Relocate without expensive relocation companies Portugal
Last updated: April 9, 2026
Relocating Without Expensive Relocation Companies
Relocation companies in Portugal easily charge €3,000 to €10,000 for a "complete package". But most of it you can arrange yourself — or outsource more cheaply to specialists. Here's exactly what you can do yourself, what it costs, and when you actually need to hire someone.
1. NIF (Tax Number)
Your NIF is the very first thing you need in Portugal. Without a NIF you can't open a bank account, sign a rental contract, or set up utilities.
Do it yourself: Go to a Finanças office with your passport. Free, but you need a fiscal representative if you don't have a Portuguese address yet.
Cheaper alternative: Hire a fiscal representative through a gestor or online service. Cost: €100-200.
What relocation companies charge: €300-500 — for exactly the same procedure.
Tip: Ask your fiscal representative to also activate your NIF password for Portal das Finanças. That saves you an extra visit.
2. NHR 2.0 / IFICI (Tax Regime)
The new IFICI regime (successor to NHR) offers a flat rate of 20% on Portuguese income for 10 years.
Do it yourself: Apply through Portal das Finanças after you have your NIF and fiscal address. The application itself is free.
Cheaper alternative: Have a Portuguese accountant (TOC) review and submit your application. Cost: €200-400.
What relocation companies charge: €500-1,500 — while they often outsource it to a TOC anyway.
Note: IFICI has strict deadlines. Apply within the legal timeframe after your fiscal registration, or you lose the right.
3. Buyers Agent
A buyers agent represents YOUR interests when buying real estate, unlike the selling agent.
When useful:
- Complex purchases (land, renovation projects, new construction)
- You don't speak Portuguese
- You're buying remotely
When unnecessary:
- Standard apartment through an agent
- You already live in the area and can view properties yourself
Cost: 2-3% of purchase price (or fixed fee €3,000-5,000). Relocation companies charge the same but bundle it with services you don't need.
4. Utilities Setup
Water, electricity, gas and internet — all manageable yourself.
Electricity (EDP/Endesa/Galp): Apply online on the provider's website. You need your NIF and the contract number of the previous occupant.
Water: Register at your local Câmara Municipal or water company. Usually requires an in-person visit.
Internet: MEO, NOS or Vodafone. Order online or in-store. Installation within a week.
Gas: Bottled gas via Galp or Repsol (home delivered), or natural gas through the local provider.
Total cost doing it yourself: €0 (connection fees vary by provider, €0-50).
What relocation companies charge: €200-500 as part of a "settling in" package.
5. CRUE Appointment (Residence Registration)
As an EU citizen, you must register at the Câmara Municipal after 3 months for a CRUE certificate.
Do it yourself: Make an appointment (often online), bring: passport, NIF, proof of address, proof of income or health insurance. Free (just the certificate fee of €15-20).
What relocation companies charge: €200-400 to "accompany you" to the town hall.
Tip: Go early, bring copies of all documents, and be patient. It's bureaucracy, but not complicated.
6. Setting Up a Company
If you want to work as a freelancer or entrepreneur in Portugal, you need a company.
Do it yourself: Through the Balcão do Empreendedor (government counter) you can set up a sole proprietorship (empresário em nome individual). Cost: €100-200.
Cheaper alternative: A TOC (certified accountant) can set up your company and handle your bookkeeping. Setup cost: €200-500.
What relocation companies charge: €1,000-2,500 — often 2-3x the direct cost.
Important: You'll need a TOC for your annual bookkeeping anyway. Let them set up your company too — then they know your situation from the start.
7. Opening a Bank Account
A Portuguese bank account is essential for rent, salary payments and utilities.
Do it yourself: Walk into ActivoBank (no monthly fees), Millennium BCP, or Novo Banco with your NIF + passport. Free — most banks charge no opening fees.
Online alternative: ActivoBank and Banco CTT offer fully online account opening.
What relocation companies charge: €100-300 as part of their package — for something that's literally free.
Tip: ActivoBank has no monthly fees and an English-language app. Ideal as your first Portuguese account.
8. Property Inspection
When buying a property, an independent inspection is crucial.
Do it yourself: Find a local inspector via Google or ask your agent for a referral. Cost: €300-500 depending on property size.
What relocation companies charge: Bundled in the "purchase package" at inflated rates — often €800-1,200 for the same service.
Note: Make sure the inspector is independent and not connected to the selling party.
9. Property Rental Support
The Portuguese rental market is tight, especially in Lisbon and Porto. But you don't need a relocation company to find a home.
Do it yourself:
- Idealista — Portugal's largest property site
- OLX — second-hand platform with rental properties
- Facebook groups — "Casas para alugar em [city]"
- Local agents — especially outside major cities
Cheaper alternative: Hire a local property scout for specific viewings. Cost: €50-100 per viewing.
What relocation companies charge: €1,000-3,000 for a "rental search" — while using the same sites as you.
10. Virtual Assistance Support
For translations, phone calls to Portuguese authorities, or making appointments, you can hire a VA.
Cheap alternative: Hire a Portuguese virtual assistant via Fiverr or Upwork. Cost: €10-25 per hour.
What relocation companies charge: The equivalent of €100+ per hour when you use their "support" hours.
Tip: Look for a VA who speaks both Dutch/English and Portuguese. There are surprisingly many Portuguese who speak Dutch.
11. Furniture Delivery & Assembly
Furnishing your home doesn't have to be expensive.
IKEA: Has stores in Lisbon, Porto and Algarve. Delivery throughout Portugal.
Local handymen: Find assembly workers via GetNinjas or Fixando. Cost: €50-100 for a half day.
Second-hand: OLX and Facebook Marketplace for used furniture. Custo Justo is Portugal's Craigslist.
Total cost doing it yourself: IKEA delivery (€30-50) + assembly (€50-100) = €80-150 total.
What relocation companies charge: Part of a "settling in" package of €500-1,500.
Conclusion
The total cost of doing it yourself ranges from €500 to €2,000, depending on what you outsource. A relocation company easily charges €5,000-10,000 for the same.
The difference? You spend a few days on research and bureaucracy. But you save thousands of euros and immediately learn how Portugal works — knowledge you'll need for the rest of your stay.
The golden rule: Only outsource what you truly can't do yourself (legal advice, bookkeeping). Everything else? Just do it.