Published
October 16th, 2023
Written By
Silvia Mio
Silvia is a Relocation Consultant based in our Middle East service hub in Dubai, UAE.
Silvia moved from Italy to Dubai in 2014, and after working in the aviation industry has joined Crown Relocation UAE. Over the years with Crown, Silvia has helped customers planning their moves to the most diverse destinations across the globe.
Are you planning an international relocation from the UAE to Portugal?
Moving to a new country demands careful planning and thorough preparations. In this article, Silvia Mio, Sales Advisor at Crown Relocation, shares valuable insights to answer five frequently asked questions about relocating to Portugal.
From transit times to customs duties and shipping vehicles, we've got you covered.
1. Transit Times for Sea Shipments to Portugal
Plan for a delivery timeframe of 7 to 9 weeks for your shipment to reach your new home. When relocating from Dubai or Abu Dhabi, our team will arrange shipping to either Lisbon or Leixões, based on your ultimate destination.
The door-to-door transit times include:
- Time at sea: the sailing to Lisbon takes 32-35 days, and 35-45 days to Leixões port
- 3 to 5 working days in the UAE and 7 working days in Portugal for customs clearance.
- Loading, unloading, and final delivery.
2. Door-to-Door Quotations – Avoiding Surprises
At Crown Relocations, we aim to provide comprehensive quotations for international moves. However, it's essential to consider potential additional costs at the destination; some common examples include:
- Demurrage: The shipping lines only provide five calendar days of free time at the destination, whereas it takes, on average, seven working days to customs clear shipments. This means that there are always additional charges for demurrage for shipments to Portugal.
- Historical Cities, Rural and Mountainous areas: May have access limitations for large vehicles and shipping containers, which means an additional shuttle vehicle to transport items is required.
- Major Cities: Delivery access often requires a parking permit issued by the local Town Hall.
- Apartment Blocks: May have limited or unsuitable lift access or narrow stairwells that require the hire of an external elevator.
- Large/Heavy Furniture: Consider whether items will fit in your new home and be easily manoeuvred, particularly upstairs. If items need to be dismantled and reassembled or hoisted through upstairs windows, this will attract additional costs.
If you have a final delivery address at the time of enquiry, your dedicated Move Manager will work with you to discuss the details and provide tailored solutions to avoid surprises or unnecessary additional expenses.
3. Customs Duties on Household Goods
You may qualify for exemption from Portuguese customs duties and taxes on your household goods and vehicles if they are for personal use (i.e. not in commercial quantities) and meet the specific requirement. You will need to have:
- Used your goods for a minimum of 6 months
- Transferred your primary residence to Portugal
- Registered in the country before your shipment arrives.
- Received your goods no later than 6 months from the date of obtaining your Luggage Certificate and your Residence Certificate.
After packing, it is necessary to visit to the Embassy of Portugal before you leave the UAE to obtain your Original Luggage Certificate/Certificado de Bagagem - this document must mention that you have lived outside of the EU for more than 12 months.
Important note: You'll need to cancel your UAE visa and present the original packing list to support your application for the Luggage Certificate.
After arriving in Portugal, you should obtain your Residence Certificate/Atestado de residencia from the City Hall (Junta de Freguesia).
Important note: Your permanent address stated on your residence certificate needs to be the same on your Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF).
Customs duties and taxes will apply if Portugal is your secondary residence or if you ship new items/vehicles owned for less than six months.
4. Sending Furniture and Personal Items to a Secondary Residence
If you want to send small quantities of furniture and personal effects to a second property in Portugal, Crown Relocations offers a regular EU Shared Container Service via Rotterdam or Antwerp. This cost-effective solution is ideal for those with a secondary residence in Portugal.
Find out more about the service here.
Find out more about the service here.
5. Shipping Vehicles to Portugal
It is possible to ship a car and/or motorbike, along with your household goods, to Portugal. However, the vehicles and personal effects should have the same owner and be listed on the Original Luggage Certificate/Certificado de Bagagem.
Crown Relocations can assist with arranging transportation, customs clearance, handover, and delivery. You will be responsible for mandatory insurance, technical inspection, and registration of the vehicle in Portugal.
Ready to move?
Relocating your household goods from the UAE to Portugal may seem daunting, but with proper planning and the assistance of Crown Relocations, the process can be smooth and hassle-free.
Our expert team of Move Managers are ready to guide you through each step, ensuring a seamless transition to your new home in Portugal. Contact us today for personalized assistance and a door-to-door moving quote without any surprises or hidden costs.
Call us on +971 4 230 5300