Guide › Moving in Portugal: the checklist

Moving in Portugal: the checklist

The general list plus what comes on top in this country: deadlines, offices and customs.

57 tasks · General checklist

Contracts and authorities

17 weeks before
Check the notice period: 120 days from one year of tenancy, 60 days below
Civil Code, art. 1098: 120 days' notice for contracts of a year or more, 60 days for shorter ones, in each case after a third of the term.
14 weeks before
Send the notice by registered letter with acknowledgement of receipt
The notice period runs from receipt.
13 weeks before
Arrange viewings for the next tenant
11 weeks before
Sign the new lease
10 weeks before
Pay the deposit (caução) and the first month's rent
One to two months' rent as caução is customary; advance rent is capped at two months (Law 13/2019).
9 weeks before
Arrange the handover date for the old flat
6 weeks before
Cancel internet and TV contracts
6 weeks before
Book a van for the cellar and small items
4 weeks before
Book time off for moving day
3 weeks before
Draw up the list of address changes
2 weeks before
Adjust the home insurance (seguro multirriscos)
Not mandatory for tenants, but common in contracts.
7 days before
Cancel the standing order for the old rent

Packing and decluttering

5 weeks before
Get moving boxes
5 weeks before
Get packing material
4 weeks before
Set a decluttering day per room
3 weeks before
Move the cellar and attic ahead of time
2 weeks before
Pack seasonal and rarely used things
10 days before
Pack the workspace
5 days before
Pack the kitchen, defrost the fridge
2 days before
Pack the first-night box
2 days before
Keep the toolbox separate

Old home

9 weeks before
Declutter: sell, give away, dispose
6 weeks before
Clear out the cellar and attic
4 weeks before
Book the bulky waste collection (monstros) with the Câmara
Free by appointment in most municipalities.
7 days before
Factory-reset the smart home devices
1 day before
Read and photograph the meters
7 days after
Clean the old place for the handover
10 days after
Sign the handover protocol, count the keys
4 weeks after
Track the return of the caução
After returning the keys; deductions only for damage beyond normal wear.

New home

9 weeks before
Record the condition with photos, sign the inventory
As an annex to the contract; the basis for the caução.
6 weeks before
Book the electrician and tradespeople
6 weeks before
Check mounting points: shower rail, lamps, curtains
4 weeks before
Order the internet connection
4 weeks before
Decide what to buy new
2 weeks before
Draw a furniture plan per room, take measurements
7 days before
Test the internet connection
7 days before
Electricity, gas and water: change the account holder
Keep the CPE/CUI number and meter reading ready; suppliers can be chosen freely.
1 day after
Record and report defects on moving in
3 days after
Label the doorbell and letterbox
7 days after
Set the smart home up again
7 days after
Meet the condominium administration, ask for the rules
Moving hours, lift, fees.

Moving day

13 weeks before
Fix the moving date
9 weeks before
Book the moving company
2 weeks before
Apply to the Câmara Municipal to occupy the street for the removal van
Usually one to two weeks ahead, chargeable.
2 weeks before
Reserve the lift at both addresses
10 days before
Arrange care for children and pets
3 days before
Move the plants separately
3 days before
Plan bikes and bulky items separately
On moving day
Food and drink for the helpers
On moving day
Final walk-through of the old flat

After the move

3 days after
Change the address on the Cartão de Cidadão (ePortugal)
Online or at the IRN; the new address applies at once to the tax office, social security, the NHS and the electoral roll.
7 days after
Set up mail redirection with CTT
ctt.pt; one to twelve months.
10 days after
School: enrolment or transfer via the Portal das Matrículas
Public schools by home address.
2 weeks after
Tell the bank, employer and insurers
2 weeks after
Update subscriptions and delivery services
2 weeks after
Driving licence and vehicle: change the address with the IMT
Within 30 days via the IMT portal; the address on the licence must be correct.
2 weeks after
Health centre in the new area: register and ask for a family doctor
With your Número de Utente; waiting lists for a family doctor are common.

In the app: when setting up the move or under Tasks → Template. Everything can be deselected; a template is a suggestion.

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The checklists in this guide are compiled with care, but without guarantee of completeness or currency. Deadlines and responsibilities change. The information of the respective authority or contracting party is authoritative.