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Shipping to Portugal
Are you looking for removals to Portugal? Portugal was voted the ‘Best European Travel destination’ for the second year running at the World Travel Awards this year.
Its popularity has resulted in a spike in the number of applications for permanent residency. There are now over 900,000 expats living in Portugal out of a total population of over 10 million.
If you’re looking to start a new life on the Iberian Peninsula GoodMove can assist. We are relocation experts with over 35 years’ experience helping UK families move from the UK to worldwide destinations.
We tailor our removals and storage services to match your precise requirements. Whether you are moving a whole household or just a few items short-term we have the knowledge and expertise.
To find out more about our International Removals Service give us a call on the number listed above. Or to make an enquiry fill out a quick contact form above and we’ll be in touch shortly.
Why Choose Us for Removals to Portugal?
Moving with GoodMove couldn’t be simpler. Our experienced and friendly team will be on hand to guide you throughout the process and will tailor your move to your time and budget.
We pack your belongings using a bespoke range of packing materials and deliver them right to your new home using our extensive fleet of vehicles. We can supply the following materials so all your items can be packed properly and avoid any damage in transit:
- Boxes
- Packing Paper
- Packing Cases
- Book Cartons
- Packing Tape
- Wine dividers
- Acid free paper (for silverware)
- Portable Wardrobes
- Bubble Wrap
Once we ascertain the volume of effects being moved we will send you a free no obligation written quotation. If satisfied we will then provide you with a full schedule detailing every aspect of your move, ensuring everything runs smoothly on the day.
We also offer a range of flexible storage solutions should you wish to take advantage of them.
Why Move to Portugal?
Pop icon, Madonna hit the headlines this year when she announced she was moving her young family from the USA to Portugal. But a brief glimpse at life on the Atlantic coast reveals this to be a smart choice indeed.
Portugal boasts a Mediterranean climate, with exquisite beaches and a slower pace of life. This year it’s capital, Lisbon, was voted the ‘Best City Destination’ in Europe for the third year running.
The cost of living is much lower compared with the rest of Western Europe. Rental prices and housing prices are far more competitive than large UK cities such as London and Manchester.
Portugal’s relaxed attitude to foreign property ownership and transparent tax system makes it relatively easy to set up shop here.
Bare in mind however that Portugal’s ‘slower pace of life’ comes with the consideration that public and immigration services are much slower than in the UK.
Young people might also not have as many opportunities as back home and will need to grasp the language to propel themselves up the career ladder.
The Algarve on the southern coast is an idyllic relocation destination for retirees with no shortage of fine wines and more than 35 golf courses. With an expat population of 52,000 people and a strong Spanish and Irish presence it is a vibrant and happening community to be part of.
Working in Portugal
Much of Portuguese industry is based around manufacturing, which has a limited need or attraction for expat workers. However, burgeoning technology and alternative energy industries are beginning to take root in the country, increasing the need for skilled foreign workers.
Teaching, real estate agents and travel and tourism positions are a more likely route to employment for UK expats.
Young people may find some obstacles to finding a job in Portugal. There are a growing number of graduates and so competition in the job market has increased.
Obtaining a work permit can also prove difficult because the sponsor (your prospective employer) must prove that the position is of a special nature and could not be filled by a Portuguese resident.
On a more positive note, Portugal enjoys a lot more public holidays than Britain: 16 on an annual basis compared to 10 here.
Property in Portugal
There has been a considerable increase in Brits buying property in Portugal over recent years, particularly among retirees.
There is a strong property market throughout the country, particularly in properties on luxury developments (offering a wide range of leisure and sports facilities) and luxury villas.
After deciding to buy a home in Portugal, your first task will be to choose the region and what sort of home to buy. Lisbon and Porto are the two biggest cities and so are the most expensive. The Algarve is a popular retiree location with lots of villas on the southern coast.
There are some lovely ‘old’ apartments and village homes available from as little as €50,000, (£44,190) and modern apartments outside the cities from around €75,000 (£66,290).
Detached villas start from €125,000 (£110,48) and if you are looking to renovate you will find some absolute bargains.
Bear in mind however that while there are some bargain ‘mansion’ properties to be had, you will need to factor in the cost of upkeep, which can be high. This includes heating it during the winter months and maintaining it if you’re intending to use it seasonally.
If you’re unsure where and what to buy, the best decision is usually to rent for a period.
Getting Around Portugal
If you are travelling around Portugal or any of its cities, public transport is highly efficient. Lisbon, the capital is famed for its extensive tram network and the rest of the country is connected via a mix of buses, trams, metros, airports, trains and taxis.
As a citizen of an EU member state, you can drive in Portugal with your original driver’s licence until it expires. It is important that you carry it and copy your insurance policy at all times.
Below are a few driving tips from the RAC:
- Driving is on the right
- Use of your mobile is strictly prohibited
- The speed limit is 30 mph in urban areas, 50mph on open roads and 75mph on motorways
- Payment for toll roads on exit. For a frequent toll road user, it is worth opting for the Via Verde system and pay monthly
Portuguese Healthcare
The quality of healthcare in Portugal is of a good standard and has significantly improved over the past 10 years.
You will find it reassuring that virtually every doctor is conversant in English. This is true of both public and private healthcare facilities in Portugal.
EU expats with residency in Portugal must obtain a National Health Service user card to access healthcare services. This can be obtained at a local health centre with a passport and residency card.
Despite the good standards, private healthcare is the preferred option for many expats. It is relatively cheap, gives a fast track to services for treatment and there are shorter waiting times.
Portuguese Healthcare
The quality of healthcare in Portugal is of a good standard and has significantly improved over the past 10 years.
You will find it reassuring that virtually every doctor is conversant in English. This is true of both public and private healthcare facilities in Portugal.
EU expats with residency in Portugal must obtain a National Health Service user card to access healthcare services. This can be obtained at a local health centre with a passport and residency card.
Despite the good standards, private healthcare is the preferred option for many expats. It is relatively cheap, gives a fast track to services for treatment and there are shorter waiting times.
Local Currency
Portugal like other countries in the eurozone, uses the euro (€) as its official currency.
ATMs are known as ‘Multibanco’ in Portugal. The system is one of the worlds most advanced and works with many types of cards. There are machines everywhere and you will rarely be more than a 5-minute walk from one in any urban area.
Shipping My Effects to Portugal
The whole moving experience can be incredibly stressful, especially so when relocating abroad. GoodMove has over 35 years of experience in the removal industry and can help make the process a lot less traumatic.
We can arrange a free no obligation home survey and quotation. It will be carried out by one of our qualified surveyors, who will able to answer any of the questions and concerns you have and offer advice where necessary.
The purpose of the survey is to determine the volume of effects you will be shipping. The cost of shipment is based on the space your effects will take up in the container. Following the visit, you will receive a written quotation.
Export Packing for Removals to Portugal from UK
You will want to know that during your door to door service, your possessions are treated with respect and care. Our experienced teams located across the UK will pack and prepare your valuable, fragile and bulky furniture ready for export.
We use a modern range of environmentally friendly, purpose-made packing materials and can pack everything for you prior to your move. All china and glassware will be wrapped in special paper and then packed in double-thickness cartons.
Furniture can be wrapped in bubble blanket for extra protection. Items requiring specialist care, such as antiques, can be packed in made-to-measure wooden crates.
Upon arrival at your residence in Portugal, our trusted agents will place boxes and furniture in appropriate rooms as directed. They will unpack your belongings onto flat surfaces and dispose of all packing materials.
Storage
You may find you need to store some or all of your possessions for a period of time prior to moving abroad.
Our depots offer secure containerised storage in personal dedicated storage containers. All our warehouses are clean, dry, secure and accredited to European standard BS EN 14873. Just speak to our surveyor for further information.
Our partners in Portugal can also offer you storage. You may be renting for a while and may not need all of your effects to be delivered immediately. You can arrange for certain items to be delivered and once settled in your new home, the rest can follow. Please note that storage rates may apply.
Contact GoodMove
For further information on our removals to Portugal service, or any other international destination, contact our international office. Alternatively complete the form below with your details and we will contact you.
Why Choose Us?
Worldwide Coverage
Our experienced team of removals specialists have been relocating customers all over the world since 1984.
100% Satisfaction
With a reputation for outstanding customer service, there's no better choice of removals firm for your next move.
Here For You
Our friendly support team are always on hand to offer help and guidance, whenever when you need it.