Personal Effects Customs Clearance Portugal
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief is only granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided. Portuguese customs law does not consider temporary imports such as for a vacation/holiday or business trip, or imports from returning residents who have been outside of Portugal for less than one year, as tax exempt unless the declared value is less than 45€ /$45 USD / £35 GBP. Should this value be exceeded, any duty and taxes will need to be paid by the receiver and are not covered by Send My Bag.
- Additional Fees
All shipments may be subject to an additional 60€ customs handling fee by our courier partner, this fee is not covered by Send My Bag.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Portugal, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket showing they have already arrived in Portugal or will be landing within one week of the shipment’s arrival is required. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and Portugal this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
- NIF or Citizen Card (if applicable – residents, relocations, and students)
If the consignee is a Portuguese citizen or permanent resident, relocating to Portugal for one year or more, or studying in Portugal, a copy of their NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) or Citizen Card (Cartão de cidadão) will need to be provided.
- Statement
Consignees will need to provide a written statement to Portuguese customs detailing what their Personal Effects are for and why they are being shipped to Portugal. This written statement can be automatically downloaded from your Send My Bag account based on the reason selected for shipping.
and if applicable
Relocating or moving to Portugal to live (one year or more)
- Registration certificate (Atestado de Residencia)
This must be obtained by the consignee from their local council in Portugal.
- Baggage and Residency Certificate (Certificado de Bagagem e Certificado de Residência)
The consignee will need to obtain a Baggage and a Residency Certificate from the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the country they are shipping from prior to shipping and provide a copy of this for clearance.
Customs may at their discretion ask for original copies of these documents.
Students
- Enrolment or placement letter
This must clearly show the students full name, the University or College's name and address, along with the name of the course being studied and date the course begins.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
Personal Effects Customs Clearance Portugal
Important Information
- Duty Free Clearance not applicable to all shipments
Duty relief is only granted to shipments considered as permanent imports for one year or more such as for relocation or study, where the relevant evidence is also provided. Portuguese customs law does not consider temporary imports such as for a vacation/holiday or business trip, or imports from returning residents who have been outside of Portugal for less than one year, as tax exempt unless the declared value is less than 45€ /$45 USD / £35 GBP. Should this value be exceeded, any duty and taxes will need to be paid by the receiver and are not covered by Send My Bag.
- Additional Fees
All shipments may be subject to an additional 60€ customs handling fee by our courier partner, this fee is not covered by Send My Bag.
Documents Required (All customers)
All customers will be required to provide the documents below. If the consignee is moving / relocating to Portugal, or going there to study, they will also need to provide the relevant documents in those sections.
- Passport
A copy of the consignee’s passport details page is required.
- Flight Ticket
A copy of the consignee’s flight ticket showing they have already arrived in Portugal or will be landing within one week of the shipment’s arrival is required. This must show travel from the same country that the shipment is being sent from. If the consignee has travelled in multiple journeys between the origin and Portugal this is acceptable, and multiple flight tickets can be provided.
- NIF or Citizen Card (if applicable – residents, relocations, and students)
If the consignee is a Portuguese citizen or permanent resident, relocating to Portugal for one year or more, or studying in Portugal, a copy of their NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal) or Citizen Card (Cartão de cidadão) will need to be provided.
- Statement
Consignees will need to provide a written statement to Portuguese customs detailing what their Personal Effects are for and why they are being shipped to Portugal. This written statement can be automatically downloaded from your Send My Bag account based on the reason selected for shipping.
and if applicable
Relocating or moving to Portugal to live (one year or more)
- Registration certificate (Atestado de Residencia)
This must be obtained by the consignee from their local council in Portugal.
- Baggage and Residency Certificate (Certificado de Bagagem e Certificado de Residência)
The consignee will need to obtain a Baggage and a Residency Certificate from the Portuguese consulate or embassy in the country they are shipping from prior to shipping and provide a copy of this for clearance.
Customs may at their discretion ask for original copies of these documents.
Students
- Enrolment or placement letter
This must clearly show the students full name, the University or College's name and address, along with the name of the course being studied and date the course begins.
General Personal Effects Customs Information
Personal effects are typically defined as used items which have been in the sender's possession for 6 months or more. If your shipment is checked by customs and is found to contain brand new or commercial items, you shipment may not be assessed as personal effects. Keep this in mind if you are sending Christmas gifts or other new items. Please check with customs so you are aware of potential customs duties, follow any advice given and attach all necessary documentation.
In order to demonstrate that your shipment consists of personal effects, you will be required to complete a brief non-generic packing list online, entries to be made in the format: "5 x Cotton Dresses, 2 x Jeans, 3 x Pair of Gloves", and so on, rather than as "10 x Used Clothing".
As customs processes and allowances vary by country, we advise all customers take 5 minutes to check how their personal circumstances and what they are sending will be assessed under the prevailing customs regulations of the destination.
More information is available on our customs information page.
Customs Clearance Time
When a bag is stopped by customs for any reason (missing documentation, impromptu inspection, prohibited contents, commercial contents or further information required) Send My Bag records how long customs hold it for. Our historical statistics for this route indicate that if the customs authority stops your bag they will on average take 5 working days to process it and release it back to us for delivery.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations and toys of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Portugal
- Furs;
- Medications - both prescribed and over the counter;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy.
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type (including nail varnish and perfume);
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations and toys of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Portugal
- Furs;
- Medications - both prescribed and over the counter;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items excluded from cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Portugal
- Furs;
- Medications - both prescribed and over the counter;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
On EU standard services (not express) and all UK and US domestic services you may send:
- Shower gel.
- Toothpaste.
- Other non flammable and non alcohol based liquids, pastes & gels for use on holiday.
Nail varnish, perfume and aerosols are not permitted. If these items are included in your luggage it may be returned to you.
Whilst non alcohol based liquids are permitted, damage caused by leakage is not covered by complimentary cover and therefore only small amounts should be sent. If an x-ray shows liquids of any type security may stop your bag for inspection.
A maximum of 1 lithium battery is permitted per shipment (excludes to / from Australia) when it is contained within a working personal electronic device such as a mobile phone. Review our battery policy. The following items are prohibited at all times:
- Aerosols or any other pressurised containers;
- Alcohol based or Flammable Liquids, Pastes and Gels of any type including, but not limited to, nail varnish and perfume;
- Toner Cartridges;
- Loose Batteries & Power Banks;
- No more than ONE device containing a lithium battery in line with our battery policy OR when shipping to / from Australia or China, NO device containing any kind of battery;
- Tracking devices such as AirTags;
- Animals and Animal products;
- Firearms and firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, weapons (including imitations of same);
- Flowers and plant products;
- Human remains or ashes;
- Medical samples;
- Items that require a temperature controlled environment;
- Pornography;
- Prescription drugs and pharmaceutical products;
- Tobacco and vaping products regardless of nicotine content;
- Religious Artefacts
- Foodstuffs, perishable, animal origin and controlled food articles and beverages including, but not limited to: Fruit & vegetables, dairy products (including dried products containing dairy such as milk chocolate and protein powder), meat, fish, nuts, seeds, wine, beer, spirits and champagne; or
- Packages that are wet, leaking or emit an odour of any kind;
- Valuables and high value items including but not limited to antiques, paintings, jewellery, precious stones and electrical equipment (low value electrical equipment is permitted but sent at the owner's risk);
- Cash or other forms of tradeable currency;
- Credit cards;
- Passports or other confidential personal documentation;
- Irreplaceable items;
- Other Dangerous / hazardous goods;
- Counterfeit goods;
- Items from sanctioned countries;
- Other illegal or restricted goods.
More information is available under section 11 of our terms of service.
Additional prohibited items for Portugal
- Furs;
- Medications - both prescribed and over the counter;
- Single use plastics including cutlery, plates, straws, cotton bud sticks, and food containers and cups made of polystyrene.
Items Excluded From Cover
The following items will be accepted but are sent at your risk and are not included under complimentary cover:
- Electrical Items, including but not limited to; Tablets, Mobile Phones, Computers, Hi-Fis, TVs.
- Glass & Porcelain.
- Any other non standard excess baggage items.
If you choose to send any of the above please ensure you package the item appropriately, for example a TV inside a suitcase is not appropriate.
Why Ship to Portugal?
Portugal is a mecca for golfers, all of whom would rather use their own golf clubs than hire ones when they are abroad. Airlines in particular know this and charge extortionate fees when you take your golfing equipment with you. This is where Send My Bag can help.
Send My Bag can collect your golf clubs, heavy luggage or bulky items straight from your home and deliver them to your destination ready for you to use straight away. You will no longer have the hassle of carting your heavy equipment around the airport, having to pay a huge excess baggage fee or having to arrange special transfers.
It's not just holidaymakers who need to get their possessions to Portugal. Many students choose Portugal as their place of study, either for their full course or for just a term as part of a scheme like Erasmus. Or students might decide to spend their third year abroad teaching English in a Portuguese school. Students will need to send several bags of their possessions to Portugal in order to set up home abroad. This allows them to bring with them many more of their things than if they only brought what they could check into the plane's hold (which could work out very expensive).
Send Luggage to Portugal
You can send your luggage and boxes to Portugal with Send My Bag. If you are taking a short holiday in Portugal, if you are working there for a summer, or are moving there permanently, you can save yourself a lot of stress and hassle by sending your possessions with Send My Bag. This means you can bring with you lots of your beloved possessions to make Portugal feel a bit more like home. Your possessions will be looked after for you, allowing you to get on with exploring your new surroundings or enjoying a spot of sunbathing, or a round of golf. Send My Bag has numerous international routes, with a great-value flat rate for each route up to a massive 30 kg. This means that you can bring all your favourite things with you to help you set up home abroad. To learn more about sending luggage to Portugal, visit our ‘How it works’ page, or our ‘FAQs’.
Removals to Portugal
If you are attracted by the warm weather of Portugal and are moving there permanently, you will have to consider international removals to Portugal in order to transport all of your possessions. Before you hand over anything to the movers, however, ensure that all your items are carefully packaged so that they won’t get damaged in transit. Use suitable packaging for your items and seal everything up well.
Student Shipping to Portugal
If you are spending a year or a term studying in Portugal you will need to transport your course textbooks and many other everyday items, such as clothes and DVDs, to Portugal. There are a number of good universities in Portugal to choose from, such as the University of Porto, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa and the University of Coimbra. Read more about student shipping on our student removals page and find out how to receive your student discount.
Sending a Parcel to Portugal
You can also send a parcel to Portugal with Send My Bag. This is a great idea if you have left something behind at home. A friend or family member can pop it in a box and send it on to you. Or they might want to send you a care package to Portugal to help remind you of home, or even Christmas and birthday presents. Make sure you choose a sturdy box when sending a parcel to Portugal and tape it up well so nothing gets damaged in transit. Also, make sure you know about rules regarding personal effects and brand new items. Read more on how to send a parcel to find out what you can send with Send My Bag and how to package your items.
Ways of Shipping to Portugal
If you are going on holiday or moving to Portugal and need to bring several items with you, you should make yourself aware of the various options available for shipping to Portugal. Some options will be better for you than others. You can choose between several different options for international shipping to Portugal.
Send Golf Clubs to Portugal
Portugal is a very popular destination for golf. The country has many great golf courses, such as Monte Rei, Oitavos Dunes and Troia. You can send your golf clubs to Portugal with Send My Bag. This means you will avoid any oversized baggage fees from your airline, and it will be much easier to travel to Portugal without dragging large golf bags behind you. It is great to be able to play golf using your own golf clubs, rather than renting some, so consider sending your golf clubs with Send My Bag. Make sure you find out how to send golf clubs with Send My Bag, including how to safely package your items.
Send your Bike to Portugal
You can send your bicycle to Portugal and enjoy cycling through Portugal's beautiful landscape, or through one of its cities. Sending your bike to Portugal couldn’t be easier. Check out our bike shipping section to find out how to send your bike, including how to package it appropriately. If you send your bike you will avoid oversized baggage fees and won't have to carry the bike to and from the airport.
About Portugal
Portugal is situated on the Iberian Peninsula in South-West Europe, it is the westernmost country of mainland Europe and has an abundance of historical culture, lively cities and stunning countryside. Over the past few years, Portugal has worked hard on investing in its golfing infrastructure, which has turned the country into somewhat of a golfing haven, although there is plenty to do if you prefer other things.
Portugal’s major cites provide a mixture of historical attractions, modern architecture and diverse cultures. Lisbon, Aveiro and Porto are favourites with tourists because of their history, but Evora (the museum city) and Albufeira are also popular hotspots.
Portugal is famous for its Mediterranean climate with an average temperature of 13°C (55°F) in the winter and 29°C (84°F) in the summer, making it one of the warmest countries in Europe. Because it has a similar climate to the South of Spain, Portugal is great for those who are looking for some sun any time of year.
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese, which is one of the world’s major languages, spoken in various countries throughout the world including Brazil, Angola and Cape Verde. English is spoken in most tourist areas, but if you can speak Spanish you should be able to understand most of the dialect without an interpreter.
One of the biggest attractions in Portugal is its beaches which offer a range of activities from relaxing in the sun to a wide range of water sports. Golf is also a big draw to Portugal and the country was awarded the best golfing destination in 2008 and 2012.
The Portuguese countryside also offers a range of activities including cycling through mountainous terrain and white-water rafting down the river Douro.
Please explore this page further to find out about Send My Bag’s shipping service to Portugal.
Air Freight to Portugal
You could send big bulky items to Portugal using air freight, which usually takes one to two days. The amount you will have to pay will depend on the weight and size of your shipment. You will likely also have to use the services of a customs agent to handle customs clearance for you. And, you need to get your items to and from the airport. Costs could, therefore, quickly mount up. If you send internationally by air freight to Portugal your items will likely arrive at one of the major airports, such as Lisbon Airport, Porto Airport or Faro Airport.
Sea Freight and Container Shipping to Portugal
Rather than choosing air freight, you could go for sea freight or container shipping to transport your possessions, such as a table or even a car, to Portugal. This is a good option if you don’t need to receive your items immediately. It can be less expensive than air freight, but you will still need to use the services of a customs agent and will need to sort out how to get your items to and from the ports. So, the cost could be more than expected. When using container shipping to Portugal your items will most likely arrive by ship at one of the major sea ports, such as Viana do Castelo, Aveiro or Lisboa.
Shipping Goods to Portugal
When shipping goods to Portugal you should be aware of the current customs rules. You should know about any duty that you need to pay and what items are allowed to be shipped to Portugal, which items are restricted, and which are entirely prohibited. Take a look at the prohibited items and customs sections on this page for more information.