Germany is one of the main Portuguese emigration destinations in Europe. Berlin, Munich, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Stuttgart—there are Portuguese in practically all major German cities, and the flow of removals 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.
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.
Logistics and Land Transport
Removals from Portugal to Germany are carried out by land, with lorries traveling the main European motorways: A1 from Lisbon or Porto, passage through Spain, France and entry into Germany via the southern border or the Alsace / Lorraine axis.
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 removals to Germany tend to be the most complex—larger volume, more organization, more attention to what is dismantled and assembled 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
For family removals, we recommend Translowcost’s Plus or Premium service, which includes professional packing, furniture dismantling and assembly and a dedicated removal coordinator.
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.
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.
