Portugal Customs Guide Household Goods, Vehicles, Pets & Restricted Items

Important: This Portugal customs guide supports individuals and families planning international moving, overseas relocation or import of household goods into Portugal. As an EU member, Portugal applies European customs rules together with national regulations for personal effects, vehicles, pets and restricted goods.

Home To Home Relocations assists clients across Toronto, the GTA and Ontario with international moves to Portugal, including export packing, sea and air freight, customs coordination and final delivery to Lisbon, Porto, Faro, Coimbra, Braga and other regions.

1. Moving to Portugal – Key Customs Overview

1.1 Duty-Free Import of Household Goods

Portugal permits the duty-free import of used household goods and personal effects when you transfer your normal residence, provided:

You are taking up residence in Portugal
Goods have been owned and used abroad for at least 6 months
Items are for personal use and not for resale
Your shipment arrives within 12 months of your relocation date

Important: New or unused goods, or items in original packaging, may be subject to VAT and customs duties.

1.2 EU vs Non-EU Shipments

From EU countries: No customs duties for used personal belongings
From non-EU (e.g., Canada): Full customs declaration and supporting documentation required

2. Used Household Goods & Personal Effects

2.1 Required Documentation

Copy of passport
Portuguese residence visa, residence permit or work contract
Bill of lading / airway bill
Detailed inventory (preferably in Portuguese or English)
Proof of residence in Portugal (rental contract, property deed, employer letter)
Portuguese tax number (NIF), where available

2.2 Inventory Rules

Describe items clearly and group them logically (room-by-room)
Avoid non-specific descriptions such as “personal effects” or “miscellaneous”
List electronics and high-value items with brand and model
Separate and identify new items for potential tax assessment

H-H Relocations Tip: A clear, itemized inventory helps Portuguese customs process your shipment faster and reduces the risk of inspection.

3. Importing Motor Vehicles into Portugal

3.1 Vehicle Import Rules

Vehicles imported into Portugal must comply with EU safety and emissions standards. Duties, VAT and local vehicle taxes may apply unless you qualify for a tax exemption under residence transfer rules.

Vehicle should be owned and used abroad for at least 6 months before relocation
Technical inspection and registration in Portugal are required before road use
Additional vehicle registration tax (ISV) may apply

3.2 Required Vehicle Documentation

Original registration / title documents
Bill of lading / airway bill
Proof of residence in Portugal
Proof of previous ownership and use abroad
Insurance documentation

Important: Vehicle tax and registration costs in Portugal can be significant. Many clients choose to sell their car in Canada and purchase locally after arrival.

4. Bringing Pets to Portugal

Portugal follows EU pet entry rules for dogs, cats and ferrets, including microchipping and rabies control.

4.1 Pet Import Requirements

ISO-compliant microchip
Valid rabies vaccination following EU timelines
EU pet passport or official veterinary health certificate
Tapeworm treatment may be required depending on species and origin

Pet Travel Tip: Airlines and border officers will check pet documents on departure and arrival. Ensure all certificates match your travel dates.

5. Alcohol, Tobacco, Food & Restricted Goods

5.1 Alcohol

Portugal permits the importation of alcohol for personal use, but EU quantity limits apply. Goods exceeding these thresholds are subject to duty and VAT. Declare all alcoholic beverages to avoid penalties.

5.2 Tobacco

Tobacco products must be declared and may incur duties based on quantity and product type. Commercial quantities are not permitted in household goods shipments.

5.3 Food & Animal-Origin Products

Portugal enforces EU health rules for food items and agricultural products:

Meat, dairy and animal-origin products from non-EU countries are heavily restricted
Plant-based items may require phytosanitary certificates
Non-compliant items can be confiscated or destroyed

5.4 Medicines, Chemicals & Controlled Goods

Prescription medicines require a doctor’s note or supporting documentation
Hazardous chemicals and controlled items may require authorization
Weapons and ammunition require permits and are subject to strict controls

Important: Portugal, like all EU states, requires full declaration of controlled goods. Failure to declare may result in penalties or seizure.

6. Prohibited Items – Do Not Ship to Portugal

The following items are prohibited from import into Portugal:

Illegal narcotics and controlled drugs
Weapons, explosives and ammunition without permits
Pirated or counterfeit branded goods and media
Hazardous or toxic materials without authorization
Endangered species and wildlife products without CITES permits
Obscene or banned content and publications

Attempting to import prohibited items may result in prosecution, fines or seizure.

7. Practical Tips for International Moves to Portugal

7.1 Moving from Toronto or the GTA

To ensure a seamless international move from Toronto to Portugal, Home To Home Relocations recommends:

Prepare documentation early, including proof of residence
Ensure inventories are itemized clearly and translated where possible
Declare and separate new or high-value items
Keep original documents with you—not inside the shipment

7.2 Why choose a Portugal relocation expert

Portugal’s customs system is straightforward with complete paperwork. Working with an experienced international moving company provides:

Accurate customs documentation and declarations
Reduced risk of inspections or clearance delays
Door-to-door service, including destination coordination
Support for EU import tax rules and conformity processes

Relocation Tip: Portugal is a popular relocation destination for Canadians—especially retirees and digital nomads. Early planning ensures smoother customs clearance and faster settlement.

8. Useful Official Links – Portugal

Refer to the following Portuguese government portals for updated import regulations:

This guide offers an overview of customs rules for relocating households to Portugal. Final decisions on import approvals are made by Portuguese customs and relevant authorities.