Steps to moving to Portugal begin with a clear plan, not crossed fingers. Picture azulejo mornings, coffee on a balcony, and your life arriving in one calm, well timed sweep. This guide turns the big leap into simple, human steps. You will know which forms to file, how to secure your NIF, how to pick the right van size from 5 to 90 m³, and when to choose part load over a direct van. We protect your budget with transparent pricing signals, careful packing, and live GPS on every mile so you can follow the road in real time.
Moving should feel exciting, not chaotic. With VANonsite you get right sized vehicles, room by room placement, optional White Glove care, and a coordinator who keeps you in the loop. You handle the decisions, we handle the heavy lifting.
The journey in 7 steps
- Check your route on official portals and secure your NIF so admin does not slow the move.
- Map the cost of moving to Portugal by sharing volume in m³, dates, and access for a precise, transparent quote.
- Choose transport style: part load for value and flexible windows, or a direct van for fixed day certainty and speed.
- Right size your van from 5 to 90 m³ so stacking is safe and unloading is smooth at both addresses.
- Book access at both ends: permits, lifts, legal bays, and any shuttle plan for narrow streets and old towns.
- Pack smart: DIY non fragile, pros for glass, art, instruments, and TVs with clear labels and room codes.
- Track live and arrive calm with a GPS link, proactive ETAs, and optional White Glove placement and debris removal.
Residency, NIF, healthcare, driving
Start with the essentials so everything else flows. Rules change, so always follow the official portals below.
Who needs what, at a glance
- EU and EEA nationals: simplified residence registration through local authorities. Check current steps on AIMA.
- UK citizens and other non EU nationals: choose the right residence route and gather supporting documents on AIMA before you ship.
- Everyone: get your NIF, line up healthcare registration, and confirm driving licence rules with IMT.
Micro checklist before you book
- Valid passports and clear scans
- Proof of move to Portugal and proof of previous residence
- NIF plan or confirmation
- Insurance cards or healthcare documents for SNS registration
- Driving licence details and any exchange requirements
Official portals — use only these sources
- Residency & visas: AIMA portal for routes and appointments → https://aima.gov.pt/pt
- NIF & registrations: ePortugal one stop portal → https://eportugal.gov.pt/
- Healthcare: SNS overview and local health centre registration → https://www.sns.gov.pt/
- Driving licence: IMT page for recognising or exchanging a foreign licence → https://www.imt-ip.pt/condutores/reconhecimento/troca-de-titulo-de-conducao-estrangeiro/
- Pets: DGAV for pet entry rules → https://www.dgav.pt/vaiviajar/conteudo/animais-de-companhia/
Tip: create one cloud folder with PDFs of approvals, IDs, appointments, and your inventory so documents are ready when asked.
Customs and your inventory
Keep customs smooth with simple, honest descriptions, clear values, and grouped categories. Aim for clarity over poetry and keep your paperwork in one tidy folder you can share in seconds.
Smooth clearance in 6 moves
- Create a plain‑English inventory grouped by room and category.
- Add fair second‑hand values in EUR, plus serials for electronics where available.
- Match names and addresses exactly across passport, inventory, tenancy, and delivery.
- Obtain or confirm your NIF and keep the confirmation ready.
- If advised, request a Certificado de Bagagem to support household‑goods relief.
- Export a single PDF bundle: passport, proof of move, NIF, inventory, consular certificate.
Documents pack
- Passport and contacts
- Proof of residence change: tenancy, home purchase, or employment/enrolment letter
- Itemised inventory in English or Portuguese with quantities and fair second‑hand values
- High‑value receipts where available; serial numbers for electronics
- NIF confirmation
- Consular Certificado de Bagagem if advised → https://portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt/pt/atendimento/no-estrangeiro/servicos-consulares/certificados/certificado-de-bagagem
- Tax and customs info → https://www.portaldasfinancas.gov.pt/at/html/index.html
Allowed vs restricted — quick sense‑check
| Category | Usually allowed with inventory | Often restricted or needs extra clearance |
|---|---|---|
| Used household goods | Yes, when part of a bona fide move and correctly inventoried | New items with tags or receipts may be taxed |
| Food and plants | Dry, commercially sealed may still be problematic | Perishables, open food, soil, certain plants |
| Liquids, chemicals, aerosols | — | Paints, fuels, solvents, aerosols, fireworks |
| High‑value art, antiques | Yes with realistic values | May require provenance or specialist crating |
| Pets | — | Subject to DGAV entry rules and veterinary docs |
Inventory categories that read well
- Furniture by room: bed frame, mattress double, dresser, dining table 160 cm
- Electronics with make, model, serial if possible
- Kitchenware grouped: “Kitchenware mixed, 4 boxes, plates vertical”
- Books and media in box counts
- Clothes and linens by bag or box count
- Artwork framed, sizes noted, corner‑protected
Examples — 3 correct inventory lines
| Box/ID | Item description | Qty | Age owned | Value | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| K‑02 | Kitchenware mixed, plates vertical | 1 | 4 years | €120 | small appliance |
| L‑03 | 3 seater sofa, fabric, 210 cm, used good | 1 | 3 years | €400 | — |
| E‑05 | TV 55″ Samsung UE55NU7100, used good | 1 | 2 years | €220 | serial added |
Labelling that speeds inspections
- Room code plus number on two sides and top, for example
BD‑08,LV‑03 - Marks for fragile and heavy
- Separate a short list of high‑value items with photos
Red flags that delay clearance
- NIF missing or mismatched names
- Inventory values that mimic retail prices
- Large quantities of brand‑new goods
- Alcohol, aerosols, or hazardous goods mixed with household items
- Addresses that do not match tenancy or delivery
Rules evolve. Always check AIMA, Portal das Finanças, and your consulate for the latest forms and eligibility.
Choose your transport style
Pick the style that fits your timeline, volume, and budget. Both options include careful handling and live GPS tracking; the difference is exclusivity and speed.
Comparison table
| Feature | Part load removals to Portugal | Direct van removals |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Lower per m³, pay for used space | Higher total, exclusive use |
| Timing | Flexible window, 4–8 days typical | Fastest, 2–4 days once loaded |
| Handling | 1 short hub transfer + final unload | Load to unload, no hub |
| Pick‑up window | Shared collection slot | Fixed collection to suit your day |
| Delivery window | 1 to 3 day window depending on route | Specific day, tighter ETA |
| Access tactics | Shuttle van planned if streets are tight | Shuttle van available with fully dedicated timing |
| GPS & ETAs | Live GPS, shareable link, proactive updates | Live GPS, shareable link, proactive updates |
| Best for | 5–15 m³, budget‑savvy, flexible dates | Full homes, fixed dates, high‑value items |
Choose part load when
- Your window is flexible by a day or two
- You have 5–15 m³ and want the best value
- You prefer a smaller footprint and shared route costs
- You are topping up a second home or doing a staged move
Choose a direct van when
- You need a fixed delivery day for keys or contractors
- You are moving 30 m³+ or several high‑value pieces
- You want load‑to‑unload with zero hub transfer
- You want the shortest possible transit
Hybrid plan — split the consignment
- Send bulk items on a part‑load for value
- Book a small direct van for time‑critical pieces
- Both legs tracked with GPS and a single coordinator
Micro case studies
- Lisbon 12 m³, flexible: part‑load with White Glove placement, delivery window 2 days.
- Porto 28 m³, fixed date: direct van, zero transfer, morning slot confirmed with concierge.
- Madeira 6 m³, boxes only: part‑load plus ferry leg, shuttle van for hillside access.
part‑load guide → https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/part-load-removals-to-portugal/ • home moves → https://vanonsite.com/home-removals/ • furniture moves → https://vanonsite.com/furniture-removals/ • packing → https://vanonsite.com/packing-services/ • White Glove → https://vanonsite.com/white-glove-delivery-service/
Van sizes and what fits
Choose by volume first, then pressure test access at both addresses. When you are between sizes, go larger for safer stacking and fewer shifts. Your coordinator will sanity‑check with a photo or video survey.
VANonsite fleet and quick chooser
| Vehicle | Volume | Max load | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Moving Basic | 5 m³ | 300 kg | 10–15 boxes, essentials |
| Moving Medium | 10 m³ | 600 kg | 1 bed flat, compact sofa and bed |
| Moving Premium | 15 m³ | 1000 kg | 2 bed flat, 35–45 boxes |
| Moving Premium Plus | 30 m³ | 3500 kg | 3–4 rooms, white goods |
| Moving Full House XXL | 90 m³ | 20000 kg | Full family home |
What actually fits by size — quick guide
| Size | Typical mix |
|---|---|
| 5 m³ | 12 medium boxes, bedside table, 32–43″ 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 tools, bulky furniture, multi room office kit |
Dimensional quick math
- Standard moving box is about 0.07 m³. Fifteen boxes ≈ 1.05 m³.
- A compact sofa is 1.2–1.6 m³; a double mattress ≈ 0.6 m³.
- Add 10 percent buffer for plants, lampshades, and awkward pieces.
Access notes by size
- 5–10 m³ vans slip into tighter streets; good for old towns and short carries.
- 15–30 m³ often require clear bays or permits; we arrange service lifts when available.
- 90 m³ needs staging space; we use a shuttle van for the last metres where streets are narrow.
When to size up vs down
- Size up if you are adding a sofa, white goods, or wardrobes late in planning.
- Hold size if your list is mostly boxes, flat‑packs, and light furniture.
- Ask for split loads if part of your items can wait; send bulk now, top up later.
Quick chooser
- Up to 15 boxes only → 5 m³
- 1 bed flat with compact sofa → 10 m³
- 2 bed flat with standard furniture → 15 m³
- 3–4 rooms with white goods → 30 m³
- Full family home → 90 m³
Packing that protects
Packing well is the fastest way to protect your budget and your nerves. Strong materials, simple systems, and a steady rhythm turn a long road into a non‑event.
Materials checklist — what to use and why
Link: Packing Service → https://vanonsite.com/packing-services/
| 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 | Seal seams and add rigidity | Tape all edges, not just the middle |
| Bubble wrap and paper | Cushion fragile items | Wrap individually, then group by size |
| Stretch wrap | Shield upholstery from dust and rubs | Spiral wrap arms and corners |
| Furniture blankets | Prevent scuffs during carry and transit | Layer between large items in the van |
| Corner guards | Protect tables, mirrors, TVs | Use on glass and artwork edges |
| TV and frame boxes | Stabilise screens and framed art | Request custom crates for oversized pieces |
| Wardrobe boxes | Move clothes on hangers, crease free | Pack shoes and belts in the base |
| 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 |
| Silica gel packs | Reduce humidity around delicate items | Add to boxes with books or instruments |
Fragile playbook
- Kitchen. Plates travel vertical with dividers. Glassware prefers small boxes with padding top and bottom. Knives get guards or thick cardboard sleeves.
- TVs and monitors. Use original packaging. If missing, request a TV crate or edge protectors. Keep screens upright and marked Do Not Lay Flat.
- Artwork and mirrors. Corner guards, paper, then bubble, then a flat box. Mark glass side.
- Instruments. Loosen strings, use hard cases, add humidity packs for wood instruments.
- Furniture and appliances. Disassemble where practical. Bag fittings and tape the bag to the underside. Fit transit bolts for washing machines where applicable.
- Plants. Avoid soil shock. Water lightly 24 hours before and stabilise pots in shallow open boxes.
Room code system and door legend
- Assign each room a short code and a colour, for example
KITCH blue,BED1 green,LIV yellow. - Write the code and a number on each box, for example
BED1 12. - Place a one page legend at the entrance so the crew can fan boxes to the right rooms quickly.
- Mark first‑open boxes with a star.
72 hour sprint plan
- T‑72. Sort and stage by room. Order any missing materials.
- T‑48. Pack non‑essentials and seasonal items. Disassemble large furniture.
- T‑24. Pack kitchen and bathroom. Leave a kettle kit. Charge power banks.
- Move morning. Strip beds, seal mattresses, walk the home once, and photograph meter readings.
Do not pack
- Paints, fuels, aerosols, solvents, fireworks
- Perishables and open food
- Hazardous chemicals
White Glove option
Prefer premium care? Book White Glove Delivery for placement, assembly, and debris removal: https://vanonsite.com/white-glove-delivery-service/
Access planning for Lisbon, Porto, Madeira
Portugal rewards precision. Narrow lanes, cobbles, gradients, ferry legs, and timed loading windows can turn a simple drop into a puzzle. The fix is simple: good photos, a few measurements, and a clear access script agreed upfront.
Access photo checklist — expand this set
- Curb‑to‑door distance and the tightest pinch point on your street
- Street width measured mirror to mirror of parked cars and any overhanging balconies
- Vehicle height limits under archways, trees, carports, or underground ramps
- Building entrance, first turn, and corridor width; note wall protrusions or radiators
- Stair width, rise, and number of flights if no lift; photo each landing
- Lift door width, cabin depth, and load rating, plus booking contact and allowed hours
- Legal parking photo with distance to entrance and any time restrictions
- Concierge or building‑management phone and email for service‑lift reservations
Measurement cheat sheet
| What to measure | Good | Borderline | Risky |
|---|---|---|---|
| Door width (cm) | 85+ | 75–84 | < 75 |
| Stair width (cm) | 100+ | 85–99 | < 85 |
| Lift door width (cm) | 80+ | 70–79 | < 70 |
| Lift cabin depth (cm) | 120+ | 100–119 | < 100 |
| Curb‑to‑door carry (m) | < 15 | 15–30 | 30+ |
| Max vehicle height (m) | 3.5+ | 3.1–3.4 | < 3.1 |
Parking and permits — simple playbook
- Ask for a temporary loading bay or parking suspension if the nearest legal bay is more than 15 m away.
- In dense centres, request permits 7–10 working days ahead and confirm signage placement.
- Share the permit reference with your coordinator so the vehicle registration can be logged with the concierge.
Shuttle‑van and hoist tactics
- If your street blocks larger vehicles, we stage the main truck legally nearby and run a shuttle van every 10–15 minutes.
- For oversized items that cannot clear stairs or lifts, we arrange a furniture hoist where allowed. We pad facades and protect windowsills, then move items directly to the target room.
Email template to building management
Hello, we have a household delivery with VANonsite on [date]. Could we reserve the service lift and a loading bay from [time] to [time]? Vehicle reg will be provided. We will use floor and door protection. Please confirm any access rules or booking references. Thank you.
City notes
Lisbon
Historic bairros like Alfama, Mouraria, and Bairro Alto can be narrow and lively. Early‑morning slots help secure bays and shorten carries. We often combine a staged truck with a shuttle van for the last metres. Service‑lift booking and concierge notice keep arrivals smooth.
Guide: Lisbon moves
Porto
Expect gradients and cobbles, especially around Ribeira and Sé. We confirm loading‑bay time limits, plan extra hands for tenement stair carries, and schedule lift reservations in modern buildings. Short, frequent shuttle cycles keep neighbours relaxed.
Guide: Porto moves
Madeira
Sea crossings and weather can shift timings. We build buffers around ferry schedules and plan hillside access with switchbacks in mind. Where trucks cannot reach the door, we stage the main vehicle and run short shuttle loops.
Guide: Madeira moves
Contingency plan
- If a bay is blocked, we switch to a shuttle and adjust crew to keep ETAs.
- If weather delays a ferry, we notify you early and rebook the service‑lift window.
- If an item will not clear a corner, we disassemble or hoist where lawful and safe.
Protection standards
Floor runners, corner guards, lift pads, and door‑frame protectors are standard on every delivery. Common areas are left clean, with debris removed when White Glove is booked.
Timeline from quote to keys
Twelve steps, zero chaos. Here is the run‑of‑show with clear owners and deliverables.
Owner map
| Step | What happens | Owner | You send | We send |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Enquiry and video survey | You + VANonsite | Dates, addresses, photos | Survey link, checklist |
| 2 | Transparent quote | VANonsite | — | Itemised quote, ETA range, inclusions |
| 3 | Book your slot | You | Acceptance, preferred window | Booking confirmation, coordinator contact |
| 4 | Documents and permits | You + VANonsite | Inventory, proofs, NIF, access notes | Permit guidance, any forms needed |
| 5 | Packing plan | You + VANonsite | DIY or pro‑pack decision | Materials list or packing appointment |
| 6 | Final confirmations | VANonsite | Gate codes, concierge info | Vehicle reg, crew names, provisional ETA |
| 7 | Collection day | VANonsite | First‑night box kept aside | Floor protection, labelled load, collection note |
| 8 | Live GPS on the road | VANonsite | — | Shareable tracking link, waypoint updates |
| 9 | Border and customs handoff | VANonsite | Contact availability if questions | Customs coordination, clearance status |
| 10 | Pre‑arrival call | VANonsite | Lift window reconfirmed | 60–90 min call with updated ETA |
| 11 | Arrival, access and placement | VANonsite | Door legend, room codes | Room‑by‑room placement, White Glove assembly if booked |
| 12 | Condition walk‑through and aftercare | You + VANonsite | Sign‑off, meter photos | Debris clear‑down, aftercare and claims window info |
Notification cadence
- Collection confirmed with ETA window
- Border crossed update
- 90‑minute pre‑arrival call or message
- Final placement photo on request
On‑the‑day checklist
- First‑night kit, chargers, meds, kettle box, tool kit
- Printed or digital door legend and room codes
- Parking permit or concierge reference handy
- Small change or app ready for local parking if required
Aftercare
We leave common areas clean, remove packing debris when White Glove is booked, and share a simple channel for any follow‑ups. Keep your inventory and delivery note for insurance records.
Cost of moving to Portugal – pricing signals and savings
Position this as guidance; exact quotes depend on volume, access, route, and season.
Cost drivers
- Volume in m³ and weight
- Access: stairs, long carries, narrow streets, distant parking
- Service level: part‑load vs direct, packing, White Glove
- Special handling: pianos, art, custom crating
- Routing efficiency and delivery window flexibility
What you typically pay for
- Door to door transport with GPS tracking
- Standard goods cover and customs guidance
- Loading and unloading with floor protection
Smart savings
- Choose shared part‑load and be flexible on dates
- Reuse clean boxes; DIY non‑fragile packing
- Share access photos early to avoid shuttle costs
- Book off‑peak where possible
Internal links for pricing context
- Portugal hub: https://vanonsite.com/removals-to-portugal/
- House moves: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/house-removals-to-portugal/
- Part loads: https://vanonsite.com/portugal-removals/part-load-removals-to-portugal/
FAQs – quick, trustworthy answers
- How long does it take door to door? Part‑load usually 4 to 8 days once collected; direct van often 2 to 4 days.
- How much does it cost to move to Portugal? It depends on volume, access, season, and service. As guidance: 5–10 m³ part‑load often sits in the lower four‑figure range in GBP/EUR; 12–20 m³ in the mid four‑figure range; 25–40+ m³ can reach upper four‑figure to low five‑figure totals, especially with packing, shuttles, or crating. Share photos and an itemised inventory for precise numbers.
- What paperwork do I need? Keep a passport, proof of move, a clean inventory with fair second‑hand values, and your NIF. If advised, add a consular Certificado de Bagagem. Use official portals: AIMA (residency), ePortugal (NIF), Portal das Finanças (tax/customs).
- Do I need a NIF before shipping? Strongly recommended. It speeds admin and avoids last‑minute questions. Start here: ePortugal → https://eportugal.gov.pt/
- Can I track my shipment? Yes. Every consignment has live GPS with proactive ETAs you can share.
- Which van size fits a 2 bed flat? Usually 15 m³. If between sizes, choose 30 m³ for safer stacking and fewer shifts.
- What is the cheapest way to move my belongings? Reduce volume, choose part‑load/groupage, reuse clean boxes, DIY non‑fragile packing, and be flexible on dates. Share access photos early to avoid shuttles.
- Are there items I cannot ship? Do not pack paints, fuels, aerosols, fireworks, hazardous chemicals, perishables, or open food. Certain plants and large quantities of new goods can be restricted. See our Allowed vs restricted table above.
- Can you handle pianos, artwork, or antiques? Yes. We use custom crating, corner guards, breathable wraps, and White Glove placement.
- Do you offer storage? Yes. Short transit storage and longer stays with staged delivery are available.
- How far in advance should I book? For part‑load, book 2–4 weeks ahead for best windows. For fixed dates or summer peaks, earlier is better.
- Can you move pets too? We move the household; for live animals, follow DGAV rules on microchip, rabies vaccine, and documents → https://www.dgav.pt/vaiviajar/conteudo/animais-de-companhia/
- What about insurance? Your quote includes standard cover. Declare realistic second‑hand values on your inventory and keep receipts for high‑value items. Ask your coordinator for policy details and the claims window.
- What if access is very tight? We plan shuttle vans, service‑lift bookings, or a furniture hoist where allowed. Early photos and measurements keep ETAs honest.
Summary
Moving to Portugal becomes simple when you follow a clear sequence. Start on the official portals, secure your NIF, and build a clean, plain‑English inventory with fair second‑hand values. Choose transport that matches your plan: part load for value and flexible windows or a direct van for fixed dates and speed. Right size your vehicle from 5 to 90 m³, plan city access with photos, permits, and lift bookings, then pack smart with double‑walled boxes, TV crates, and labelled room codes.
On the road you get live GPS and proactive ETAs; at delivery you get room‑by‑room placement and optional White Glove assembly with debris removal. Timings are typically 4–8 days for shared runs and 2–4 days for exclusive vans. Cost depends on volume, access, service level, and season, with easy savings from flexible dates, DIY non‑fragile packing, and sharing route space. Follow the 12‑step run‑of‑show from video survey to sign‑off and keep all confirmations in one cloud folder so every checkpoint moves fast.
