Moving to Portugal
Moving to Portugal is more than just a big decision. It’s a chance to start fresh in a beautiful, warm, and welcoming country. Whether you’re relocating to Portugal for retirement, remote work, or a lifestyle upgrade, Orbit International Moving Logistics is the trusted partner to get you there with confidence.
With years of experience moving from Canada to Portugal, Orbit knows how to handle every detail — from packing to delivery, customs clearance to final setup. Our all-inclusive rates and personalized service mean you won’t face surprises, delays, or extra stress.
Planning your moving to Portugal from Canada experience doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We offer free quotes, expert guidance, and full-service solutions that cover everything. Let us handle the logistics so you can focus on your new life in Lisbon, Porto, or anywhere else in Portugal.
Get your free quote today and let’s move you to Portugal the right way. Call (416) 661-4228.
General Information
Prohibited and Restricted Goods
Firearms, ammunition, drugs, alcoholic beverages, foodstuff.
Customs Regulations
From Canada:
The Portuguese consulate general’s requirements: (438 University Avenue, Toronto Ontario – (416) 217-0966)
If you wish to cancel your Canadian residency and return to Portugal permanently, you can aply for Portuguese Customs tax exemptions on your own car, motorcycle or boat, by presenting at this Consulate:
– Your Income Tax of last 2 years
– Yorr vehicle booklet
– your Canadian driving/sailing/motoring license
– Documentation proving you owned the vehicle/boat for at least the last 6 months prior to the shipping date.
– Vehicle search (Confirmation letter)
– Statement of the intended date of your return, permanently, to Portugal.
– Address and Phone number in Portugal where you can be personally contacted by the Portuguese Customs.
– Shipment of personal effects.
If you wish to cancel your residency in Canada and permanently return to Portugal, you can apply for a Portuguese Customs tax exemption on your personal belongings. For this you are required to present to the Consulate:
– Portuguese passport (if you are married please add also your wife´s or husband´s passport)
– Luggage list: item listing all the articles and specifying quantities. (Only used household articles are allowed. Electrical items must be used and furthermore, identified according to the brand, model and serial number.)
– Declaration with your complete identification, mentioning the date you became a landed immigrant in Canada, date of your intended definitive return, as well as your complete address and phone number in Portugal where you can be personally contacted by the Portuguese Customs.
1- Certificate of Residence
“Residence certificate” issued by the nearest Portuguese consulate confirming that he has resided in the country of origin at least during the last twelve months, prior to client’s departure to Portugal.
It is understood to be the normal residence of a person where same lives for a period of at least 185 days of a civil year, in consequence of his or her professional life or, in a case of a non professional life, in consequence of the bond between the person and the place where he or she lives.
For the purposes of the automobile tax exemption (in the case of importing an automobile to Portugal), it is by law required that a person lives and works abroad for at least 24 consecutive months.
2- Baggage Certificate (“Certificado de bagagem“)
All Portuguese citizens who work and reside outside of the European Community for at least the period of one year, when returning to Portugal in a definitive basis, are entitled to import their household effects with exemptions on import duties and Iva (V.A.T) exemptions.
Rules to be observed:
Citizen to be at least 18 yrs old, of Portuguese nationality and to hold a driver’s license;
To have worked and resided outside the European Community for at least a period of 24 consecutive months;
To own vehicle for a period of at least six months prior to importation;
Citizen has to cancel his/her residence from present country of residence.
Documents to be presented:
Driver’s license and vehicle registration;
Proof of residence at said country;
Proof of status of immigrant work for a period of at least 24 consecutive months.
“Certificado de bagagem“
Photocopy of passport (original may be required).
EEC declaration supplied by RETTENMAYER.
Declaration supplied by RETTENMAYER where date of arrival and other details are stated.
Domicile certificate (atestado de residência) to be obtained by the client and issued by the
Junta de Freguesia in which client’s residence in Portugal is situated confirming the address and
mentioning the date since when the client has resided there.
Proof of application for residence permit no matter client’s nationality (Portuguese are the only exception).
Shipments for Foreign Diplomats
Diplomatic franchise should be obtained by the local Embassy.
Important: This information is intended for general guidance. Orbit International Logistics LTD. cannot however take responsibility for any errors or omissions or for any loss or damage that may occur from its use. As such it is advisable to contact the nearest Portuguese customs office for full and current information prior to importation.