Moving and Shipping Your Household to Portugal

Updated June 2026

Did you know that more and more Americans are packing up and moving to Portugal? It’s true! Recent data shows that tens of thousands of American expats are now living the dream in Portugal, with official registrations exceeding 20,000 in recent years and the total number continuing to rise rapidly in 2026. And it’s not just working professionals, many retirees are making the move too. So what’s the draw? It could be for work, family ties, or the irresistible combination of beautiful coastal living, charming historic cities, stunning architecture, a relaxed Mediterranean lifestyle, and a cost of living that’s significantly easier on the wallet than many U.S. cities. It’s no wonder so many people are choosing Portugal as their new home!

This guide is for Americans shipping household goods and personal effects from the USA to Portugal, whether you’re moving a full home, a partial household, or including specialty items such as vehicles, pianos, or fine art.

Making the move to Portugal sounds exciting! But is it really that easy to make it happen? The good news is, yes, it can be! Just make sure you do your research, have made a solid decision, and are working with a trusted international shipping company. That’s where SDC comes in. SDC International Shipping is an experienced and reputable moving company to Portugal that will be there for you every step of the way as you relocate from any U.S. state.

What to Look for in a Top-Tier Door-to-Door Moving Company to Portugal

Expertise and Experience

This is obvious. The company you work with should be very experienced and have all the expertise necessary to navigate all the elements that come along with completing a trouble-free shipment from the USA to Portugal. Failure to work with a company that is truly knowledgeable and experienced can result in rather unpleasant, negative outcomes. SDC International Shipping has been moving household goods and personal effects to Portugal for our clients for over 20 years. We understand the specific customs processes, port logistics, and documentation requirements that make moves to Portugal successful, whether you are relocating from Seattle, New York, Miami, or anywhere across the United States.

A Dedicated Support Team Working with You from Start to Finish

Shipping household goods and personal effects to Portugal from the USA is often confused as being “simple”. If all your T’s are crossed, I’s dotted and you are working with a very experienced shipping company, it can be. From door to door, including navigating customs in Portugal, SDC International Shipping guides you every step of the way. We stay in communication and advise you on the paperwork and documents we need to make sure we clear customs at the port of entry in Portugal. Further, we deliver to your new residence (or delivery location). Our dedicated internal team remains your single point of contact throughout the entire moving process, providing updates, answering questions, and handling any unexpected situations so you can focus on your new life in Portugal.

Online Reviews

Online reviews are an important and effective way to better understand the sort of company with whom you are considering working. It is our advice to only work with companies who have 4+ star ratings. Consistent positive feedback about communication, on-time delivery, careful handling of household goods, and smooth customs clearance is a strong indicator of a reliable partner for your move to Portugal.

Visual Survey and Question and Answer Meeting

In order to accurately quote a client, it is critical for any moving company to thoroughly understand both the volume of items being shipped, as well as any other important considerations. To do this, a virtual or in-person visual survey, conducted by an experienced shipper and estimator, is usually necessary. This critical step ensures that the quotation is based on the actual volume estimate as well as all of the client’s needs, including any specialty items, vehicles to be shipped in containers alongside household goods, or fragile belongings that require extra care during your move to Portugal.

Things to Watch Out for When Choosing a Shipping Company

Are You Working with a Genuine International Moving Company? (Caution)

Be careful when choosing a moving company! There are some companies out there that pretend to be movers, but they’re actually just brokers. They may seem trustworthy and specialize in moves to Portugal, but in reality, they just book your move with the cheapest third-party mover they can find. Don’t fall for that trap! Make sure you choose a company that’s actually a true international moving company, not just a broker posing as one. To avoid any headaches, do your research and choose a reputable and experienced mover like SDC. Your peace of mind is worth it! Working directly with an established moving company ensures accountability, quality control, and consistent communication from start to finish.

Bait and Switch (Low-Ball Quotes) (Caution)

This is just as it sounds. Beware of the very low quote. Have you ever seen a new car advertised as “starting as low as…”? Does that mean the steering wheel, transmission, and tires will cost extra? Kidding aside, the “bait and switch” or “low-ball quote” is a real thing; and you should understand it. SDC has been at this for a long time, and we know that too often the lowest quoted price may ultimately end up as the costliest. It may be a red flag when a shipping company quickly provides a quote, often a lower quote than others, but didn’t take time to understand all the inventory, let alone the client’s needs. Those “surprise” costs add up!

At SDC we strive to thoroughly understand all your needs and expectations. From there, we provide a clear, professional quotation that is as low as our many years of experience, shipping relationships, and efficiencies allow. This transparent approach helps families and individuals moving from any U.S. state avoid unexpected expenses during their relocation to Portugal.

Up-Front Deposits (Caution)

Beware of any company that requires an up-front deposit. A credit card authorization (as security) is fine, but an actual deposit could be a red flag. SDC International Shipping does not require up-front deposits, nor do we charge a credit card up-front, for 99% or more of our jobs. This policy reflects our confidence in the quality of service we provide for every relocation project.

Consistently Poor Online Reviews (Caution)

Just as you should look for a shipping company that has outstanding online reviews, the opposite is obviously just as important. Look to Yelp and Google to understand what others have to say about the company you are considering.

• See SDC International Shipping Reviews on Yelp
• See SDC International Shipping Google Reviews

Lack of a Professional, Comprehensive Quote (Caution)

SDC will provide a comprehensive, professional proposal for your shipment to Portugal. This will spell out precisely what service is being quoted (door to door, door to port, port to port, etc.). Further, all elements which are included, as well as any which are not included, will be clearly stated. Be very cautious of any outfit that does not provide such a proposal!

Top Relocation Destinations in Portugal

Every country has cities with a large expat population. When it comes to Portugal, the major destinations are:

• Lisbon – vibrant capital with rich history and modern amenities
• Porto – known for its wine, architecture, and friendly atmosphere
• Coimbra – a historic university city with a youthful energy
• Sintra – fairy-tale palaces and lush mountains just outside Lisbon
• Óbidos – charming medieval walled town perfect for a quieter lifestyle
• Alcobaça & Batalha – stunning monasteries and peaceful surroundings
• Évora – UNESCO site with Roman ruins and excellent food and wine
• Cascais – beautiful coastal town with beaches and upscale living
• Lagos and Aveiro – scenic Algarve and canal-filled “Venice of Portugal” vibes

The SDC Shipping Process

SDC International Shipping takes extra time to fully understand our client’s needs. This helps to reduce or even eliminate “surprise” charges and other potential troubles. From there, the process, depending on the desired level of service (door to door, door to port, port to door, port to port, air freight, etc.) is handled by SDC from your point of origin all the way to your desired destination. Here is an example of a full household move using ocean shipping from door to door, including full professional packing, wrapping, and protecting of all household goods.

1. Visual Survey: We conduct a visual survey to get to know each other better and for SDC to understand the client’s needs and inventory. This is also an opportunity to answer any questions the client may have. Sometimes a visual survey isn’t possible; in that case, we use pictures or agree on an amount and service. For most door-to-door household goods shipments, a visual survey is an important part of the process.
2. Professional Quotation: After the survey is complete and analyzed professionally, SDC will provide a professional quotation. This quote will clearly explain all elements of the move that are included as well as those which are not.
3. Order for Service: The next step is for your SDC Relocation Specialist to provide an Order for Service. This is the actionable booking document that initiates the shipping process and clearly spells out not only the price but also all details.
4. Internal Support and Logistics Team: Once your job is booked, an internal Support Expert for Portugal is assigned. This Specialist will provide constant communication and guidance, request the proper documents, and stay with you from start through finish.
5. Packing, Wrapping, and Pick-Up: Sometimes packing and pick-up are done on the same day. For larger and more complex jobs, professional packing, wrapping, protecting, and prepping could take one to three days prior to the actual pick-up and loading.
6. Shipping: The next step is to ship your household inventory, typically in secure ocean containers for the best protection.
7. Customs: Unless otherwise requested, SDC will clear customs at the destination port of entry. Long before this point, your SDC Specialist will have taken care of all necessary paperwork so that clearing customs at the destination port should go smoothly.
8. Final Delivery: Unless otherwise requested, SDC then delivers your household goods to your destination residence. All furniture is reassembled (if applicable), unwrapped, and placed where you would like it. All boxes are delivered to the room or area of your home that you wish. We then clean up all packaging and depart.

Necessary Documents

SDC International Shipping’s Logistics and Support Team works with you and helps with the documents necessary to ship your household goods, clear customs, and deliver to your residence in Portugal.

What Can’t I Ship from the US to Portugal with My Household Goods?

Attempting to ship a prohibited item into Portugal can derail your plans, or worse. Keep in mind that some items are banned outright (such as illegal drugs), while others may only be “restricted” and require prior approval for import. Please consult SDC International Shipping for specific information regarding what can, may, and cannot be shipped as part of your household goods shipment to Portugal.

Restricted or Prohibited Items

• Pornographic objects
• Systems for copying Portuguese mail stamps
• Essences for regional wine
• Counterfeit drugs
• Firearms
• Cut and thrust weapons
• Any war instrument without a specific application
• Roulette or any other game of hazard
• Gold bars
• Loose gems
• Cash over $10,000 USD equivalent
• Apes and monkeys
• Alcoholic beverages
• Narcotics and drugs
• Foodstuff

For more information: Customs Regulations: Portugal (FIDI Guide)

Packing and Protecting Your Household Goods

• Standard Service (protecting your larger items and furniture) – SDC International Shipping, by default, will wrap and protect all of your furniture items. This would include items that would not normally be boxed: desks, sofas, dining tables, credenzas, beds, etc. All furniture items will be protected to ensure transit from door to door with complete protection.
• Special Enhanced Protection for Delicate and Specialty Items – SDC will always provide the appropriate level of protection for your different inventory items. Items such as glass and marble tops, statues, and glass china cabinets will receive enhanced protection for the shipment. At SDC, our mandate is to do everything in our power to ensure your items arrive in the exact same condition in which they left.
• Packing of Boxes – There are basically 3 options when it comes to packing your boxes.

1. Full Professional Packing Service by SDC – The client may elect to have SDC professionally pack all boxes, or only some of them, and create a professional inventory list. This is often helpful with customs at the port of entry in Portugal.
2. Self-Pack – Alternatively, the client may elect to self-pack (or partially self-pack) boxes for the shipment. In this case, it is important to create an inventory list. SDC will help.
3. Hybrid – The client self-packs most boxes but leaves some delicate items to be packed by SDC. For example, the client packs most boxes but would like SDC to pack framed wall art, TVs, and fine china. This is a common arrangement.

• Framed Art – SDC can pack framed wall art for clients. Options range from standard wrapping and boxing, to acid-free wrapping and soft crating, all the way up to creating full custom hard crates for fine art.
• White Glove Service – If needed, SDC’s teams of expert packers and unpackers are happy to provide full white-glove service.

Art, Pianos, Billiard Tables, Sculptures

When shipping your piano, billiard table, fine art, and other specialty or collectible items, they must be handled properly by an experienced, knowledgeable, and capable shipping and relocation company. If you need to ship a musical instrument, oil painting, a pool table, collectible pinball machines, or any other high-value specialty item, our team has the knowledge, experience, skills, and equipment to handle any specialty shipment, door to door. We ensure these valuable items receive the care they deserve throughout the journey from the United States to Portugal.

Shipping Your Household Goods to Portugal by Ocean or by Air

Household shipments to destinations outside North America are usually shipped by ocean freight, which is the more economical mode. The downside is that the total transit time is longer. SDC is an expert in both shipping by air and shipping by ocean. Often, a combination of both may be utilized. Ocean freight in secure containers is typically the most practical choice for full household moves, including vehicles shipped together with your personal belongings for added protection and efficiency.

Shipping Your Car to Portugal

Moving your car from the US to Portugal is something we’ve helped many clients with. We have a team of expert personnel who know the process well and can ship your vehicle as part of your household goods shipment to Portugal. Vehicles are shipped in containers alongside your household goods for maximum security and efficiency.

• Required Documentation Includes:
  • Original title
  • Bill of sale (if applicable)
  • EIN or Passport

More on shipping your car internationally

Importing Your Motorcycle

Your shipping representative will advise you on the safest way to get your bike to the port during each stage of the process. Please speak with your SDC coordinator directly for current motorcycle import requirements and procedures for Portugal, as requirements can vary based on your specific situation.

Pet Relocations

We do not offer pet shipping services ourselves, but we can point you in the right direction to trusted specialists who handle pet relocation safely and compliantly. There are specific criteria and requirements to import your pet to Portugal, including ensuring all forms, health certificates, and vaccination records are submitted before travel.

Maritime Insurance

SDC International Shipping offers both Total Loss and Full Coverage insurance options which cover your possessions from door to door. Please contact SDC International Shipping at 877-339-0267 for details.

More on SDC maritime insurance

Healthcare

Can US Citizens Get Healthcare in Portugal?

Please note: Portugal does not offer free medical treatment to visitors, and under European Union rules non-EU citizens are required to have travel medical insurance covering emergency medical, hospitalization, and repatriation. All permanent residents of Portugal are eligible to enroll in the National Health System. However, this does not mean that long-term visa holders will receive care automatically upon arrival. As of 2026, private health insurance remains essential during the initial residency period while you complete enrollment.

What You Need to Know About the Application Process

The first step towards gaining health insurance for foreigners in Portugal is to have health insurance! It sounds like circular logic, but in order to get a residence or work visa, would-be expats must demonstrate that they carry private health insurance. The same applies to students who are not from the EU. The process of obtaining a residence permit can be expedited by visiting a local Junta de Freguesia or Parish Council office. They will issue a certificate confirming you have more than 90 days of residency in Portugal.

The next step for expats is to obtain a Portuguese número de contribuinte, the equivalent of a social security number. Employers usually do this on behalf of their employees, but self-employed individuals will need to do it on their own.

With your SS number and residency permit in hand, you head to your local health services center. Once there, you fill out an application and receive your healthcare card, necessary for accessing the public healthcare system.

Benefits of a Private Global Health Insurance Plan

While English is widespread in Portugal, there is no guarantee that an expat seeking care through the public healthcare system will have an English-speaking doctor or nurse. But by using private health insurance, an expat in need is all but guaranteed access to bilingual and multilingual staff members. Plus, private healthcare facilities are more comfortable, with a greater emphasis on patient privacy, rest, and recuperation. Many Americans moving to Portugal choose a combination of public enrollment once eligible and supplemental private coverage for faster access and broader options.

Ready to Move to Portugal?

Moving and shipping your household to Portugal can be a significant undertaking, but with proper planning, knowledge, and the support of reputable shipping professionals, it becomes a manageable and exciting process. Remember to stay organized, communicate with your chosen shipping company, and take advantage of the resources available to ensure a successful and stress-free relocation. SDC International Shipping serves clients from all 50 U.S. states and is here to help you every step of the way.

As you embark on this new chapter of your life in Portugal, may your journey be filled with excitement, discovery, and the joy of starting anew. Contact our team today at 877-339-0267 to discuss your move and receive a personalized plan tailored to your needs.