Customs Declaration for Personal Belongings: Portugal

Customs Declaration for Personal Belongings: What You Need to Know?

When moving to Portugal, one of the most important — and sometimes challenging — steps is the customs declaration for your personal belongings. This process, which involves the documentation and legalization of your items, may seem complex, but it is essential to ensure everything goes smoothly and legally, without unnecessary additional costs.

What is the Customs Declaration for Personal Belongings?

The customs declaration is the legal procedure required to regularize the belongings you intend to bring to Portugal when moving to the country. These items can include furniture, appliances, clothing, vehicles, and other personal property. When entering Portugal, personal belongings must be declared to the Tax and Customs Authority (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira – AT).

When is the Customs Declaration Required?

A customs declaration is mandatory whenever someone moves to Portugal and brings personal belongings, especially for citizens who:

  • Are moving to Portugal permanently.
  • Are bringing personal belongings from outside the European Union (EU).

What Documents Are Needed to Declare Personal Belongings?

To complete the customs declaration for your personal belongings, you will need a few essential documents, such as:

  1. Passport or Citizen Card: A valid identification document.
  2. Proof of Residence: Issued by the local council in Portugal, indicating your start date of residence in the country.
  3. Personal Belongings Declaration (or Baggage Certificate): A detailed list of the belongings being declared, proving they have been used in your country of origin for a minimum of 6 months.
  4. Proof of Residence in the Country of Origin: A declaration from the Embassy/Consulate of your country of origin, confirming that you have lived there for more than 12 consecutive months.

What Are the Possible Exemptions?

In some situations, you may be exempt from paying taxes on the importation of your personal belongings. Exemptions can be granted if:

  • You have lived abroad for more than 12 months and are bringing used (not new) items to Portugal.
  • The imported items are for personal use and are not intended for resale.

If you meet the exemption criteria, you can avoid paying fees such as VAT and customs duties, making your move to Portugal easier and more cost-effective.

The customs declaration for personal belongings is an essential process for anyone moving to Portugal. While the procedure may seem complex at first, it is vital to avoid issues with tax authorities and, in some cases, crucial to prevent unnecessary costs.

If you still have doubts about the documents to submit, the exemption process, or how to proceed efficiently, Global International Relocation can help! With over 16 years of experience and expertise in customs procedures, we can ensure that your move to Portugal is quick and hassle-free.

Contact us to learn more about how we can assist with importing your belongings and check if you’re eligible for VAT and customs duty exemptions. Avoid setbacks and take advantage of our support so you can start your new life in Portugal with peace of mind!