International · PT

How to Ship to Portugal from the US

Portugal has grown rapidly as both an ecommerce market and an expat destination, with large American and diaspora communities making US-to-Portugal shipping a steady demand. Popular items include electronics, clothing, specialty food, and personal care products. As an EU member, Portugal follows EU customs regulations.

Portuguese VAT (IVA) is 23% and applies to all commercial imports from outside the EU — the old €22 exemption was abolished in July 2021. Packages over €150 (~$165 USD) also incur EU import duties. Portugal's large diaspora in the US also drives personal shipments between family members, though these are still subject to EU import rules.

Typical 1 lb cost

$22-$40 USD

Typical transit

6-12 business days

Carrier Options to Portugal

USPS Priority Mail International

7-12 business days. Final delivery by CTT Correios de Portugal. Best for light packages under 2 lbs.

DHL Express Worldwide

3-5 business days. Solid Portugal coverage. Handles customs in Lisbon hub.

UPS Worldwide Expedited

4-6 business days. Good for packages 2-20 lbs. Reliable tracking.

FedEx International Economy

5-7 business days. Cost-effective for mid-weight packages.

Customs Forms Required

CN22 for items under $400 USD. CN23 + commercial invoice for items over $400. Commercial invoice required for all EU commercial shipments.

Commonly Prohibited Items

  • ✕Firearms and weapons without Portuguese/EU authorization
  • ✕Narcotics and controlled substances
  • ✕Counterfeit goods
  • ✕Certain food products without EU health certifications
  • ✕Live plants without phytosanitary certificates
  • ✕Goods infringing EU intellectual property law

Portugal-Specific Shipping Tips

  • 💡 Portuguese VAT (23%) applies to all commercial imports — no minimum threshold
  • 💡 Portuguese postal codes follow format XXXX-XXX (e.g., 1000-001 for Lisbon); always include them
  • 💡 Portugal includes the Azores and Madeira — shipping to these islands takes longer and may cost more
  • 💡 Large Portuguese-American communities in Massachusetts and New Jersey generate regular personal shipments
  • 💡 Use DHL or UPS for more reliable tracking than USPS/CTT for Portugal

Frequently asked questions

How long does shipping to Portugal take?
USPS Priority Mail International: 7-12 business days. DHL/UPS: 3-6 business days. Azores and Madeira add 2-4 extra days over mainland Portugal transit times.
Does the recipient pay VAT on US imports?
Yes. Portuguese VAT (23%) applies to all commercial imports. Above €150, import duties also apply. Recipients pay at delivery unless the seller collects via EU IOSS.
Can I ship to the Azores or Madeira from the US?
Yes. The Azores (PT-20) and Madeira (PT-30) are Portuguese territories and EU members. Transit takes longer than mainland Portugal — add 2-4 days. Include the full postal code and island name.
What's the cheapest shipping option to Portugal?
USPS Priority Mail International for packages under 2 lbs (~$22-35). For heavier items, FedEx International Economy or DHL eCommerce are competitive.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to ship there?
No. English is widely used in business contexts, and carrier labels in English are fine. However, address lines should use the recipient's native formatting to avoid delivery issues.

Other International Destinations

CR
Costa Rica
GT
Guatemala
PA
Panama
EC
Ecuador
BO
Bolivia
UY
Uruguay

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