{"id":988,"date":"2026-05-10T07:30:08","date_gmt":"2026-05-10T07:30:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/flytorelocation.com\/pt\/portugal-customs-personal-goods-2026\/"},"modified":"2026-05-11T20:14:25","modified_gmt":"2026-05-11T20:14:25","slug":"portugal-customs-personal-goods-2026","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/flytorelocation.com\/pt\/portugal-customs-personal-goods-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Customs for Personal Goods from Portugal 2026: EU + Third Countries"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Customs for Personal Goods from Portugal 2026: Transfer-of-Residence Relief and Valuated Inventory<\/h1>\n
Flyto Relocation Team<\/strong>\u00b7<\/span>Updated May 10, 2026<\/span>\u00b7<\/span>\u2713 Expert team since 2018<\/span>\u00b7<\/span>~2 min read<\/span><\/div>\n
Also available in Portugu\u00eas<\/a><\/div>\n
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Quick answer:<\/strong> Within the EU\/EEA there are no customs formalities for personal goods leaving Portugal. For third countries (UK after Brexit, Switzerland, USA) you submit an export declaration to Portuguese Alf\u00e2ndega and claim transfer-of-residence relief in the destination country (typically items used at least 6 months). A valuated inventory is mandatory outside the EU. Prohibited items include weapons, protected species and large alcohol stocks.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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Key takeaways<\/h3>\n
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  • EU\/EEA<\/strong>: no customs.<\/li>\n
  • Third country<\/strong>: export declaration.<\/li>\n
  • Transfer-of-residence relief<\/strong>: items >6 months.<\/li>\n
  • Valuated inventory<\/strong> outside EU.<\/li>\n
  • Prohibited<\/strong>: weapons, protected species, alcohol stocks.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n
    \"Customs<\/figure>\n
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    What changes in 2026: ICS2 phase 3 and digital STADA at Alf\u00e2ndega<\/h2>\n

    The third phase of the EU’s Import Control System (ICS2) is fully in force for Portugal from 2026, requiring advance Entry Summary Declarations (ENS) for all goods entering EU territory by sea, air or road. For emigrants, this mainly affects third-country imports of personal goods (e.g. household effects sent from Portugal to UK, USA, Brazil) and any return-shipment scenarios. Within the EU\/EEA there are no customs formalities under the single market \u2014 goods move freely with normal commercial documents.<\/p>\n

    The Portuguese customs authority is part of the Autoridade Tribut\u00e1ria e Aduaneira (AT) under the umbrella of the Ministry of Finance. Customs declarations are filed via STADA (Sistema de Tratamento Autom\u00e1tico das Declara\u00e7\u00f5es Aduaneiras), with despachante oficial typically engaged for anything beyond simple personal effects. The transfer-of-residence relief (franquia por transfer\u00eancia de resid\u00eancia) is the central regime for emigrants.<\/p>\n

    EU\/EEA moves: no customs, just commercial logistics<\/h2>\n

    Moving from Portugal to another EU\/EEA Member State (or Switzerland) involves no customs declaration and no duty\/VAT \u2014 goods move under the single market and Switzerland’s bilateral agreement. The only documents needed are: a valuated inventory list (used by the moving company for insurance and any spot-checks), proof of identity, and the moving company’s CMR consignment note. Portuguese movers typically charge \u20ac1,800-6,000 for an EU groupage move depending on cubic metres and distance.<\/p>\n

    VAT\/IVA is a different matter for new goods bought shortly before the move (less than 6 months old): in some cases the buyer can request IVA refund at export under the regime de bens transportados pelo viajante if the goods leave the EU, but this does not apply to intra-EU moves. For all other cases, the IVA paid in Portugal is final.<\/p>\n

    Third-country export from Portugal: declaration via STADA<\/h2>\n

    For destinations outside the EU\/EEA (UK, USA, Brazil, UAE, etc.), the moving company files an export declaration at AT\/Alf\u00e2ndega via STADA, supported by the valuated inventory list. The list (lista valorada) shows each box’s contents, quantities, condition (used) and approximate value. It is signed by the owner and stamped by AT\/Alf\u00e2ndega before the goods are sealed in the container or truck.<\/p>\n

    The export declaration is generally free of charge in Portugal \u2014 the costs are at destination, where the import declaration and any duty\/VAT under the destination country’s transfer-of-residence relief apply. Portuguese movers experienced in international shipping (Mudan\u00e7as M\u00f3vel, AGS Portugal, Allied Movers, Crown Worldwide) handle the AT\/Alf\u00e2ndega side as part of the package.<\/p>\n

    Transfer-of-residence relief at destination<\/h2>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
    Destination<\/th>\nRelief regime<\/th>\nConditions<\/th>\nDocuments<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n
    UK<\/td>\nToR1 (Transfer of Residence)<\/td>\nUsed for 6 months by importer; held abroad 12 months prior<\/td>\nToR1 form + valuated inventory + proof of move<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    USA<\/td>\nHTS 9805 (returning resident) \/ 9804 (foreign-resident moving in)<\/td>\nUsed items for personal use only<\/td>\nCBP Form 3299 + valuated inventory + visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Switzerland<\/td>\n\u00dcbersiedlungsgut<\/td>\nUsed 6 months; imported within 1 year<\/td>\nForm 18.44 + ID + lease\/work contract<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Brazil<\/td>\nBagagem Desacompanhada<\/td>\nPermanent residence change; used items<\/td>\nDSI + visto permanente + valuated inventory<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
    Canada<\/td>\nBSF186 Personal Effects Accounting<\/td>\nOwned and used 6 months prior<\/td>\nBSF186 list (values in CAD) + ID + visa<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

    The valuated inventory list (lista valorada)<\/h2>\n

    The valuated inventory is the single most important document for a third-country move. Best practice: one box per line, simple description (no detailed lists of contents inside boxes unless required), realistic second-hand market value in EUR, condition (used). For high-value items (artwork, jewellery, antiques, electronic equipment over \u20ac1,000) attach photos and any provenance documents. Sign each page; the moving company counter-signs.<\/p>\n

    Values matter: too low and customs may challenge them and re-assess; too high and any duty (where ToR relief is incomplete) is calculated on the inflated figure. Aim for fair second-hand market values. Most moving companies have template Excel files that compute totals automatically.<\/p>\n

    Restricted and prohibited items<\/h2>\n

    Both Portugal and the destination country may prohibit or restrict: firearms (require licences and police clearance), weapons including knives over certain blade lengths, alcohol over personal-allowance, tobacco, fresh food, plants and seeds (CITES rules apply), prescription medicines in commercial quantities, controlled substances, and ivory or other CITES-listed materials. Portugal additionally regulates art exports for items above thresholds (Dire\u00e7\u00e3o-Geral do Patrim\u00f3nio Cultural \u2014 Lei 107\/2001).<\/p>\n

    Pets are not customs items but follow EU pet passport rules within the EU\/EEA, and rabies\/microchip rules for third countries. Portugal-to-UK pet moves require an Animal Health Certificate from a Portuguese vet within 10 days of travel, plus rabies vaccination at least 21 days prior. The Dire\u00e7\u00e3o-Geral de Alimenta\u00e7\u00e3o e Veterin\u00e1ria (DGAV) is the authority.<\/p>\n

    Insurance and timing<\/h2>\n

    Marine cargo insurance for international moves typically costs 2-4% of declared value, with all-risks cover (most movers offer full transit, named-perils, or total-loss-only options). Without insurance, carrier liability under CMR (road) or Hague-Visby (sea) is pegged to weight, not value \u2014 typically less than 5% of household contents value. Insure to declared values consistent with the valuated inventory.<\/p>\n

    Timing: EU groupage 1-3 weeks transit; UK direct 1 week; USA East Coast 4-6 weeks; West Coast 6-8 weeks; UAE 4-5 weeks; Brazil 5-7 weeks plus 2-4 weeks customs at Santos or Rio. Add 1-2 weeks AT\/Alf\u00e2ndega export prep at origin and 2-6 weeks at destination customs.<\/p>\n

    Common mistakes that delay or surprise emigrants<\/h2>\n

    Listing items as ”new”.<\/strong> Triggers duty\/VAT at destination. Mark all household items as used unless genuinely new in original packaging.<\/p>\n

    Missing the 6-month ownership rule.<\/strong> Most ToR reliefs require items be owned and used at least 6 months pre-move. Recently bought items may be excluded.<\/p>\n

    Underdeclaring values.<\/strong> Saves nothing \u2014 customs re-assesses to fair market value on challenge \u2014 and voids insurance.<\/p>\n

    Forgetting CITES restrictions.<\/strong> Antique furniture with ivory inlays, certain woods, leather\/skins \u2014 all need CITES paperwork or are prohibited.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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    FAQ<\/h3>\n
    \nInventory for an EU move?<\/summary>\n

    Not mandatory but recommended for insurance and tracking.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nUK after Brexit?<\/summary>\n

    Portuguese export declaration plus ToR1 in the UK.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nCars as personal goods?<\/summary>\n

    Vehicles need a separate export procedure.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nInventory language?<\/summary>\n

    Portuguese or English depending on destination.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWill the moving company handle customs?<\/summary>\n

    Yes \u2014 international movers include customs paperwork.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nAre there customs formalities when moving from Portugal to Spain?<\/summary>\n

    No. EU\/EEA moves use the single market \u2014 no customs declaration, no duty, no VAT. Only the moving company’s commercial documents (CMR, valuated inventory) are needed. The same applies for moves to France, Germany, Netherlands and any other EU\/EEA destination.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nDoes the transfer-of-residence relief cover everything I own?<\/summary>\n

    Most personal household goods owned and used at least 6 months pre-move qualify, but each destination has nuances. Cars are typically separate (see car-export rules); alcohol\/tobacco face personal allowances; new items (under 6 months) often excluded. Check the specific destination’s customs guidance before packing.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nWho prepares the valuated inventory \u2014 me or the mover?<\/summary>\n

    Both. You prepare a draft listing items by box with realistic second-hand values; the moving company refines, formalises and counter-signs. Most movers provide an Excel template. Photos for high-value items strengthen any customs query at destination.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n

    \nHow long does customs clearance take at the Portuguese export side?<\/summary>\n

    Typically 1-3 working days for the AT\/Alf\u00e2ndega export declaration via STADA, assuming the valuated inventory and supporting documents are complete. The moving company’s despachante oficial handles the filing as part of the international move package.<\/p>\n<\/details>\n<\/div>\n

    Prepare the valuated inventory before packing \u2014 it doubles as your insurance manifest.<\/p>\n

    Flyto Relocation handles international moves with customs paperwork. Get a free quote<\/a>.<\/p>\n

    See also: All Portugal moving guides<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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    Ready to ship your belongings abroad?<\/h3>\n

    We handle export customs and 20 European destinations<\/p>\n

    Get free quote \u2192<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n