Moving to Portugal from UK with Thompson & Son
Portugal Removals Company
If you’re planning on moving to Portugal from UK, you don’t just need a Portuguese Removals Company. Instead, you want a UK company with the local knowledge and experience at both ends, to get you from your old hometown to the new. That’s where Thompson & Son comes in. With over 60 years in the industry, we have built a reputation as one of the leading removal companies in transporting UK customers to Europe, offering personalised and reliable services for those moving to Portugal.
More than 30,000 British citizens live in Portugal. If you plan to join them, book Thompson & Son for a smooth Portugal removals experience.
As a family-run business, we understand the importance of making your move as smooth and stress-free as possible. Our team is dedicated to providing exceptional customer service, ensuring that you have a positive experience throughout the entire process.
In-Person or Video Survey
Before moving to Portugal from UK can begin, you’ll need an assessment of your belongings to determine the volume and packing requirements. Thompson & Son offers both in-person and video surveys to accommodate your needs. Our experienced surveyors will visit your home or conduct a video call to assess the items to be moved, taking note of any special requirements or delicate items that may need extra care during transit.
We’ll assess and discuss your packing requirements, offering professional advice on the best methods to protect your items during the move. Our team is also available to provide a full packing service, using high-quality materials to ensure the safe transportation of your belongings. Alternatively, we can supply you with the necessary packing materials if you prefer to pack your items yourself.
We'll Arrange the Paperwork
One of the most daunting aspects of moving to a new country is navigating the paperwork and legal requirements. As an experienced Portugal removals company, Thompson & Son will handle all the necessary documentation on your behalf. From customs clearance to insurance, we will ensure that all the paperwork is completed correctly and on time, allowing you to focus on settling into your new home.
Storage Solutions
At Thompson & Son, we understand that sometimes your move may not be as straightforward as simply moving from one house to another. Whether you need temporary storage in transit while waiting for your new property to be ready, or longer-term storage solutions, we have secure, climate-controlled facilities available to keep your belongings safe. Our flexible storage options cater to your individual needs, providing peace of mind during your Portugal removals.
Direct And Groupage (Shared) Options
There are two main ways to transport your goods abroad, these are Direct and Groupage (shared vehicle).
Direct Move
This service generally means we come and pack your belongings and then head straight to the boat and directly to your new property on your chosen dates. A direct move is ideal for those who need to move quickly and want the assurance that their items will arrive at their destination on a specific date.
Groupage (Shared Vehicle) Move
This option is generally chosen for a number of reasons, such as when your consignment is not a full house, or you are in no particular rush for delivery. These loads are grouped together with other customers’ belongings, which is reflected in the costs being lower. A groupage-shared move allows for greater flexibility and can be more cost-effective for those with smaller consignments or more relaxed timeframes.
Moving to Portugal should be an exciting adventure, and choosing the right removal company can make all the difference. With Thompson & Son’s expertise, personalised service, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can trust us to take care of every aspect of your move, ensuring a smooth transition into your new life in Portugal.
Preparing The Necessary Paperwork
Moving between countries can involve a complex array of paperwork and regulations, especially in the post-Brexit landscape. The specific paperwork required can vary based on the European country you’re moving to, but here’s a general overview of the documents and processes you might need to move to Portugal:
Passport and Visas: Ensure your passport is valid for a significant period. You will need a visa or residence permit to live in Portugal. See below for more information.
Work Permit: If you’re moving for employment, you will need a permit to work in Portugal. Generally, work visas and permits are only granted to non-EU citizens (which we are, since Brexit), if you already have a job offer, or you are married to a Portuguese citizen.
Residence Registration: Many European countries require you to register your residence within a certain period after arrival.
Health Insurance: State healthcare is not completely free. You need to be registered as a resident in Portugal to access state healthcare. Patients pay a standard user fee, a ‘taxas moderadoras’.
Driving License: You can drive on a valid UK driving licence if you have registered it with the Instituto da Mobilidade e dos Transportes
Customs Forms: If you’re planning to move your belongings to Portugal, you may need a Baggage Certificate (Certificado de Bagagem) for duty-free import, provided you’ve owned the items for at least six months. Where we are transporting these items for you, we will arrange the necessary paperwork.
Bank Statements and Proof of Income: To rent property or apply for certain services, you’ll often need to prove your financial stability.
Tax Documents: Inform the UK HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) about your move and understand the tax obligations in your new country.
Birth and Marriage Certificates: For registration, visas, and other administrative processes, you might need official translations of these documents.
Pet Documentation: If moving with pets, ensure you have their pet passport or animal health certificate, vaccination records, and any required microchip information.
Visas For Portugal
As a UK citizen planning to move to Portugal post-Brexit, you will indeed need to navigate through visa and residency requirements due to the change in the UK’s relationship with the EU. Here’s an overview based on the current guidelines:
Visas and Residency
- Short Stays: For periods of up to 90 days within any 180-day period, you can stay in Portugal without a visa. This applies for tourism, business, or short visits.
- Residency: For longer stays, UK citizens looking to reside in Portugal must apply for a visa and, subsequently, a residence permit. Portugal offers various pathways, including the D7 visa for retirees or those with a stable income from outside Portugal, and the Golden Visa for investors.
D7 Visa
- The D7 visa is ideal for UK citizens with regular passive income, such as pensions, rent, or dividends. Applicants must prove they have enough income to support themselves: a minimum annual income of €9,840 for the main applicant, plus additional for dependents. The process includes obtaining a tax number (NIF), opening a bank account in Portugal, and purchasing or renting property. The initial permit is valid for two years, after which it can be renewed.
Golden Visa
- The Golden Visa requires a minimum investment in Portugal, offering a faster path to residency. It can be through property purchase, capital transfer, or job creation, among others. The process takes approximately 8-10 months and involves steps like due diligence, obtaining a NIF, making the investment, and submitting the application. The residence permit obtained through this program requires the holder to spend a minimum of seven days per year in Portugal and is renewable every two years.
Portuguese Citizenship
- After five years of legal residence, you can apply for Portuguese citizenship by naturalisation, allowing for dual British-Portuguese citizenship. The process typically takes 7-12 months.
For detailed processes and requirements on how to move to Portugal, it’s advisable to consult the official Portuguese immigration authorities or a professional immigration advisor to ensure compliance and to understand the most up-to-date regulations.
Why Choose Us?
As a Portuguese Moving Company Specialist, Thompson & Son offers an array of advantages that set us apart from the competition. Here are just a few reasons to choose us for your move to Portugal:
- Over 60 years of experience in the removals industry
- Family-run business with a focus on personalised service
- In-depth knowledge of local customs and regulations
- Comprehensive range of services, including packing, storage, and paperwork assistance
- Flexible options to suit your needs, such as direct-shared and groupage-shared moves
- Highly trained, professional staff dedicated to ensuring a smooth and stress-free relocation
- Competitive pricing without compromising on quality or customer satisfaction
Discuss Your Requirements
Conclusion
Making the decision to move to Portugal can be both exciting and daunting. By choosing Thompson & Son as your Portuguese Moving Company Specialist, you can have peace of mind knowing that every aspect of your move will be handled professionally and efficiently. From packing and storage to handling paperwork and providing flexible moving options, our experienced team is committed to making your transition to Portugal as seamless as possible. With our family-run approach, you can trust Thompson & Son to deliver exceptional service and support throughout your European relocation journey.
