🇵🇹Ready to start a new adventure across the Channel? If you’re planning a move to Portugal, this guide will give you all the practical steps, updated costs, and streamlined advice you need for a smooth transition.
What should I know about living in Portugal at a glance?
- Flag: 🇵🇹
- Population: 10.4 million
- Currency: Euro (EUR)
- Average salary: Around 18300€/year
- Live EUR ←→ Dollar: Use dynamic currency converters for the latest exchange rates
Reviewed by the worldometer, last updated in July 2025; European Central Bank Monetary Policy Department, last updated in July 2025; The Portugal News, last updated in May 2025.
How Much Does It Cost to Move Your Belongings to Portugal?
The cost of relocating depends on shipment size, method, origin, and additional fees. Below are typical market rates as of mid-2025:
| Shipment Method | Transit Time | Estimated Cost (EUR) |
| 20-ft container | ~2–6 weeks | €1,600–3,500 |
| 40-ft container | ~2–6 weeks | €3,300–6,800 |
| Air freight (per m³) | Few days | Typically much higher |
| Customs / VAT fees | — | ~€200–500 (if applicable) |
Reviewed by Freightos Market Analytics Team and Maersk Logistics Research Team, last updated in July 2025.
Use a real-time moving calculator for a tailored quote with ReloAdvisor.
Real-life case:
“I moved to Portugal in April 2025 with around 28 cubic meters of belongings using a 40-ft container. The total cost, including customs and delivery, was about €4,800. Everything arrived safely in just over three weeks.” — Carlos R., moved in April 2025
Many people relocating to Portugal choose to settle in one of the five most popular cities for newcomers, including Lisbon, Porto, Coimbra, Vila Nova de Gaia, and Braga. These cities offer diverse career opportunities, rich cultural experiences, excellent public transportation, and vibrant international communities.
How to understand the cost of living in Portugal?
As of mid-2025, the average cost of living in Portugal for a single person allows for a comfortable lifestyle, especially when compared to many Western European countries. According to Numbeo’s latest quarterly update, general monthly expenses excluding rent average around €678.60, covering groceries, basic goods, and utilities. Renting a one-bedroom apartment in a city center such as Lisbon or Porto typically costs about €940 per month, although prices can be lower in smaller cities. Utilities—including electricity, heating, water, garbage, and internet—average €110–116 monthly, while a public transportation pass is priced at approximately €40 per month, offering cost-effective access to well-connected urban and regional networks. These figures reflect national averages, meaning actual expenses may vary based on location and lifestyle. Overall, Portugal offers a balanced cost-of-living profile, making it an attractive destination for expatriates seeking both affordability and quality of life.
| Category | Estimated Monthly Cost (EUR) |
| Rent (1-bedroom, city center) | €940 |
| Utilities (incl. internet) | €110–116 |
| Groceries & basic goods | Included in €678.60 (excl. rent) |
| Public Transport (monthly pass) | €40 |
Reviewed by Numbeo Data Quality Team, last updated in June 2025
How to Apply for a Visa and Meet Residency Requirements for Portugal?
A visa is required for most non-EU/EEA nationals who wish to live, work, or study in Portugal. Common visa categories include the National D-Visa (long-stay), which covers purposes such as employment, study, family reunification, research, and self-employment. Each visa type has specific eligibility requirements, such as valid accommodation, proof of financial means, health insurance, and a clear purpose for stays longer than 90 days. For tourism or business visits under 90 days, travelers typically apply for a short-stay Schengen Type C visa.
Visa types and eligibility check: https://www2.gov.pt/en/migrantes-viver-e-trabalhar-em-portugal/migrantes-vistos-e-autorizacoes-para-entrar-e-viver-em-portugal
Online application & consular booking: https://pedidodevistos.mne.gov.pt/
Reviewed by the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras (SEF – Immigration and Borders Service), last updated in July 2025
How to Access Healthcare and Insurance Options in Portugal?
Portugal’s Serviço Nacional de Saúde (SNS) provides universal public healthcare, covering doctor visits, hospital care, maternity services, and prescription medicines at little or no cost. Legal residents, including expatriates, can register at a local Centro de Saúde to receive a Número de Utente for accessing services.
Many residents also choose private health insurance for faster access, specialist care, or private clinics. Healthcare is funded through taxes and social security contributions, often deducted from payroll. Registration requires proof of residence, a social security number, and identification.
Reviewed by the Portuguese Ministry of Health (Ministério da Saúde) and Instituto Nacional de Estatística (INE), last updated July 2025
How to Navigate the Housing Market as a Newcomer to Portugal?
Renting in Portugal generally requires tenants to pay a security deposit equivalent to one to three months’ rent, along with proof of income, valid identification, and sometimes a Portuguese guarantor. Rental contracts, known as “contratos de arrendamento”, are often signed for one year with renewal options, although longer terms are possible. Utilities such as electricity, water, and internet are typically billed separately. For those looking to buy, it is important to budget for additional expenses such as property transfer tax (IMT), stamp duty, notary and registration fees, and agency commissions, which together can add around 6%–8% of the property’s purchase price.
For newcomers, some of the most popular residential neighborhoods in major Portuguese cities include:
- Alfama, Lisbon – Historic charm, narrow streets, and traditional fado music
- Parque das Nações, Lisbon – Modern riverside area with family-friendly amenities
- Boavista, Porto – Business hub with cultural venues and green spaces
- Foz do Douro, Porto – Upscale seaside living with cafes and promenades
Reviewed by Idealista Research and Confidencial Imobiliário Market Insights, last updated in July 2025.
How to Understand Your Tax and Pension Obligations in Portugal?
If you are a tax resident in Portugal (generally if you spend more than 183 days per year in Portugal or maintain your primary residence there), you are subject to taxation on your worldwide income. Employees and self-employed individuals are also required to contribute to Portugal’s social security system (Segurança Social), which funds pensions, unemployment benefits, and healthcare. Portugal has signed numerous double taxation treaties to ensure that residents are not taxed twice on the same income earned abroad.
| Tax Component | Description | Notes |
| Income Tax (IRS) | Tax on global income | Progressive rates: approx. 14.5%–48% |
| Social Security | Mandatory contributions for pensions and welfare | Paid by both employer and employee |
| Double Tax Treaties | Prevent double taxation | Agreements with 70+ countries |
Reviewed by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – AT), last updated in April 2025.
How to Comply with Customs and Duty Rules When Moving to Portugal?
When relocating to Portugal, you may import your used personal belongings duty-free if they’ve been owned and used for at least six months and are for personal use. You must provide a detailed inventory, proof of residence transfer, a bill of lading or airway bill, and identification.
New items or commercial goods are usually subject to import duties and VAT, and restricted items like alcohol or tobacco may need special permits. Ensure your customs declaration is accurate to avoid delays or extra charges at Lisbon, Porto, or other customs offices.
Reviewed by the Portuguese Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – AT), last updated in February 2025.
Real-life case:
“When I moved from Munich to Lisbon, I prepared a detailed inventory of all my used household items and presented it to Portuguese customs. Under Portugal’s transfer of residence rules, my shipment was cleared quickly and exempt from additional duties.” — Sofia M.
How to Manage Pet Relocation When Moving to Portugal?
Pets entering Portugal must comply with health and identification rules. Dogs, cats, and ferrets require a microchip, valid rabies vaccination, and a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of travel. Pets from non-EU countries may need additional certified documents, and certain animals could face extra checks or quarantine.
To ensure smooth entry, it’s important to notify Portuguese customs and veterinary authorities in advance. Many pet owners use professional relocation services to handle documentation, transport, and regulatory compliance, minimizing stress and delays.
Reviewed by the Portuguese Directorate-General for Food and Veterinary Affairs (Direção-Geral de Alimentação e Veterinária – DGAV), last updated in March 2025.
How to Import a Car and Swap Your Driver’s Licence in Portugal?
Imported vehicles must be declared to Portuguese Customs (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira). Vehicles arriving from outside the EU may be subject to import duties, VAT, and must comply with EU safety and environmental standards. Permanently imported vehicles must undergo a technical inspection and be registered with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes (IMT). Required documents typically include the original title, proof of ownership, and any conformity certificates.
Vehicles over 30 years old may qualify as historic vehicles, offering exemptions from certain taxes and regulations. Modern vehicles must meet EU or Portuguese homologation standards; non-compliant vehicles may require modifications or could be denied import.
Foreign driver’s licenses are generally valid for short-term stays. For legal residents, licenses must be exchanged for a Portuguese driving license, with requirements varying by country of origin. Some bilateral agreements waive exams, while others may require written and driving tests.
Reviewed by the Portuguese Institute for Mobility and Transport (IMT) and Portuguese Customs, last updated in July 2025.
How to Open a Bank Account and Obtain a Tax ID in Portugal?
To open a bank account in Portugal, you generally need a valid passport or national ID, proof of Portuguese address (such as a rental contract or utility bill), and a Número de Identificação Fiscal (NIF), the Portuguese tax identification number. The NIF is essential for most legal and financial activities in Portugal, including employment, healthcare registration, and signing contracts.
Major banks in Portugal—such as Caixa Geral de Depósitos, Millennium BCP, and Banco Santander Totta—offer accounts for non-residents and newcomers, often providing multilingual support and online banking in English. Non-residents can open an account with slightly different conditions, and once legal residency is established, the account can typically be upgraded to access broader services, including overdrafts, loans, and investment options.
The NIF can be obtained through the Serviço de Finanças or at a tax office, and is required for activities such as signing rental contracts or registering for public healthcare.
Reviewed by Bank of Portugal and Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira, last updated in July 2025.
Where can I find tools and more resources before moving?
For further guidance, make use of the volume calculator, book a video survey, or explore comprehensive guides for Spain and Austria with ReloAdvisor.
