×
Interested in our Partner Program for businesses or our Local Guide Program for experienced expats and digital nomads? Click here to learn more.
Expat Exchange
Free MembershipSign In

Arrival household goods

6 years ago
Thank you, craigandmiki, for the description and requirements of household shipping. I have a specific question concerning the arrival of household furniture and goods once I am in Portugal. I’ve submitted my application at the nearest consulate and have a lease on an unfurnished apartment in Lisbon. I hope to be approved soon and arrive in Lisbon sometime in early October to continue the process through SEF.
I estimate that I will be shipping over a small amount (around 200 sq. meters, or 216 square feet) of household furniture and goods that I don’t want to purchase in Lisbon. The trouble is, I’ve just heard that my household goods can only arrive in Portugal after I have my Temporary Residency Card. Does that mean I have to wait until SEF processes me in Portugal, which could easily take 4 to 8 months, to receive my goods through customs? What happens to my household goods in the meantime?
I was anticipating a 2 to 3 month wait after arrival, which is bad enough with an empty apartment, but if SEF is delayed in my processing it seems like an extraordinary long time to do without some basic creature comforts. Help! I don’t want to buy everything from scratch. I only know one or two trusted acquaintances over there, but I suppose I could mail a smaller box of convenience items to them, if push came to shove. Any suggestions or workarounds?

AnchorLess
AnchorLess

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Living in Portugal GuideLiving in Portugal Guide

Our Living in Portugal Guide is a primer on everything about living in Portugal: best places to live, cost of living, pros and cons, healthcare and insurance, obtaining a driver's license, how to bring your pet with you and more.

Portugal Forum Portugal Forum
Join our Portugal forum to meet other expats and talk about living in Portugal.

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help other expats and newcomers by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

Best Places to Live in Portugal Best Places to Live in Portugal

If you're thinking about living in Portugal, here are the 15 Best Places to Live in Portugal in 2023.

Healthcare in PortugalHealthcare in Portugal

Expats in Portugal with a residency visa can participate in the national health care system. Here's what you need to know about the SNS and the combination of public and private services you'll need to manage your health in Portugal.

Cost of Living in PortugalCost of Living in Portugal

Expats offer insight into the cost of living in Portugal.

Moving to PortugalMoving to Portugal Guide

Expats moving to Portugal are drawn by a variety of places to live, a rich history and so much more. Here are some tips on what it means to move there, and how to make it happen.

Real Estate in PortugalReal Estate in Portugal

Real estate listings in popular cities and towns in Portugal.

Pros Cons of Living in PortugalPros & Cons of Living in Portugal

Take off your rose-colored glasses and learn what expats have to say about the biggest challenges and the greatest rewards of living in Portugal.

Retiring in PortugalRetiring in Portugal

Advice for people retiring in Portugal.

Visa and Residency PortugalPortugal Visa & Residency Guide

Thanks to Susan Stults Korthase for this helpful overview of current requirements to begin the process of obtaining a Residency Visa when moving from the US to Portugal.

10 Tips for Living in Portugal10 Tips for Living in Portugal

If you've recently arrived in Portugal, here are 10 tips for digital nomads living in Portugal.

GeoBlue
GeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

GeoBlueGeoBlue

Top-quality coverage for people who live, work, study and travel internationally.
Get Quote

Contribute to Portugal Network Contribute
Help others in Portugal by answering questions about the challenges and adventures of living in Portugal.

AnchorLess
AnchorLess

Copyright 1997-2024 Burlingame Interactive, Inc.

Privacy Policy Legal Partners & Local Guides