Moving to Portugal from the USA

Portugal draws Americans relocating for work, retirement, or investment opportunities like the Golden Visa program, thanks to its coastlines, affordability relative to other Western European countries, and welcoming expat communities in cities like Lisbon and Porto. As part of our international household moving services, SDC International Shipping handles packing, shipping, and customs clearance for households relocating to Portugal, including moves as far as Terceira in the Azores.

Shipping Household Goods to Portugal

You can ship a wide range of items to Portugal, from furniture and books to kitchenware and gardening tools, by ocean freight. A few rules are worth planning around before you ship:

• You generally need to be present in Portugal to receive your shipment.
• Household items should arrive within 90 days of your own arrival to avoid additional storage fees and stay within customs timing rules.
• Sending items in multiple shipments requires a special permit, which is worth arranging in advance rather than after the fact.
• Each shipment needs its own detailed inventory, and shipments originating from different locations require separate inventories.
• Shipments must clear through a single customs port, which simplifies coordination and generally speeds up processing.

Certain items, including specific food products, plants, and firearms, may require special permissions or be restricted outright. We advise on these specifics as part of planning your shipment.

Cost of Moving to Portugal

Cost depends on shipping method, distance, and shipment type. Shipments from the East Coast are generally less expensive than those from the West Coast due to shorter sailing distances, and rates can shift with the season. Consolidated shipping is often more affordable than a dedicated container for smaller moves. We provide a personalized, transparent quote rather than a flat estimate, accounting for volume, weight, and any special handling your shipment needs.

Shipping a Vehicle to Portugal

We ship vehicles in the same container as household goods rather than as a standalone service, which protects the car and lets you consolidate everything into one shipment. Before importing a vehicle to Portugal:

• The vehicle generally needs to have been in your possession for at least six months before import to establish eligibility for duty exemptions.
• Duties and taxes vary by vehicle type, make, model, and engine size, and electric or hybrid vehicles may qualify for reduced rates.
• Required documents typically include registration, title, an international driver’s license, proof of insurance, the purchase invoice, passport, and a valid visa.

As with household goods, shipping a vehicle from the East Coast is generally less expensive than the West Coast, and combining a vehicle with household goods in one container is usually more economical than separate shipments. We do not offer pet shipping directly, but can point you toward reliable providers who specialize in it.

Pickup Locations in the USA

Once your move is scheduled, we coordinate pickup and transport to a nearby storage facility, or you can deliver directly to one of our warehouses to reduce ground transport costs. We operate hubs in California, New Jersey, New York, Texas, Georgia, and Florida, giving most clients a reasonably close option regardless of where they’re shipping from.

Specialized Services

Beyond standard household shipping, we handle piano shipping with custom crating and climate-controlled containers, and artwork shipping using museum-quality packing for paintings, sculpture, and other valuables. Our team also handles customs paperwork directly, and international moving insurance is available to cover your shipment against loss or damage in transit.

Popular Destinations for Americans in Portugal

Lisbon, Braga, Madeira, Ponta Delgada, Aveiro, Coimbra, and Portimão each draw American expats for different reasons: Lisbon for its tech scene and young professional community, and the Algarve region, including Portimão, for retirees drawn to beaches and golf. Sea freight shipments typically arrive at major ports including Leixões, Lisbon, Porto, and Sines. Air freight arrives at one of three airports: Lisbon, Faro, or Porto, chosen based on proximity to your new residence.

Immigration and Visa Considerations

Portugal’s immigration rules, including Golden Visa eligibility, D7 visa requirements, family reunification timelines, and citizenship wait periods, have changed substantially in recent years and continue to evolve. This is a legal matter outside our area of expertise, so rather than repeat details that may already be outdated, we recommend confirming current requirements directly with Portugal’s official immigration authority or a qualified immigration attorney before finalizing your relocation timeline. We’re glad to coordinate your shipping schedule around whatever visa timeline you’re working with.

Preparing for Your Move

Start by creating a detailed inventory and deciding what to ship, sell, or donate. Alcohol, tobacco, and electronics can incur duties, so it is worth checking current Portuguese customs rules for anything unusual in your shipment. Portugal’s mild climate means most clients bring less heavy winter gear than they expect to need, and families should look into international schools and healthcare options well before their shipment date.

“We used this removal company twice and every time we were satisfied. They moved our three-bedroom apartment in less than 5 hours. Our items arrived in 5 weeks, and the unpacking team did an amazing job putting things where we wanted them to be. We fully recommend that you use this company.” (Billy F.)

“SDC International Shipping moved us out of New York to Lisbon. We really appreciate the advice on paperwork for importing our things. We were a bit clingy with asking too many questions, and they were always ready to respond. A crew that came to pack and pick up things was efficient and courteous. Nothing was damaged. Thank you, SDC!” (Kristina A.)

Call 877-339-0267 or request a quote to talk through your move to Portugal.