Send Luggage From the USA to Portugal
Introduction: Ship Luggage from the USA to Portugal
Expediship is a professional international shipping company offering fast and affordable box, luggage, and parcel shipping services from the USA to Portugal.
Portugal is known for its beautiful coastline, historic cities, welcoming culture, and growing international business community, making it a popular destination for relocation, study, and trade.
We handle business shipments, personal effects, gifts, and product samples — safely, efficiently, and with full customs support.
Ship pallets, crates, barrels, boxes, luggage, and totes with confidence through our door-to-door delivery service.
Get a Free Quote:
https://expediship.com/contacts/
What Can You Ship When Shipping Luggage from the USA to Portugal
International Shipping from USA to Portugal — What You Can and Can’t Ship
Shipping from the USA to Portugal is generally simple, and most items are allowed. At the end of this page, you’ll find a detailed list of items that are not permitted for international shipping.
Common goods such as auto parts, makeup, clothing, office supplies, and sports equipment can all be shipped without issues.
If you’re unsure whether your item is allowed, contact Expediship — we’ll help you confirm before shipping.
Shipping Cost & Transit Time for Shipping Luggage from the USA to Portugal
Delivery covers every address in Portugal — Lisbon, Porto, Braga, Coimbra, and the Algarve, plus door-to-door service to Madeira and the Azores (island routing adds a few days). Your final rate depends on weight, dimensions, and pickup ZIP; the table below shows typical starting prices.
Below are estimated starting prices for shipping Luggage from the USA to Portugal. Final cost depends on box size, pickup address, and delivery city.
| Weight Range | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| 1–10 lbs | From $35 |
| 11–20 lbs | From $75 |
| 21–30 lbs | From $105 |
| 31–40 lbs | From $135 |
| 41–50 lbs | From $155 |
| 51–60 lbs | From $185 |
| 61–80 lbs | From $205 |
| 81+ lbs | From $225 — for larger shipments, please contact customer service for an exact quote. |
Note: Prices are estimated starting rates for air freight shipments. Expediship offers door-to-door service with full tracking and customs guidance.
Customs, IVA & the Certificado de Bagagem — Shipping Luggage to Portugal
Moving to Portugal? You’re in Good Company
Every month we ship luggage and personal effects to Portugal for three very different groups:
D7 and Digital Nomad visa holders. Portugal is one of Europe’s top destinations for American remote workers. Most of our D7 customers ship 2–6 suitcases ahead of their flight, so their belongings are waiting when they land in Lisbon or Porto — no dragging four bags through airport transfers.
Retirees heading to the Algarve. Faro, Lagos, and Tavira host one of Europe’s largest American retiree communities. Retirement moves usually combine luggage with boxes of household items — we handle both in one door-to-door shipment.
Students. The Universities of Coimbra, Lisbon, and Porto all see a September arrival peak. Book at least two weeks before term starts — late August is our busiest Portugal season.
The Certificado de Bagagem: Portugal’s Key Document for Duty-Free Personal Effects
If you are moving your residence from the USA to Portugal, your used personal belongings can enter free of duty and IVA — but only with the right paperwork. Portugal requires a Certificado de Bagagem (baggage certificate), and it must be arranged before your shipment leaves the USA:
- Find your consulate. Request the certificate from the Portuguese consulate serving your US area — Washington DC, New York, Newark, Boston, New Bedford, or San Francisco, depending on your state.
- Prove your residence abroad. The consulate certifies your US residence history (visa or green card, utility bills, employment records).
- Attach your inventory. The certificate accompanies a detailed list of the items you are shipping and is presented to Portuguese customs (Autoridade Tributária e Aduaneira) at clearance.
Ship without it, and your personal effects can be assessed like a normal import — 23% IVA on declared value. Our team checks your paperwork before pickup so this never happens.
Shipping Surfboards and Sports Gear
Nazaré, Ericeira, and Peniche are world-class surf destinations, and surfboard shipments to Portugal are one of our specialties. Boards and oversized sports gear are accepted with no practical size limit — we crate longboards and big-wave guns on request. The busy season runs October through March when the Atlantic swell arrives; book pickup a week earlier during those months.
Mainland, Madeira, and the Azores
We deliver to every address in Portugal, including Funchal (Madeira) and Ponta Delgada (Azores) — island deliveries route through a mainland hub and typically take a few extra days. One detail most shippers never mention: IVA differs by region. Mainland Portugal charges 23%, Madeira 22%, and the Azores just 16%.
Estimate your taxes before you ship with our Customs Duty Tool.
Every personal-effects shipment to Portugal needs: a detailed inventory (item-by-item, with used-value estimates), a copy of your passport, and proof of your move (visa, residence permit, or work contract).
Portugal grants duty-free entry for residence transfers via the Certificado de Bagagem — see the consulate guide earlier on this page.
Estimate duties and see the full document checklist in our Customs Duty Tool.
Duty-free relief for personal effects generally requires that items are used (typically owned 6+ months), that you are transferring residence rather than visiting, and that the paperwork is arranged before shipping. New items in original packaging are treated as normal imports. Not sure you qualify? Send us your situation with your quote request — we confirm before pickup.
Gift boxes and samples → our box page. Full checklists for any purpose → Customs Duty Tool.
How to Pack Luggage for International Shipping from the USA to Portugal | Step-by-Step Guide
Packing your own suitcases? Follow our step-by-step luggage preparation guide before pickup day.
When preparing to ship luggage internationally from the USA, choosing the right suitcase is the first step to protect your belongings during long-distance transportation.
Hard-shell suitcases (polycarbonate or aluminum) are the best option because they provide strong protection during handling and transit.
Soft-shell luggage can also be used, but the material should be thick and durable.
Avoid using old, damaged, or broken luggage, especially if the zipper, wheels, or handles are weak.
Recommended weight limits for shipping luggage:
Small suitcase: up to 35 lbs (16 kg)
Medium suitcase: up to 45 lbs (20 kg)
Large suitcase: up to 50 lbs (23 kg)
Keeping luggage within these limits helps prevent damage and ensures safer international shipping.
Proper packing inside the suitcase helps protect your items when you ship luggage overseas.
Place heavy items at the bottom of the suitcase.
Use clothing, bubble wrap, or packing paper to cushion fragile items.
Fill any empty space to prevent items from shifting during transport.
Put liquids, cosmetics, or toiletries inside sealed plastic bags to prevent leakage.
Tip: If you are shipping electronics, souvenirs, or fragile items, add extra padding or bubble wrap around them.
During international luggage shipping, suitcases may go through several handling points. Protecting the outside helps reduce the risk of damage.
Wrap the entire suitcase with stretch film or plastic wrap.
Use strong packing tape to secure the zipper area.
Add extra protection around wheels, handles, and corners, which are common pressure points.
Remove or secure any loose straps or accessories.
Many customers also place their suitcase inside a large protective shipping bag for extra protection.
Correct labeling ensures your suitcase can be properly processed during international shipping and customs clearance.
Print 1 shipping label and 3–4 copies of the commercial invoice.
Place the documents inside a clear plastic pouch or plastic bag.
Attach the pouch securely on the front of the suitcase where it is easy to see.
Cover it completely with clear packing tape to protect it from water or damage.
Important: Remove any old airline tags or previous shipping labels before sending your luggage.
Insurance Options for Shipping Boxes, Pallets, Crates, or Luggage from the USA to Portugal
Every shipment automatically includes $100 of cargo insurance free of charge — if anything is lost or damaged, you are covered up to $100 at no extra cost. Need more protection? Add full coverage for just 3% of the declared value when requesting your quote. For eligibility rules, non-insurable items, and how claims work, see our Shipping Insurance Guide.
International Shipping Prohibitions and Restrictions
Ship from USA to Portugal — Know What You Cannot Ship
Certain items cannot be received, stored, shipped, imported, or exported due to government regulations, safety concerns, or international trade laws. Transactions involving these commodities are strictly prohibited, regardless of the shipment’s origin or destination.
Note: These items are completely forbidden to be exported or imported between countries.
Shipping Process
Ship Box or luggage from USA to Portugal
Frequently Asked Questions When Shipping Boxes or Luggage from USA to Portugal
For small shipments of used personal clothing, customs often clears without it, but the certificate is the only way to guarantee duty-free treatment. If your luggage includes electronics or anything with resale value, get the certificate — the consulate fee is small compared to 23% IVA on a laptop.
Sealed, non-perishable packaged food is generally fine in small quantities. Prescription medication should travel with you, not in shipped luggage. Fresh food, meat, and dairy cannot be shipped. Note that we do not carry alcohol — port wine and spirits cannot be included in any shipment.
Add a few days to the mainland transit time for island routing. The upside: the Azores’ IVA rate is 16%, the lowest in Portugal.
Pick up by mid-August for Coimbra, Lisbon, or Porto arrivals. August is peak season — book early.