Germany is one of the main destinations for Portuguese emigration in Europe. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart, there are Portuguese people in practically every major German city, and the flow of moves from Portugal to Germany remains high year after year.
Moving to Germany within the European Union is simpler than to the United Kingdom or Switzerland, but the process requires organization, especially when it involves families with large volumes or when the destination is in the interior of the country.
Translowcost carries out regular removals to Germany. We know the routes, the timings and the specificities of each destination.
Request your free quote now for your Portugal – Germany removal.
Our clients who have already moved to Berlin, Munich, or Frankfurt highlight above all the punctuality and care taken during transport, even on a long route of over 2,700 km, and the peace of mind of knowing that the team handles everything, from the Anmeldung to furniture assembly.
Table of Contents
- Why Germany is one of the most sought-after destinations
- Main destination cities in Germany
- What’s included in your move
- Logistics and overland transport
- German bureaucracy: residence registration (Anmeldung)
- Family moves: what to consider
- Volume, weights, and prices
- Frequently asked questions
1. Why Germany Is One of the Most Sought-After Destinations
Germany attracts Portuguese for very concrete reasons: stable employment, salaries above the European average, good quality of life and a benchmark health and education system. For many families, moving to Germany is a long-term life project—and therefore, they take everything they have with them.
This translates into removals that are frequently of larger volume: complete home furniture, appliances, office equipment, toys, bicycles. Removals that require careful planning and a company with experience on this specific route.
2. Main Destination Cities in Germany
| City | Region | Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin | Northeast | Capital, highly sought after by young professionals and families |
| Munich | South (Bavaria) | High quality of life, employment in industry and technology |
| Frankfurt | Central-West | Financial center, hub airport, international community |
| Hamburg | North | Port, trade, good logistical access |
| Stuttgart | South | Automotive industry, many Portuguese in the industrial area |
| Cologne / Düsseldorf | Northwest | Region with strong Portuguese community, easy access |
| Nuremberg | South | Industrial city, growing destination |
The distance from Portugal varies: Frankfurt, Cologne and Stuttgart are logistically closer. Berlin and Hamburg involve greater distance and a slightly longer timeframe.
3. O Que Está Incluído na Sua Mudança para a Alemanha
We tailor our service to each client’s volume and budget, with three plans for the Portugal-Germany route:
- BASE —Direct door-to-door transport, with no extra services. The most economical option for those who already have everything packed.
- PLUS — Includes partial packing and enhanced transport insurance, for those who want peace of mind without handling everything alone.
- Premium — Full service: complete packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and a dedicated coordinator from start to finish.
For family moves, we especially recommend the PLUS or Premium plan, which includes professional packing, furniture disassembly and reassembly, and a dedicated move coordinator. Check the details and prices for each plan on our international moves pricing page.
Why choose Translowcost for Germany
- You always know where your shipment is, from loading through to delivery in any German city
- No hidden costs — the price you’re quoted is the price you pay
- Team with specific experience on this long route, drivers working in teams, and vehicles equipped for it
- Each item arrives in Germany in the same condition it left Portugal
4. Logistics and Overland Transport
Moves from Portugal to Germany are carried out by road, with trucks travelling along the main European motorways: the A1 from Lisbon or Porto, passing through Spain and France, and entering Germany via the southern border or the Alsace/Lorraine route.
The distance from Lisbon to Munich is approximately 2,700 km. From Lisbon to Berlin, around 3,200 km. These are long journeys that require team drivers and well-prepared vehicles.
Translowcost operates with its own fleet and a team specialized on this route. The lorries are equipped with load securing systems and GPS tracking—the customer can monitor the delivery status in real time.
5. German Bureaucracy: Residence Registration (Anmeldung)
Germany is known for its administrative organization and rigor. One of the first things to do after arrival is the Anmeldung: the mandatory residence registration at the local municipal office (Einwohnermeldeamt).
What is required for the Anmeldung:
- Passport or identity card
- Rental contract or landlord’s declaration (Wohnungsgeberbestätigung)
- Completed registration form (available on the local municipal office website)
The Anmeldung must be completed within the first two weeks after arrival. From it, the resident obtains their official German address, necessary to open a bank account, employment contract, health insurance and other services.
The removal logistics must be coordinated with the expected arrival date to ensure that the rental contract is already active when the goods arrive.
6. Family Removals: What to Consider
Family moves to Germany tend to be the most complex: greater volume, more organisation, more attention to what needs to be disassembled and reassembled at the destination.
What a typical family removal includes:
- Living room, bedroom, kitchen and office furniture
- Appliances (including built-in ones, when possible)
- School supplies and toys
- Bicycles and sports equipment
- Various boxes with clothing, books, personal items
Our team ensures that each item arrives in Germany in the same condition it left Portugal.
7. Volume, Weights and Prices
The price of an international removal is calculated primarily based on volume (cubic meters), not weight. Some items take up a lot of space but weigh little (sofas, beds), while others weigh a lot but are compact (books, tools).
Volume reference by type of dwelling:
| Type of dwelling | Estimated average volume |
|---|---|
| Studio | 10 – 20 m³ |
| 1-bedroom | 15 – 25 m³ |
| 2-bedroom | 25 – 40 m³ |
| 3-bedroom | 35 – 55 m³ |
| 4-bedroom or larger | 50 – 80 m³ |
For shared removals, the cost is calculated per cubic meter. For exclusive removals, the price covers the complete lorry regardless of volume. See detailed pricing on our prices page.
Tips for a Problem-Free Removal to Germany
Confirm the address before the delivery date
In Germany, the rental contract is essential for a number of formalities. Confirm that you have a signed contract before scheduling the removal.
Inquire about the building’s rules
Many German buildings have internal regulations regarding removal times, elevator use and parking reservations. The landlord or condominium may require prior authorization.
Book the Anmeldung as soon as you have a confirmed address
Appointments at German municipal offices may have a waiting time of days or weeks. Book as soon as you have the rental contract.
Speak with the Translowcost team to plan all the details of your removal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a move from Portugal to Germany take?
It depends on the destination: closer routes such as Frankfurt, Cologne, or Stuttgart are quicker; Berlin and Hamburg involve a slightly longer timeframe due to the greater distance.
Is there customs involved in a move from Portugal to Germany?
No. Germany is an EU member state. Personal belongings move freely across borders.
Do I need to do the Anmeldung as soon as I arrive?
Yes, ideally within the first two weeks after arrival, at the local residents’ registration office (Einwohnermeldeamt) in your area.
What plans are available for the Portugal-Germany move?
We have three options — BASE, PLUS, and Premium — tailored to the volume and level of support you need. Please check our prices page for more details.
Conclusion
Moving to Germany is one of Translowcost’s most sought-after international routes, with the experience and infrastructure needed to handle larger-volume moves and German bureaucracy.
Also check out our international moves page, compare with nearby routes such as moves to Belgium, or see the prices for our BASE, PLUS, and Premium plans.
