ePortugal – Registering the residence of EU citizens. Typical documents include ID, proof of address, and proof of income or employment. - NIF (Tax Number)
Needed for housing, utilities, and banking. Apply at the tax office or online via the Portuguese Tax Authority: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira. Have your passport or ID, and proof of address; some applicants may be asked for a fiscal representative during transition. - Healthcare and Número de Utente
After registering your residence, sign up with Portugal’s NHS to obtain your health user number. Info: Serviço Nacional de Saúde. Usually you bring ID, NIF, and proof of residence to your local health centre. - Driving licence and vehicles
EU licences are generally recognised. You may need to register your licence and update your address with the transport authority. Check requirements with IMT – Mobility and Transport Institute. Bringing a car? Research vehicle registration and potential tax rules with the Tax Authority above. - Pets
Within the EU, pets typically travel with an EU Pet Passport, microchip, and valid rabies vaccination. Guidance: EU – Travelling with pets.
Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents in a cloud folder you can access on your phone. Label files with clear names like
NIF_Application_Name_Date.pdf.
What It Really Costs
No two relocations are identical, but your price usually depends on:
- Volume and weight of your load
- Distance and accessibility on both ends (elevators, parking, ferries to islands)
- Packing level: self‑pack vs. professional packers
- Special care items: pianos, art, antiques, bulky appliances
- Speed and flexibility: fixed‑date vs. last‑minute
What is typically included
- Professional movers and a right‑sized vehicle
- Protective blankets, straps, and basic floor protection
- Loading and unloading at ground level or standard access
- Fuel and road tolls on standard mainland routes
What can add to the quote
- Long carries, stair carries, or shuttle vans for narrow streets
- Disassembly and reassembly of furniture beyond standard items
- Ferry or air charges for island deliveries (for example Madeira)
- Complex packing for artwork, pianos, or high‑value electronics
- Out‑of‑hours pickups or deliveries and tight delivery windows
Smart ways to save
- Declutter before you pack and reduce volume by 10 to 20 percent
- Reserve parking or lifts in advance to avoid waiting fees
- Pack non‑fragiles yourself and let us handle the delicate pieces
- Share a consolidated route if your dates are flexible
- Choose a weekday slot outside peak season when possible
Example move scenarios (for planning clarity)
| Scenario | Typical volume | Access notes | Speed | Service mix |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Studio or compact 1‑bed | 5 to 10 m³ | Standard access, short carry | Standard | DIY boxes plus fragile packing add‑on |
| 2‑bed apartment | 12 to 18 m³ | Lift or two flights of stairs | Standard or fixed‑date | Full packing for kitchen and glass, furniture wrapping |
| Family home | 25 to 35 m³ | Driveway or reserved bay | Fixed‑date | Full packing, white glove placement, debris removal |
| Full house + storage gap | 30 to 45 m³ | Split access, keys on different days | Flexible window | Temporary storage, staged delivery, GPS status updates |
| Island delivery (Madeira) | 10 to 25 m³ | Ferry scheduling and weather buffers | Fixed‑date where possible | Crating for art, timed handover, pre‑booked ferry |
How VANonsite protects your budget
- Transparent quotes with no hidden extras
- Live GPS tracking on every consignment
- Short‑ and long‑term Storage when timelines don’t match
- White Glove Delivery for delicate or luxury items
Request a tailored quote: Removals to Portugal
What Size Van Do You Actually Need?
Choosing the right vehicle prevents multiple trips and protects your things. Use this as a helpful rule of thumb.
| VANonsite Vehicle | Approx. Volume | Max Load | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | Studio essentials, 10–15 boxes, small furniture |
| 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 |
Not sure? Share your inventory and we’ll recommend the perfect size with breathing room.
How to estimate your volume in minutes
- Measure the length, width, and height of large furniture in metres. Multiply to get m³.
- Count boxes. A standard moving box averages 0.07 m³. A wardrobe box is roughly 0.20 m³.
- Add 10 percent buffer for mattresses, lampshades, plants, and awkward items.
- If you are between sizes, choose the larger vehicle for safer stacking and fewer shifts.
Quick cheat sheet
| Item or box type | Approx. m³ |
|---|---|
| Standard box (60 × 40 × 30 cm) | 0.07 |
| Large box (60 × 40 × 45 cm) | 0.11 |
| Wardrobe box with rail | 0.20 |
| 2‑seat sofa | 1.20 |
| 3‑seat sofa | 1.80 |
| Double mattress (rolled) | 0.70 |
| King mattress (rolled) | 0.90 |
| Dining table (4‑6 seat, disassembled) | 0.80 |
| Fridge freezer (tall) | 1.00 |
Common sizing mistakes to avoid
- Underestimating wardrobes and books (paper is heavy and dense)
- Forgetting garage, balcony, or storage cage items
- Assuming lifts will fit all furniture without measuring
- Expecting tight old‑town streets to allow large trucks without a shuttle plan
Need help fast? Send your list and photos for a quick sizing check. We will right‑size the vehicle, plan access, and give you a clear, confident ETA.
Packing That Survives 2,200 km
Solid packing multiplies your peace of mind. Your belongings will travel more than two thousand kilometres. They deserve rock‑solid protection and a plan that keeps every box calm and every glass intact.
Materials checklist
| Item | Why it matters | Planning tip |
|---|---|---|
| Double‑walled boxes | Resist compression and stacking pressure | Aim for 10 to 15 percent more boxes than you think |
| Packing tape and dispenser | Seals seams, adds rigidity | Tape every edge and seam, not just the middle |
| Bubble wrap and foam sleeves | Cushions fragile items | Wrap individually, then group by size inside smaller boxes |
| Stretch wrap | Protects upholstered furniture from dust and rubs | Spiral wrap arms and corners, avoid wrapping leather too tight |
| Furniture blankets | Stop scuffs during carry and transit | Layer blankets between large items in the van |
| Corner protectors | Guard tables, frames, and TV edges | Use on glass, mirrors, artwork |
| Zip bags and labels | Keep screws and fittings together | Tape bag to the furniture underside |
| Mattress covers | Hygiene and moisture barrier | Seal with tape once the mattress is inside |
Pro tips
- Use double‑walled boxes and tape every seam.
- Wrap glass and ceramics individually.
- Put heavy items low, light items high.
- Label on two sides plus the top.
- Photograph valuables before packing.
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. - Create a one‑page legend and keep it on the front door. Our crew will fan boxes to the right rooms in minutes.
Fragile masterclass
- Plates travel best vertically with cardboard dividers, not stacked flat.
- Glassware loves small boxes with crumpled paper at the bottom and top.
- TVs prefer original packaging. If you do not have it, request a TV crate or edge protectors.
- Mirrors and framed art need corner guards, a wrap of paper, then bubble, then a flat box.
Appliances and electronics
- Defrost the fridge 24 hours before collection. Wipe dry to avoid odours.
- Use cable ties and label each wire. Photograph the back of your TV or router before unplugging.
- Remove printer ink cartridges and pack upright in a sealed bag.
What not to pack
- Hazardous items like paint, fuel, aerosols, and solvents
- Perishables and open food
- Valuables such as jewellery, cash, essential documents. Keep them with you
72 hour sprint plan
- T‑72 hours sort by room, pull out fragile items, gather materials.
- T‑48 hours pack non‑essentials, books, and out‑of‑season items.
- T‑24 hours pack the kitchen and bathroom, leave a kettle kit for move day.
- Move morning strip beds, bag bedding, seal mattress covers.
Short on time? Book Packing Service. We bring pro‑grade materials, handle inventory labels, and build an unpack plan so life in Portugal starts fast.
Delivery Destinations: Lisbon, Madeira, and Beyond
Lisbon specifics
Lisbon is beautiful and compact with historic lanes that test any vehicle. Streets in older quarters can be narrow, steep, and one‑way. That is why we often plan a two‑step approach.
- Reserve a loading spot in advance where possible.
- Use a shuttle van for old town streets so the main vehicle can stay on a wider road.
- Coordinate time windows with building managers and neighbours.
- Consider a furniture hoist when stairwells are tight. It is safer for large wardrobes and sofas.
See the dedicated guide: Moving to Lisbon.
Madeira logistics
Island deliveries add moving parts, yet they can be smooth with firm planning.
- We align ferry or air schedules with your key handover and weather windows.
- We crate high‑value items for longer handling chains.
- We add a small buffer to protect your arrival date in case of sea conditions.
Learn more here: Moving to Madeira.
Starting somewhere else
If your route begins in France or Germany, we have precise guidance for those corridors too. Check the city‑to‑city pages for route advice, timelines, and service mixes:
Moving With Kids, Pets, or a Company
Relocations are not just logistics. They are family rhythms, wagging tails, and business continuity. This section gives you battle‑tested shortcuts so people and pets land gently and teams keep working.
Families
- Transfer school records and confirm term dates early. Ask for attendance letters and report copies for a smooth handover.
- Book GP and dentist goodbyes in the Netherlands and request records. In Portugal, register with the local health centre once you have your Número de Utente.
- Pack a “first night” kit with bedding, snacks, and comfort toys so bedtime feels normal.
- Prioritise internet setup for homework and streaming. Bring an unlocked router and a short Ethernet cable.
- Create a child‑friendly move plan. Assign light tasks, colour‑code their boxes, and let them pack one “treasure box”.
- Scout parks and playgrounds around your new address. A short walk on day one resets nerves for everyone.
Pets
- Confirm microchip, EU Pet Passport, and rabies vaccination are current. Carry physical and digital copies.
- Crate‑train for a few days before the move. Add a worn T‑shirt inside for familiar scent.
- Pack an extra water bowl, travel mat, and a small pet first‑aid kit. Plan dog‑friendly stops along the route.
- Avoid sedatives unless prescribed by a vet. Instead, use calming chews or pheromone sprays as advised.
- Add pet IDs with your EU phone number. If flying or taking a ferry, verify carrier dimensions and seasonal rules.
Office Moves
- Inventory IT equipment and serial numbers. Photograph cable layouts before disconnecting.
- Back up data and confirm a rollback plan. Freeze code deploys 24 to 48 hours before move day if relevant.
- Create a desk‑label system and floor plan for swift setup. Colour zones make wayfinding intuitive.
- Appoint a move champion for each department. They handle handover and post‑move checks.
- Plan minimal downtime. Shift critical teams first or use a weekend slot.
- Consider Office Removals and White Glove Delivery for sensitive hardware, server racks, prototypes, and artwork.
Why VANonsite
When timing is tight and belongings are precious, you need dependability. With VANonsite, you get a calm, highly organised partner from the first inventory to the last box placed.
- Last Minute Moving capacity for urgent relocations that cannot wait
- Furniture Removals for single items or full suites: Service details
- Home Removals delivered end to end: Explore home moves
- Packing Service with pro‑grade materials and itemised labels: Book packing
- White Glove Delivery for artworks and delicate pieces, including placement and debris removal: Learn more
- Storage options for timing gaps, renovations, or phased moves
- Student Removals tuned to tight budgets and academic calendars: Student moves
- GPS tracking for every load and fast ETAs across Europe, with photo updates at collection and delivery
FAQs: Moving to Portugal from the Netherlands
Do EU citizens need a visa for a long stay in Portugal?
No visa is required for EU citizens. If you stay longer than 3 months, register your residence at your local Câmara Municipal. Official guidance: ePortugal – Registering the residence of EU citizens.
Which documents should I handle before leaving the Netherlands?
Deregister from your Dutch municipality for BRP records if you are moving abroad. Start here: NetherlandsWorldwide – Moving abroad.
What numbers do I need after arrival in Portugal?
Get a NIF for contracts and banking via the Portuguese Tax Authority: Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira. Register with the National Health Service to obtain your health user number: Serviço Nacional de Saúde.
How long does the move usually take?
Most road moves from the Netherlands to mainland Portugal take about 2 to 5 days door to door, depending on distance, access, ferry schedules for islands, and service level.
How do I choose the right van size?
Use our sizing table in this guide. As a rule, 5 to 10 m³ suits a studio, 12 to 18 m³ fits a two‑bed apartment, and 30 m³ or more is best for family homes. Share your inventory and we will confirm the perfect size.
Can I pack myself or should I book professionals?
Both work. DIY packing saves budget if you use quality materials and solid labelling. For fragile, artwork, or time‑sensitive moves, book our Packing Service for peace of mind.
What about tricky destinations like Lisbon old town or Madeira?
For Lisbon we often plan shuttle vans and timed access. For Madeira we coordinate ferry or air and crate delicate items. Read more: Lisbon and Madeira.
Can I track my shipment and choose a fixed date?
Yes. Every load has live GPS tracking. Choose fixed‑date delivery or a flexible window with proactive updates.
Is storage available if my keys are delayed?
Yes. We can store your goods short or long term and deliver when you are ready.
Can I bring pets or a car?
Pets travel with an EU Pet Passport, microchip, and rabies vaccination. Guidance: EU – Travelling with pets. For cars, check driving licence and vehicle rules with IMT.
Summary
Moving to Portugal from the Netherlands becomes straightforward when you line up documents, right‑size the vehicle, and pack like a pro. Book your slot, build a room list, and lean on GPS‑tracked transport for calm, predictable delivery.
- Book 4 to 6 weeks in advance, or use last minute capacity when plans change.
- Handle admin in order: NL deregistration, EU residence registration in Portugal, NIF, health user number, and any driving licence updates.
- Choose the right van size using our table and add a 10 percent volume buffer.
- Pack smart with double‑walled boxes, clear labels, and protection for fragile items or book our packing team.
- Plan access on both ends. Reserve parking, lift slots, and consider shuttle vans for narrow streets.
- For Lisbon and Madeira, expect timed windows and possible ferry or air coordination.
- Track your shipment in real time and add storage if keys are delayed.
A cross‑continent move can be thrilling rather than terrifying when you have a precise plan, a responsive team, and the right van size. With VANonsite, you get a European moving partner obsessed with safety, speed, and spotless service.
Get your fast quote now: Removals to Portugal
Prefer a delicate, concierge style experience? Ask for White Glove Delivery during your quote.
