CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
The following requirements apply for shipment of household goods and personal effects imported into Portugal:
- The original passport must state the place of residence abroad.
- Photocopy of air ticket or declaration must include details (date of arrival, etc.).
- The baggage certificate, “Certificado de Bagagem,” must state that all the items are used and have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for more than 6 months (do not show values).
- The baggage certificate must state that the owner of the goods has been living in the origin country for more than 12 months.
- Residence certificate “Atestado de Residencia” can be obtained in the Parish Council by the owner of the goods’ residence area in Portugal; it must state that the owner of the goods is living at the new address for no longer than 4 months.
- Portuguese nationals are not required to provide proof of application for a residence permit.
- If the owner of the goods is not a citizen of the origin country, proof of residency for a period of at least 12 months is required; this can be proven through a photocopy of identity card, certificate issued by the Portuguese Consulate or employment contract from the origin country.
- Transferees must be present for Customs clearance and must provide an exact date of arrival in Portugal.
- Although normal goods are duty free, Custom’s broker fees are generally required and are based ad valorem.
- Port handling charges and warehouse fees may be included in Custom’s broker fees but can be expensive; estimates should be requested from agent prior to import.
- Used household goods are considered duty-free if they have been in the owner of the goods’ possession for a period of at least 6 months and are not for sale after the shipment has been released.
- Goods must arrive within 6 months of owner of the goods’ arrival in the destination country.
- Inheritance requires a certified copy of the death certificate as well as the will, to allow for duty free import.
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED
The following documents are required for import of household goods and personal effects into Portugal:
- Original Passport
- Photocopy of VAT card (Cart�o de contribuinte)
- Working Visa / Residence Permit (Titulo de residencia / Visto de trabalho)
- "Certificado de Bagagem" issued by Portuguese Consulate
- Inventory/Packing List in duplicate translated into Portuguese, consularized, and signed and dated by the customer
- Valued inventory (for Customs purposes)
- Serial number of major electrical appliances
- "Atestado do Residen�ia" (proof of entitlement to reside in Portugal obtained at the “Junta de Freguesia” in Portugal. Must state you have been residing there for less than one year and listing the date of arrival in Portugal.)
- Either Deed to property owned by customer, Work Permit or a Permanent Residence Permit
- Declaration of ownership of goods, signed by the customer and witnessed by a Notary Public stating goods are the customers own possessions
MOTOR VEHICLES
Only 1 car allowed per family, 2nd car if any will subject to pay duties and taxes. Boats are subject to the payment of duties. Duties and taxes will be applied to all motor vehicles imported into Portugal and are based upon the year, make, model, and engine size. The vehicle must have been in possession of the shipper for at least 12 months before it can be imported. The following documents are required:
- Registration certificate
- Original title
- International driver’s license
- Insurance documents
- Import license
- Purchase invoice
- Inspection records
PETS
Pets must be identifiable with a tattoo or an electronic identification system and vaccinated against rabies. The vaccination certificate must include rabies vaccination information. Pets may be imported into Portugal with the following documents:
- Certificate of Health issued by a veterinarian no more than four weeks prior to the date of entry of the pet in Portugal
- Insertion of microchip
DUTIABLE/RESTRICTED ITEMS
The following items are restricted and may attract duties and taxes:
- Wine
- Tobacco
- New items still in packaging
- Essences for regional wine counterfeit
- Systems for copying mail stamping systems
- Fish if it is disemboweled (cannot exceed 20 kg)
- Medicines and foodstuffs harmful to national health and drugs
- Powdered milk for babies, food for children and special medical food (including pet food) may be allowed if not requiring refrigeration and with original, unbroken seal (unless in use at the time),
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- Quantity must not exceed the weight of 10 kg originating from Croatia, Faroe Islands, Greenland and Iceland, and of 2 kg if originating in other countries
- Coats, fur and leather shoes made of protected animals (special authorization required)
- Hunting and civilian guns only (guns needs a property title and also need to be mentioned on the Consulate certificate)
- Firearms, cut and thrust weapons, and any instrument without specific application
PROHIBITED ITEMS
The following items are prohibited from import into Portugal:
- Meat and milk, and any by-products thereof, from non-European Union countries, with the exception of limited amounts from Andorra, Croatia, the Faroe Islands, Greenland, Iceland and small amounts of specific products from other countries; Check with agent for details.
- Protected species and products thereof as listed by the Washington Convention (CITES). For example, ivory, tortoise shells, coral, reptile skins, and wood from Amazonian forests.
- Pornographic material / objects
- Alcohol / spirits
- Firearms / weapons
- Drugs
- Food
- Gold in bars
- Games of chance that could be used for gambling purposes