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Portugal Removals

Ready to make a big move to Portugal?

Moving to Portugal? Bennett’s Removals & Storage makes it simple. We handle packing, transport, and delivery with care. Whether you’re relocating for work, retirement, or a fresh start, our expert team ensures a smooth move.

Trust us for a stress-free experience. Contact us today for reliable Portugal removals and start your new journey with confidence!

Important Insights

Portugal flag

Moving To Portugal From The UK

Time Zone:

WET3 (UTC0) – Summer (DST) WEST (UTC+1)

Currency:Euro (€) (EUR)
Calling Code:351

Why moved to Portugal from the UK

Portugal offers sunshine, a lower cost of living, and a relaxed lifestyle. Many Brits enjoy its warm climate, friendly people, and delicious food. The country has great healthcare and a slower pace of life. Whether for work, retirement, or adventure, it’s a fantastic choice. Bennett’s Removals & Storage makes moving easy and stress-free!

Moving To Portugal From The UK

Relocation to Portugal

If you’re relocating to Portugal, whether to Lisbon, Porto, or Faro, Bennetts Removals & Storage is here to help. With expert knowledge and years of experience, we customise each move to suit your needs. Let our team handle the details, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free transition to your new home.

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How to Import Your Personal Belongings to Portugal

Portugal is part of the EU, while the UK is no longer a member, meaning different rules now apply when moving goods. All shipments from the UK to the EU must go through customs clearance.

You’ll need to provide the right paperwork. Your local Bennetts office can guide you, but it’s essential to prepare in advance to prevent delays or extra fees.

Portugal Customs Restrictions: Forbidden and Limited Items

When importing goods, it’s important to avoid bringing in the following items, as they may be prohibited or restricted by customs regulations:

  1. Firearms & Ammunition – These require special licences and are heavily regulated.
  2. Inflammable Goods & Substances – Dangerous chemicals or materials that pose a fire hazard.
  3. Plants & Plant Material – Could carry pests or diseases harmful to local ecosystems.
  4. Foodstuffs (Perishables or Otherwise) – Some food items are restricted to prevent disease transmission.
  5. Narcotics & Dangerous Goods – Illegal substances or items classified as hazardous materials.
  6. Offensive Materials – Content deemed offensive or inappropriate according to local laws.
  7. Alcohol & Tobacco – Subject to import duties, taxes, and restrictions, often with limits on quantity.

Ensuring that none of these items are included in your shipment can help you avoid legal trouble and ensure a smooth import process.

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Estimated Transit Times to Portugal

Transit times can vary depending on the chosen method of transport, the size of your consignment, and the final destination. On average, you can expect delivery to take between two to four weeks. Bennetts will provide you with an update once this information has been confirmed.

Keeping Your Items Safe During Transport to Portugal

All shared load consignments will be barcoded prior to loading into the vehicle. This process guarantees that no items are left behind at the origin.

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Pet Relocation to Portugal

Bennetts can recommend a specialised pet shipping service to help you transport your family pet(s) from one home to another. They will manage all required documentation and veterinary procedures.

Find out more about pet transport.

Import Motor Vehicles to France

Import Motor Vehicles to Portugal

If you’re relocating permanently to Portugal, you might be eligible to import your vehicle without paying taxes, as long as you have owned the car for at least 12 months before importing it. Additionally, you will need to submit an application to import your car once you’re in Portugal.

Moving to Portugal with Bennetts

Move to Portugal with Bennetts – Portugal is a popular destination for UK residents, and Bennetts has an extensive network of local removal experts to ensure a hassle-free move. Bennetts operates a regular service to Portugal every two weeks. We offer computer tracking and barcoding for groupage consignments, guaranteeing a safe and reliable removal service.

Packing & Delivery – Our skilled packers can carefully pack and wrap all your belongings to ensure they are safely transported. If you opt for a full door-to-door service, Bennetts will deliver your items to your new home. We can then unpack your furniture and place your moving boxes on a flat surface, and remove all used packing materials from the site.

Additional Moving Services – Bennetts Movers International offers a range of additional services when moving to Portugal. We are authorised to provide comprehensive marine insurance cover, can arrange international storage before delivery, offer advice on the most convenient way to transfer your money, and can also assist with your pet transport.

If you’re considering a move to Portugal, request a quote and find out more about our European removal services.

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Settling Down in Portugal

Although not as widely known among tourists as Spain or France, Portugal is an incredibly appealing destination for expats. The Mediterranean country’s expansive sandy beaches, scenic mountainous regions in the north, breathtaking valleys, and long, sunny summers offer an exceptional quality of life. Its beautiful architecture and rich cultural heritage provide plenty of exciting experiences for those seeking a more relaxed and alternative lifestyle. For those who prefer city living, Lisbon is an excellent choice. As one of Europe’s economic hubs, it also boasts a vibrant cultural scene.

Situated in southwestern Europe, Portugal is bordered by Spain and the Atlantic Ocean. It also includes the Madeira Islands and the Azores, which are part of the country. Portugal is a developed nation with a strong economy, a high standard of living, and is ranked among the most peaceful countries globally. The country is culturally diverse, with rural areas maintaining traditional lifestyles and metropolitan cities such as Faro and Lisbon offering modern urban living. Portugal also has a robust public education system and universal healthcare.

While Portugal may not have the same economic strength as France or Germany, it remains an outstanding destination for tourists and expats, with a rich history and a culture that warmly embraces foreigners. Living costs are generally lower than in many Western European nations, and the country is home to thousands of stunning locations. If you’re looking for a slightly different lifestyle, Portugal offers a wonderful place to live.

Navigating Job Opportunities in Portugal

Expats searching for employment opportunities in Portugal will face stiff competition, not only from local Portuguese citizens but also from fellow immigrants. However, specific skill shortages persist in certain sectors, which means if you have expertise in these areas, you may find it easier to land the right job.

Portugal’s major industries include tourism, textiles, hospitality, construction, and electronics. Many global corporations have set up shop in the country, with their regional headquarters located in the key cities.

According to data from Numbeo, the average after-tax salary in Portugal is €1,098, which is significantly lower than the average UK monthly salary of €2,850. However, due to Portugal’s relatively lower cost of living, expats often find that their earnings can still provide them with a comfortable lifestyle.

Education in Portugal

Portugal offers free public schooling for both Portuguese citizens and foreign nationals. Children between the ages of six and 15 must complete basic education, referred to as Ensino Básico. Once this stage is completed, students move on to Ensino Secundário, where they select a focus area for higher education, such as sciences, humanities, or the arts.

Enrolling in a public school means lessons will be taught in Portuguese. This can be a challenge for expat families, so choosing the right educational path is crucial. While adapting to a new language takes time, attending a state school may help children learn Portuguese more quickly. Some concerns have been raised in the past regarding the state education system, but recent government efforts aim to improve conditions and minimise teacher strikes.

For families seeking alternatives, international schools provide another route. Many of these institutions are concentrated in Lisbon and the Algarve, offering lessons in different languages. These schools often follow various curriculums, including national programmes or internationally recognised qualifications like the International Baccalaureate.

Exploring the Cost of Living in Portugal

Living costs in Portugal are significantly more affordable than in the UK, with everyday expenses nearly 30% lower, excluding rent. Rental prices are also cheaper, averaging around 24% less than in the UK.

For a better idea of daily expenses, take a look at the typical costs of commonly purchased items in Portugal. Prices are listed in Euros, with UK pound conversions provided alongside UK prices to help compare living expenses more easily.

ItemPrice in PortugalPrice in UK
Milk (1l)€0.93
£0.79
€1.47
£1.24
Loaf of white bread€1.36
£1.15
€1.44
£1.22
Eggs (12)€2.75
£2.33
€3.47
£2.94
Bananas (1kg)€1.27
£1.07
€1.37
£1.16
Chicken breasts (1kg)€6.87
£5.81
€7.84
£6.63
Bottle of water (1.5l)€0.69
£0.58
€1.27
£1.08
Pair of quality jeans€76.62
£64.86
€75.10
£63.58
Chain store dress€34.00
£28.78
€37.36
£31.63
Mid-range trainers€75.74
£64.12
€88.06
£74.55
Cinema ticket€7.50
£6.35
€11.81
£10.00
Fitness Club Fees (1 month)€36.95
£31.28
€38.86
£32.90

 

Surprising Insights into Portugal

Portugal’s capital, Lisbon, is famously called the city of seven hills. This vibrant destination is home to the Vasco da Gama Bridge, which holds the title of Europe’s longest and ranks ninth worldwide.

Trams remain a classic mode of public transport in Lisbon, with the bright yellow ones standing out as a symbol of the city. Visitors often admire these iconic trams as they navigate the charming streets.

At the westernmost edge of mainland Europe, Cape Roca offers breathtaking coastal views. Meanwhile, Alfama, Lisbon’s oldest district, is a medieval maze of whitewashed homes, winding staircases, and narrow alleys, reflecting the city’s deep-rooted history.

French Public Holidays

There are a total of 15 public holidays in Portugal, with some additional days celebrated in in specific regions. The public holidays for continental Portugal are:

  • Municipal holiday – moveable
  • New Year’s Day – 1st January
  • Carnival – Shrove Tuesday
  • Good Friday – Spring
  • Easter Sunday – Spring
  • Freedom Day – 25th April
  • Labour Day – 1st May
  • Corpus Christi – 60 days after Easter Sunday
  • Portugal Day – 10th June
  • Assumption Day – 15th August
  • Republic Day – 5th October
  • All Saints Day – 1st November
  • Restoration of Independence – 1st December
  • Immaculate Conception – 8th December
  • Christmas Day – 25th December
Why Choose Bennetts Removals for your France Relocation

Considering a move to Portugal? Get in touch to learn more about our Portugal removal services or to request a quote. Call us on 01143520552 or email info@bennettsremovals.com, and our team will be delighted to assist with your international relocation.