Moving from UAE to Portugal (2026): Visas, Costs & The "Certificado de Bagagem"
MoveConnector Euro-Logistics Team
Relocation Expert
Introduction: Your Move to Europe's Sunny West Coast
Moving from the United Arab Emirates to Portugal is a trending choice for expats seeking a high quality of life. Whether you are a Digital Nomad heading to Lisbon's co-working hubs or a D7 retiree settling in the Algarve, the transition offers a relaxed pace of life. However, Portuguese bureaucracy (Burocracia) is famous for being slow and exacting.
This guide is based on real relocations handled by MoveConnector partner movers delivering into Lisbon, Porto, and the Algarve. We cover the essential steps for 2026, from the Certificado de Bagagem to the reality of shipping furniture into narrow historic streets.
Why Portugal Is Bureaucratically Different from Other EU Moves
- Mandatory Consular Approval: You cannot ship without the Certificado de Bagagem (processed in UAE before you leave).
- High VAT Penalty: Portugal charges 23% VAT + Duty if your paperwork fails, which is higher than many other EU states.
- Municipal Control: Delivery rules (permits/hoists) are enforced at the local council (
Câmara) level, adding a layer of complexity beyond customs. - Processing Culture: Speed cannot replace documentation. Portugal rewards preparation, not last-minute logistics.
Who This Guide Is For
- Digital Nomads (D8 Visa) moving from Dubai.
- Retirees (D7 Visa) securing tax residency.
- Golden Visa Holders establishing primary residence.
This guide is regularly referenced by Portuguese visa agents, NHR tax advisors, and international relocation consultants assisting UAE residents.
This guide is NOT for:
- Tourists shipping luggage.
- Importing cars (unless you are prepared for extreme bureaucracy).
Part 1: Ship from Dubai or Buy in Portugal?
Portugal is one of Western Europe's most affordable countries, but imported electronics and cars are expensive.
The Decision Matrix: What to Pack
| Item Type | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| High-Quality Furniture | ✅ Ship It | Good furniture in Portugal is pricey. IKEA is available but basic. |
| Electronics (TVs/PCs) | ✅ Ship It | Electronics are 20% more expensive in Portugal. Voltage is compatible. |
| Winter Clothes | ✅ Ship It | Portuguese homes can be cold in winter (poor insulation). Bring warm layers. |
| Cars | ❌ Sell in UAE | Portugal's Vehicle Tax (ISV) is brutal. Import exemption is complex and hard to get. |
| Carpets/Rugs | ✅ Ship It | UAE rugs are superior quality and great for cold Portuguese tile floors. |
Part 2: How Much Does It Cost to Move from UAE to Portugal? (2026)
Shipments typically enter via Lisbon, Leixões (Porto), or Sines.
Estimated Sea Freight Costs
| Home Size | Shipment Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Studio / 1-Bed | LCL (Shared Container) | 9,000 – 14,000 |
| 2-3 Bed Apartment | 20ft Container (FCL) | 18,000 – 26,000 |
| Large Villa (4+ Bed) | 40ft Container (FCL) | 28,000 – 38,000 |
In summary: Most full household moves from the UAE to Portugal cost between AED 9,000 and AED 26,000 door-to-door, depending on volume and access difficulties (narrow streets) in Lisbon or Porto.
> Note: These estimates exclude insurance (approx. 2.5%), customs fees (if inspection occurs), and the local "Hidden Costs" below.
The "Hidden" Local Portuguese Costs
Lisbon and Porto have ancient, narrow streets. Trucks often cannot reach the door.
| Expense Item | Description | Typical Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
External Lift (Elevador) |
External hoist for upper floors (Mandatory in many narrow streets) | €350 – €600 |
| Parking Permit | Council license to block the street (Ocupação de Via) |
€60 – €150 |
| Transshipment | Shuttle van if the container truck can't fit | €400 – €800 |
Typical Timeline: UAE → Portugal Move
- Week 0–2: Obtain NIF + Certificado de Bagagem (in UAE).
- Week 3: Professional packing in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
- Week 4–10: Sea transit to Lisbon/Leixões.
- Week 11–12: Customs clearance + final delivery. > Delays almost always come from missing paperwork, not shipping.
Part 3: Visas & The "NIF" Number
Before you ship, you need legal standing.
1. The Visa Options
- D7 (Passive Income): For retirees/landlords. Requires proof of passive income.
- D8 (Digital Nomad): For remote workers earning ~€3,280/month.
- Golden Visa: Investment-based (Note: Real estate option has been restricted in 2024/25).
2. The NIF (Fiscal Number)
You cannot clear customs without a NIF (Número de Identificação Fiscal). You should obtain this via a fiscal representative before you even leave the UAE.
Part 4: Customs & The "Certificado de Bagagem"
To import your goods duty-free (saving ~23% VAT + Duty), you must follow the Certificado de Bagagem process perfectly.
The "Golden Ticket": Certificado de Bagagem
This document proves you lived outside the EU for 12 months.
- Where to get it: Portuguese Consulate in Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
- When: Before you cancel your UAE visa and fly out.
- Requirement: You usually need to show utility bills or a tenancy contract proving 12 months of UAE residence.
Essential Documents Checklist:
- Passport & Visa
- NIF Number
- Certificado de Bagagem (Original from Consulate)
- Atestado de Residência (Proof of address in Portugal from local Junta de Freguesia)
- Packing List (Valued, in Portuguese)
Pro Tip: Portuguese customs (
Alfândega) are strict about the inventory. Do not write "Kitchen Box". Write "Cutlery, Pots, Pans". Vague lists get inspected.
Part 5: Common Mistakes When Moving to Portugal
- Shipping the car: Many expats regret this. Even if you get the tax exemption, the paperwork can take 6-12 months, during which you cannot drive the car.
- Forgetting the External Lift: If you live on a 3rd floor in Lisbon with no elevator (common), and you didn't book an external hoist, the movers may refuse delivery or charge double.
- Missing the 12-Month Window: You must import your goods within 12 months of your arrival. After that, you pay full tax.
Conclusion: A Relaxed Life Awaits
Moving to Portugal is a dream for many, but the initial logistics require patience. The key is securing your Certificado de Bagagem in the UAE and preparing for the physical reality of moving into historic Portuguese buildings.
Don't let customs taxes ruin your arrival. Compare quotes from movers who know the Certificado de Bagagem process.