Fully managed removals to Portugal from UK

Planning a move to Portugal? Total Moving Solutions provides a fully managed removals service designed to make your relocation from the UK smooth, secure, and stress-free. With more than 20 years of combined industry experience, our team takes care of every stage – from professional packing and customs documentation to transport and delivery at your new home.

Whether you’re relocating to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve, or anywhere in between, we offer reliable door-to-door removals tailored to your schedule and budget. Our experienced Move Managers coordinate every detail, ensuring your possessions arrive safely and on time.

With Total Moving Solutions, moving abroad is simple. We handle the logistics so you can focus on settling into your new life in Portugal.

Request your free quote today to get started with your UK to Portugal move.

Typical removals costs from the UK to Portugal

Every move is different, but the guide below gives a clear idea of the average door-to-door removals costs from the UK to Portugal. Prices depend on factors such as the volume of goods, access at both properties, distance, and whether you choose a part-load or dedicated vehicle.

Property size Average cost Notes
1-bedroom house £750 – £1,500 Ideal for smaller moves or apartments; part-load or shared service available.
2-bedroom house £1,500 – £2,500 Suitable for couples or small families; full packing optional.
3-bedroom house £2,800 – £3,800 Typical full household move with dedicated removals service.
4-bedroom house £3,900 – £4,900 Ideal for larger families or full property relocations.
5-bedroom house £5,000 – £6,000 Includes larger shipments or additional storage requirements.
Removals from UK to Portugal

Additional packing options:

Box packing service available from £15.00 per box, including professional packing materials and full handling by our team.

These figures cover a fully managed removal (collection, packing, transport, and delivery) with customs paperwork handled by your dedicated Move Manager. For a precise quotation based on your location and inventory, our team can provide a tailored estimate within minutes.

Why more Brits are choosing Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations in Europe for people relocating from the UK. Its combination of affordable living, mild climate, and laid-back lifestyle offers an attractive alternative to the rising costs and fast pace of life back home. Whether you’re planning to retire, work remotely, or start a new chapter for your family, Portugal offers a balance of comfort, safety, and opportunity that’s hard to beat. If you’re considering your options abroad, you can explore our full guide to the best countries to retire to from the UK for lifestyle comparisons and expert insights.

With more than 300 days of sunshine a year, world-class healthcare, and a welcoming expat community, it’s easy to see why so many Brits are making the move south. The country’s straightforward residency options and affordable property market only add to its appeal.

The rise in moves to Portugal is part of a broader shift among UK residents seeking a better quality of life abroad. Thousands of families, professionals, and retirees are now choosing destinations such as Spain, Ireland, Australia, and Canada – with Portugal consistently among the top choices. You can explore the latest migration trends in our guide on where people are moving to from the UK.

Lifestyle and culture: finding your perfect place

Each region of Portugal has its own charm:

  • Lisbon – A lively capital for professionals and digital nomads, combining modern business with historic character.

  • Porto – A riverside city known for its creativity, culture, and thriving food scene.

  • The Algarve – Popular with retirees and families for its beaches, warm climate, and relaxed pace of life.

  • The Silver Coast – A quieter, more traditional area offering affordable homes and unspoiled scenery.

From vibrant cities to coastal villages, Portugal’s variety ensures there’s a perfect spot for every lifestyle.

Cost of living comparison: Portugal vs the UK

Living in Portugal is considerably cheaper than in the UK, with lower housing, grocery, and utility costs. Everyday expenses stretch further without sacrificing quality of life.

Expense Average in Portugal Typical UK equivalent
Rent (1-bed city flat) £750 per month £1,800+ per month
Restaurant meal for two £35–£40 £70–£90
Utilities (electricity, water, internet) £90–£120 per month £200+ per month
Public transport pass £30–£40 per month £80–£100 per month

For many UK families and retirees, the move means better weather, a slower pace of life, and lower monthly costs … all within a short flight from home. The savings on rent and essentials often make it easier to enjoy a higher quality of life, with affordable healthcare and a welcoming English-speaking community adding extra peace of mind.

Your route to residency: visas for UK citizens

Since Brexit, British citizens planning to live in Portugal for more than 90 days must apply for a visa or residency permit. The process is relatively straightforward, and Portugal remains one of Europe’s most welcoming destinations for UK nationals looking to settle permanently.

Several visa options are available depending on your circumstances – whether you’re retiring, working remotely, or relocating with family. Understanding these early will help you plan your move and ensure your application goes smoothly.

The D7 visa (passive income) requirements

The D7 visa is the most popular option for retirees and those with a regular income from outside Portugal – such as pensions, property rentals, or investments.
To qualify, you’ll need:

  • A minimum monthly income of about €870 for individuals or €1,305 for couples

  • Proof of accommodation in Portugal (rental agreement or property ownership)

  • A valid NIF (Portuguese tax number) and private health insurance

The D7 visa offers a path to full residency and, after five years, eligibility for permanent residence or citizenship – giving many British expats long-term stability and access to the EU again.

The Digital Nomad Visa (remote workers) pathway

Portugal also offers a Digital Nomad Visa for freelancers and professionals who work remotely for clients or employers outside the country.
Applicants must earn at least €3,480 per month (around £2,900) and provide evidence of income over the previous three months.

This visa suits remote professionals, entrepreneurs, and tech workers who want to enjoy Portugal’s climate and lifestyle while maintaining their international careers. Lisbon and Porto both offer modern infrastructure, excellent connectivity, and thriving expat communities, making them perfect bases for remote work.

Both visa options are flexible, offering renewable residence permits and access to Portugal’s healthcare system, helping UK citizens enjoy a secure and enjoyable life in the sun.

Please note: The information provided about visas, customs, and residency is for general guidance only. Regulations may change, and we always recommend checking the latest requirements with the Portuguese Embassy or official government sources before you move.

Removals to Portugal: safe, reliable, and fully managed

Total Moving Solutions provides a comprehensive door-to-door removals service from the UK to Portugal, tailored to your schedule, budget, and level of support required. Every move is carefully planned and handled by experienced professionals, ensuring your belongings arrive safely and on time.

Whether you’re relocating a small apartment or an entire household, our flexible service options make it easy to find the right fit:

  • Part-load (Groupage) removals – Perfect for smaller shipments or when you have flexibility on delivery dates. Your items share space in a vehicle with other customers’ consignments, helping to reduce costs.

  • Dedicated removals – A direct service with a vehicle reserved exclusively for your move. It offers faster transit, complete control over timing, and minimal handling of goods.

Our end-to-end relocation process

From first contact to final delivery, everything is managed by your dedicated Move Manager:

  1. Survey and quote – We assess your needs through a home or video survey and provide a clear, no-obligation quote.

  2. Planning – Your Move Manager creates a timeline tailored to your preferred moving date and delivery schedule.

  3. Packing and loading – Our trained crew uses export-grade packing materials to protect every item and create a full inventory for customs. We also offer a complete range of moving boxes and packing supplies for customers who prefer to pack their own items.

  4. Transport and customs – We arrange safe, compliant transport and handle all documentation for a smooth clearance.

  5. Delivery and unpacking – Your belongings are delivered directly to your new home in Portugal, with optional unpacking and debris removal.

Every move can include professional packing, customs assistance, and MoveProtect Enhanced Liability cover, giving you the flexibility to choose the level of support that’s right for you. With weekly routes between the UK and Portugal, we make international moving simple, transparent, and completely managed from start to finish.

Get your free removals quote today and let us take care of every detail.

What paperwork do you need when moving to Portugal?

Moving household goods to Portugal from the UK involves post-Brexit customs procedures, but with Total Moving Solutions, everything is handled for you. Our experienced Move Managers and customs partners ensure your shipment clears quickly and complies fully with Portuguese import regulations.

We prepare all necessary documentation, assist with translations, and coordinate directly with customs authorities on your behalf. From the first inventory check to final delivery, our goal is to make the process straightforward and stress-free.

Transfer of residence: avoiding import VAT

If you’re relocating your main residence to Portugal, you may qualify for a Transfer of Residence exemption, allowing you to bring your personal effects duty- and VAT-free. To be eligible, you’ll need to show that:

  • You’ve lived outside Portugal (for example, in the UK) for at least 12 months

  • All items being moved have been owned and used for at least six months

  • The goods are for personal use only and not for resale

We’ll guide you through gathering the right documents — such as your Certificado de Bagagem, proof of residence, passport, and itemised inventory — and submit them correctly to avoid delays or charges.

Specialist items and customs support

Certain items require additional attention when moving to Portugal. Our team offers guidance and specialist services for:

  • Vehicles – Assistance with import documentation and advice on ISV tax exemptions for qualifying cars

  • Pets – Coordination with approved partners for pet transport and Animal Health Certificates

  • High-value or fragile goods – Export-grade packing and handling for antiques, artwork, or pianos

By working closely with trusted local agents and customs brokers, Total Moving Solutions ensures a compliant and efficient clearance process – so your belongings arrive on time and without hassle.

FIDI Customs Guide – Portugal

Find out more information about customs rules when moving to Portugal.

Why choose Total Moving Solutions

Relocating abroad is a big step, and having an experienced team by your side makes all the difference. TMS has been helping families, professionals, and retirees move between the UK and Europe for many years, including regular relocations to and from Portugal — offering a trusted service built on reliability, communication, and care.

When you choose us, you don’t just get transport – you get complete peace of mind. Every move is managed from start to finish by a dedicated Move Manager who keeps you informed at every stage.

What sets us apart

  • Experienced European removals specialists, with many years of proven expertise in UK–Portugal relocations of all sizes

  • Dedicated Move Manager — your single point of contact throughout the move, ensuring clear communication and coordination

  • Flexible service options to match your needs and budget — part-load or dedicated removals, short- or long-term storage available

  • Professional export packing and unpacking offered across both the UK and Portugal for maximum protection

  • Secure storage facilities available in both the UK and Portugal for short- or long-term use

  • Optional MoveProtect Enhanced Liability cover for added peace of mind during transit

  • Move Assured accredited member, giving you confidence that your move is handled by recognised, industry-approved professionals

  • Trusted reputation, with hundreds of successful European relocations completed every year and consistently high customer feedback

Our customers often describe their move with TMS as “stress-free”, “efficient”, and “handled with care.” That’s because we treat every relocation as if it were our own – with attention to detail, proactive updates, and genuine care for your belongings.

Whether you’re moving a single room or a full household, we’ll make sure your move to Portugal is handled with professionalism and precision.

Get your free, no-obligation quote today and let Total Moving Solutions take care of everything.

Frequently asked questions about moving to Portugal

The cost depends on the volume of goods, property size, and type of service you choose. As a guide, smaller part-load moves start from around £750, while full household relocations range between £2,800 and £6,000. For a precise quote, request a personalised estimate based on your inventory and destination.

Transit times vary by service type. A dedicated service typically takes 5–10 days door-to-door, while part-load (groupage) moves take 7–14 days, depending on routing and consolidation. Your Move Manager will confirm exact timelines before collection.

Most UK residents moving permanently to Portugal can import personal belongings duty- and VAT-free under the Transfer of Residence exemption. You’ll need to provide proof of residence, passport, and an inventory of items owned for more than six months. TMS handles all customs documentation for you.

Yes. UK citizens can move to Portugal but now require a residency visa for stays over 90 days. The most popular options are the D7 visa for retirees or passive income earners and the Digital Nomad visa for remote workers.

Yes — living costs are generally 20–40% lower than in the UK. Rent, utilities, groceries, and healthcare are all more affordable, meaning your money goes further while enjoying a better quality of life.

Absolutely. TMS can assist with vehicle transport and customs clearance, including ISV tax guidance. For pets, you’ll need an Animal Health Certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. We work with trusted pet relocation partners to ensure a smooth journey for your companions.

The amount depends on your visa type and lifestyle. As a guide, the D7 visa requires a regular passive income of around €870 (£740) per month for individuals or €1,305 (£1,120) for couples. You’ll also need enough savings to cover your first few months of rent and living expenses while settling in.

Costs vary based on the volume of your goods, property size, and service type. Part-load moves (sharing vehicle space) start around £750, while dedicated full-house removals range from £2,800 to £6,000. Request a tailored quote for an exact cost.

If you’re moving your main residence, you can usually import household goods duty-free under Portugal’s Transfer of Residence exemption. To qualify, items must be personally owned and used for at least six months and not intended for resale.

Portuguese customs are thorough but straightforward if all documents are correct. Our Move Managers prepare and submit your paperwork in advance to prevent delays and ensure full compliance with post-Brexit regulations.

Yes — English is widely spoken in major cities and the Algarve, and there’s a large British expat community. Learning some Portuguese will help with integration, but most people settle in easily without fluency.

While Portugal offers an excellent lifestyle, there are a few challenges. Bureaucracy can be slow, especially for visa and residency paperwork, and wages are generally lower than in the UK. However, the lower living costs and relaxed pace of life usually offset these downsides for most movers.

Absolutely. Portugal consistently ranks among the best countries in Europe for quality of life, safety, healthcare, and affordability. It’s particularly popular with UK retirees, remote workers, and families seeking a slower pace and sunshine.

Fully managed removals service from the UK to Portugal with packing and delivery support.

If you’re planning a move beyond Portugal, we can help with relocations to destinations worldwide. Our team provides the same trusted service for families and professionals moving overseas from the UK — including expert packing, customs support, and door-to-door delivery to most international locations.

Move to Portugal with Total Moving Solutions

Start your move to Portugal

Your new life in Portugal starts with a trusted removals partner who knows every step of the journey. At Total Moving Solutions, we make the process simple – from packing and transport to customs and delivery – so you can focus on settling into your new home.

Whether you’re relocating to Lisbon, Porto, the Algarve or anywhere in between, our experienced team is ready to plan and manage your move with care and precision. With flexible services, dedicated Move Managers, and optional MoveProtect cover, you’ll have complete confidence from collection to delivery.

Request your free, no-obligation quote today and find out how easy moving to Portugal can be with TMS.