Bringing your furry family to Portugal
PORTUGAL DOG TRAVEL TIMELINE (From the USA)
2–3 Months Before Travel
Microchip First
Get your dog microchipped with ISO 11784/11785 compliant chip (15-digit).
Make sure it’s scanned before any new rabies vaccine.
Rabies Vaccine (if needed)
Must be given AFTER the microchip is inserted.
Must be at least 21 days old on the day you enter Portugal.
If your dog is already chipped and up to date—great! Just double-check the dates and vet records.
Choose Airline & Book Flight
Pick a pet-friendly airline. If your dog is small, ask about in-cabin options.
Book your own ticket first, then call the airline to add your pet.
Note: Some airlines have limited pet spots per flight.
If flying cargo: confirm with the airline’s live animal cargo department.
30 Days Before Travel
Schedule Vet Appointment
Book a visit with a USDA-accredited vet for 7–10 days before departure.
Tell them you need the EU Health Certificate for Portugal (non-commercial travel).
Order IATA-Compliant Crate (If Needed)
If your dog is flying in cargo, make sure the crate meets airline and IATA specs.
Let your dog start sleeping and relaxing in the crate daily.
7–10 Days Before Travel
Vet Visit for EU Health Certificate
The vet will fill out the EU Non-Commercial Health Certificate.
They’ll also include rabies vaccine info and microchip number.
Get Certificate Endorsed by USDA
Mail or take the form to your USDA APHIS office for endorsement.
Find yours here: USDA Endorsement Offices
Include:
Health Certificate (signed by vet)
Rabies certificate
Microchip info
Payment form (about $38–$173 depending on services)
1–3 Days Before Travel
Confirm Airline Pet Booking
Call and re-confirm your pet is booked—especially for cargo.
Prep Travel Gear
In-cabin: soft carrier, pee pad, collapsible water bowl, calming aid (if approved by vet).
Cargo: approved crate, absorbent bedding, secure water bottle, food taped on top.
Travel Day
Arrive Early
In-cabin: arrive at least 3 hours early for international check-in.
Cargo: drop-off often required 4–6 hours before departure at a special cargo facility.
Documents in Hand
Originals + copies of:
EU Health Certificate
Rabies certificate
Microchip details
Airline confirmation for pet
Your passport
Arrival in Portugal
Enter via Lisbon, Porto, or Faro (airports with pet inspection services).
Go through customs (usually they’ll just check the paperwork).
If traveling with your dog on the same flight, you should clear through easily.
The average pet relocation cost from the USA to Portugal varies depending on the dog’s size, departure/arrival cities, and whether you do it yourself or use a professional service.
Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs:
AVERAGE PET RELOCATION COSTS (USA → PORTUGAL)
DIY Option (You Handle Everything)
Item Cost (USD)
Airline Pet Fee (In-Cabin) $125–$300
Airline Pet Fee (Cargo/Checked) $300–$1,000+IATA-
Approved Crate $75–$300
Microchip (if needed) $25–$75
Rabies Vaccination $25–$50
Vet Visit for EU Health Certificate $100–$300
USDA Endorsement of Certificate $38–$173 (varies by number of animals)
Total (Small Dog In-Cabin)$400–$800
Total (Large Dog in Cargo)$700–$1,500
Most budget-conscious people going DIY spend $600–$1,000 total.
Using a Pet Relocation Company
Service Cost (USD)
Small Dog (In-Cabin Assistance) $1,500–$2,500
Medium to Large Dog (Cargo) $2,500–$5,000+
Door-to-Door Full-Service $4,000–$7,000+
Services usually include:
Paperwork + USDA processing
Crate & equipment
Flight booking
Airport transfers (pick-up/drop-off)
Customs clearance in Portugal
These services are pricey but useful for busy people, complex itineraries, or nervous flyers.
MONEY-SAVING TIPS
Book a direct flight or minimal-stop route to reduce pet stress.
Choose an airline with good pet cargo reviews (like Lufthansa or KLM).
If you're confident with paperwork, do it yourself and save thousands.
HOW PET RELOCATION COMPANIES SHIP DOGS
1. Booking & Planning Stage
They start with a consultation to gather:
Your travel plans (dates, destinations)
Dog’s size, breed, age, vaccination records
Your budget and comfort level
Then they map out a custom travel plan, including:
Route options (minimizing layovers/stress)
Airline selection (e.g. Lufthansa, KLM, TAP, etc.)
Flight crate sizing & requirements
2. Vet Work & Paperwork
They’ll guide or arrange:
Microchipping
Rabies vaccination (in proper sequence)
EU Health Certificate filled out by a USDA-accredited vet
USDA APHIS endorsement (they can handle the logistics)
If needed, they can coordinate the vet appointment and even attend with your dog.
3. Travel Crate Prep & Training
They provide an IATA-compliant crate or advise you on the exact type needed.
Many offer crate training tips or arrange crate acclimation boarding to help your dog feel safe.
Crate is labeled with all travel/animal info and comes with:
Absorbent bedding
Water/food dishes
Your dog’s name + documents attached
4. Pre-Flight Logistics
Some offer door-to-door pickup, or you may take your dog to a designated pet travel center or cargo terminal.
They arrange:
Dog's check-in at the cargo facility
Walks, potty breaks, and care pre-flight
Your dog is checked in at a live animal cargo area, not through passenger check-in.
5. Flight Time
Your dog travels in the climate-controlled, pressurized cargo hold, specially designed for animals.
They are loaded last and offloaded first to minimize stress and
10 essential tips for renting in Portugal
Renting - its a fun game
10 Essential Tips for Renting a Property in Portugal
1. Know Your Rental Budget (Hidden Costs Exist)
Rent isn’t always the full cost—expect additional expenses such as water, electricity, gas, internet, and condomínio fees (if you're renting an apartment in a shared building). Also factor in higher heating bills during winter, as many homes are poorly insulated.
2. Location, Location, Location!
Consider transport links, local services, internet coverage, and how lively or quiet the area is during different seasons. Coastal towns can be bustling in summer but empty in winter. Rural properties may offer tranquillity, but they often require a car and may lack infrastructure. Where is the nearest supermarket? Walk the whole block to see what’s around!
3. Understand Portuguese Rental Contracts
Long-term rentals should always come with a legal document called a Contrato de Arrendamento. This contract must be registered with Finanças (the Portuguese tax office) to be valid.
Some landlords avoid registration to sidestep taxes. This leaves you exposed legally—and critically, if you’re applying for a visa or residency, such as the D7, Digital Nomad, or Family Reunification routes, you’ll need a registered lease.
No registration = no visa approval.
Ask for:
A signed Contrato de Arrendamento
Confirmation that it will be registered
A receipt or declaration of rent (recibo de renda) from the landlord
A Contrato de Arrendamento should have:
· The Identification information for the landlord and the Tenant (place and date of birth and marital status)
· Location and ID of the leased property
· The purpose of the lease - for example a home for the Tenant
· Details of the occupancy licence (number, date, issuing authority or reference)
· The amount of Rental Income
· The date of the lease
4. Get Your Paperwork Ready Before House Hunting
Landlords and agents may ask for:
Your Portuguese NIF (tax number)
Proof of income (bank statements, pension proof, payslips)
Sometimes a Portuguese guarantor (fiador)
If you don’t have a local job, offering 6 months of rent upfront can help secure a property, especially in competitive areas.
5. Never Rent Without Viewing (or Use a Trusted Contact)
Photos can be deceptive. Always view a property in person if you can—or hire someone independent (like us at Your Casa Care!) to do it for you.
When viewing:
Check for mould, damp, leaks, and thin walls
Listen for neighbourhood noise at different times of day
Test water pressure
Inspect the kitchen—Is there an oven? A proper hob? A fridge/freezer?
Think about how you'll do your laundry—Is there a washing machine? If not, is there a laundrette nearby?
Look at how many plug sockets are in each room (especially kitchens and bedrooms)
Do the windows open?
Does it have Air con and/or heating?
Where will all your stuff go? What storage does it have? It might look nice empty, but visualise what you are bringing with you and where it will go!
6. Rental Prices Are (sometimes) Negotiable
Yes, really! Especially if:
The property has been vacant a while
You’re taking a long-term let
You’re offering to pay multiple months upfront
You can also negotiate on things like furnishings or including bills.
7. Check Transport & Parking
Don’t assume Portugal has brilliant public transport—it doesn’t!
In Lisbon and Porto, parking can be extremely limited
In rural areas, a car is often essential for daily life
Always ask: Is parking included? Is there a bus stop or train nearby?
8. Be Aware: Homes Can Be Cold in Winter
Portuguese homes often lack central heating or insulation.
Ask:
Are there air-con units that heat as well as cool?
Is the property south-facing (gets more winter sun)?
Can you install a pellet burner or wood stove?
9. Understand Furnished vs. Unfurnished
Mobilado = Furnished
Não Mobilado = Can mean completely empty
Don’t assume anything. “Unfurnished” might mean:
No cooker, no fridge
No washing machine
Sometimes even no light fixtures or curtain rails
Always ask exactly what’s included.
10. Be Aware of Rental Scams
Rental scams exist in Portugal, particularly on online platforms like OLX or Facebook Marketplace.
Warning signs:
You're asked to pay before seeing the property
The price seems far too low for the location
There’s no proper Contrato de Arrendamento
The “landlord” claims to be abroad and will “send keys by courier”
Communication is vague, rushed, or pushy
To protect yourself:
Never pay anything before a viewing
Ask for ID and proof of ownership
Use a lawyer or a trusted local service (like us) to check contracts
If in doubt—walk away. No rental is worth getting caught out for
Approved types of income D7 Visa
Passive income - what is it?
Approved Types of Income for D7 Visa (2025)
Passive Income
These are the most commonly accepted and ideal for the D7:
Pensions (state, private, or company pensions)
Rental income (from property you own anywhere in the world)
Dividends (from investments or companies you hold shares in)
Interest from savings or investments
Royalties (from books, music, patents, etc.)
Annuities or trust income (must be predictable and regular)
Remote Work / Self-Employment
Also accepted, if you’re not working for a Portuguese company:
Remote salary from a company based outside Portugal
Freelance/contractor income from international clients
Online business income (e.g. e-commerce, digital services, etc.)
🔹 If you rely on remote work or business income:
You’ll need contracts, invoices, bank statements, and/or proof of ongoing clients to demonstrate stable and regular earnings.
In some cases, a letter from your employer confirming remote work can help.
Savings (as backup only)
While not a standalone qualification, savings in a Portuguese bank account can support your case — especially if your income is borderline.
Typically, you’ll want at least 12–24 months’ worth of living expenses saved to strengthen your application.
What’s not accepted (on its own):
Rental contracts where you live off the tenant’s payment but don’t legally own the property
Unproven business ideas or future plans (like “I’ll open a café”)
One-time lump sums, unless backed by a long-term income stream
Cash gifts from family, unless legally documented as regular support
Moving to Portugal with children
What do your children need?
Moving to Portugal with a Child – Practical Checklist
Before the Move:
Choose visa type (e.g. D7, D8, D2) and include your child as a dependent.
Gather documents: birth certificates (apostilled), school records, medical history.
Research and apply to schools (public or private/international).
Get private health insurance (required for visa application).
Learn basic Portuguese as a family (Duolingo, YouTube, or kids' books).
After Arrival:
Attend SEF appointment to finalise residence permits.
Apply for NIF numbers for each family member.
Register with your local health centre (Centro de Saúde) for public healthcare.
Enrol child in school and register with local Agrupamento Escolar (if public).
Set up family doctor (médico de família) and schedule health checks.
Get Portuguese SIM cards and open a bank account.
Look into after-school activities (sports, music, clubs).
Top Family-Friendly Areas in Portugal
1. Coimbra Region (your home base – great choice!)
Excellent public schools, low cost of living, calm lifestyle.
Family-friendly parks, river beaches, and cultural events.
Growing expat community but still very Portuguese.
2. Cascais (near Lisbon)
Lots of international schools, safe and walkable, beach lifestyle.
Higher cost of living but strong support networks for expat families.
3. Porto Suburbs (e.g. Maia, Matosinhos)
Access to city amenities with quieter, more spacious living.
Mix of public and private/international school options.
4. Algarve (e.g. Lagos, Tavira, Loulé)
Sunny, laid-back, many expat families.
English widely spoken, but fewer public school immersion opportunities.
5. Central Silver Coast towns (e.g. Caldas da Rainha, Óbidos)
Affordable, authentic feel, more space and nature.
Decent schools, good infrastructure, less touristy than the Algarve.