Dreaming Of a New Life in Portugal?
With its sunny Iberian climate, welcoming culture, and charming cities alive with colour and history, it’s no wonder Australians have their eye on Portugal. Not to mention the new visas that have opened the door to Australians moving to Portugal like never before.
But while the destination is exciting, the logistics of getting there can feel overwhelming. And if you’re not quite sure where you’ll land or how long you’ll stay, it can add a layer of complexity.
That’s where KEYS The Moving Solution comes in. We make moving to Portugal from Australia easy. As Perth’s trusted international removalist, we tailor solutions for temporary moves, open-ended travel, and permanent relocations. Whether you’re heading to try your luck in Lisbon’s job market, settle permanently in Porto, or retire to the Algarve, we’ll make sure your move is seamless from start to finish.
Why Are Australians Moving to Portugal?
Portugal offers an enviable mix of affordability and culture in safe, expat-friendly cities. It’s increasingly popular with retirees, remote workers, students, and families looking for a change of pace.
International Universities
Portugal has several well‑regarded universities that welcome international students in English:
- The University of Lisbon
- University of Porto
- University of Coimbra
- NOVA University Lisbon
- University of Minho
- University of Aveiro
For many Australian students, the chance to immerse in another culture for even a semester is too good to pass up. For others, completing post-graduate studies in a globally respected institution is a career-defining move.
Travel Opportunities
Portugal’s strategic location at Europe’s southwest edge makes travelling around Europe easy, with modern airports in Lisbon, Porto and Faro.
Portugal’s reliable rail system and well-maintained roads also mean weekend trips to Spanish cities, Moroccan shores, Algarve beaches, or national parks are within easy reach.
Exciting Destinations
Portugal may seem small compared to neighbouring Spain, but this just means it’s easier to explore the country and find your perfect place to live.
Australians moving to Portugal have found their feet all around the compact country, including:
- Lisbon: Portugal’s capital, known for its vibrant culture and tech-driven startup scene.
- Porto: The atmospheric second city with a rich history and relaxed atmosphere.
- Algarve: A sunny coastal region favoured by retirees and holidaymakers.
- Cascais: A charming seaside town just west of Lisbon.
- Faro: The gateway to southern Portugal and Spain.
- Coimbra: A vibrant student city with Portugal’s oldest university.
Visa Options
Australians need a visa to move to Portugal. However, the process is easier than in many other European countries, especially with new visas opening the door for remote workers. Here are some of the popular Portuguese visa options for Australians:
- D1 Work Visa: For professionals with a job offer, including a valid contract and recognised qualifications.
- D2 Entrepreneur Visa: For founders, freelancers or investors launching a business in Portugal.
- D4 Student Visa: For students enrolled in valid courses at Portuguese institutions, with the funds to support themselves.
- D7 Passive Income (Retirement) Visa: For people with a passive income of around €800 to €900 a month (roughly $1,400 to $1,600) from rental earnings of investments.
- D8 Digital Nomad Visa: A new visa launched in 2022 for remote workers earning around €3,000 per month ($5,300) or more.
- ARI – Investment Visa: Often called the “Golden Visa”, this is open to people who invest around €500k ($1 million) into Portuguese funds, employ 10+ people, or make sizeable donations.
Finding the right visa for your move to Portugal is an important first step. Criteria and conditions differ between visas, so we recommend getting advice from an immigration professional.
The Challenges of Moving to Portugal From Australia
An international move involves more than just shipping boxes. It’s about navigating customs, understanding import restrictions, and coordinating multiple moving parts, often across languages and time zones.
Knowing the common challenges helps you to prepare early:
- Customs clearance and Portuguese import regulations.
- Timing and logistics for sea or air freight.
- Visa processing times and documentation requirements.
- Language barriers and unfamiliar bureaucracy.
- Protecting your items through transit insurance and proper packing.
- Finding a place to live and registering your address for visa purposes.
With so much at stake, working with an experienced international removalist makes all the difference.
Why Choose KEYS The Moving Solution When Moving to Portugal From Australia?
At KEYS, we’ve been helping Western Australians move to Portugal for over 30 years. Our international removalist services are built on deep experience and trusted global partnerships.
We provide tailored moving solutions to support your transition from Perth to Portugal – or anywhere else around the world.
- End-to-end coordination with a dedicated move manager.
- Accredited expertise with FIDI, AFRA, IAM, and AIMA.
- Door-to-door service, including customs, freight, and delivery.
- Global partner network, including trusted teams on the ground in Portugal.
Plus, as the only WA-owned Harmony Relocation Network partner, you get built-in financial protection and guarantees that your move meets the highest standards for quality, environmental responsibility, and safety.
Our Portugal Relocation Services
We tailor every move to suit your timeline, budget, and destination. As a leading international removalist in Perth, our comprehensive services include:
1. Personalised moving plan
We’ll shape a plan based on your needs, inventory, destination, and timeline.
2. Packing
Our team uses professional materials and secure crating to protect your belongings.
3. Freight logistics
We handle both sea and air freight, including full containers or cost-effective shared container shipping.
4. Customs clearance
We guide you through Portuguese import requirements and ensure your shipment clears without delay.
5. Delivery and unpacking
Once your shipment arrives, we coordinate final-mile delivery to your new home. We can also coordinate unpacking and setup services if you need.
6. Temporary storage
Not taking everything at once? Our Perth and Kalgoorlie storage facilities are secure and climate-controlled, with flexible short- and long-term agreements.
Portugal Moving Checklist
Relocating to Portugal is a big step, so it helps to be prepared. Use this quick checklist to stay on track:
✅ Research and apply for your visa or residency (e.g. D7, Golden Visa).
✅ Organise healthcare and insurance options (most visas require comprehensive health insurance).
✅ Gather all the required documents for residency, including translations into Portuguese.
✅ Open a local bank account or convert AUD to EUR in an international account.
✅ Declutter and decide what to ship, store, or sell.
✅ Consider learning some phrases in Portuguese if you plan to venture outside the big cities.
✅ Research the property market and secure short-term accommodation for when you arrive.
✅ Plan for shipping to take 8 to 12 weeks, depending on your consignment and destination.
Not Sure Where to Start?
Contact KEYS to get a tailored quote and personalised moving plan. We’ve been the trusted international removalist in Perth since 1995, helping families and businesses move down the road or across the world without stress.
With decades of experience, an expert local team, and a reliable global network, KEYS offers peace of mind at every stage. Let KEYS handle your move, so you can focus on settling into your new life in Portugal.
Get in touch today for a free consultation or quick quote.
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