Everything you need to know — transit times, customs rules, import duties, carrier options and shipping tips for Germany.
| Carrier | Economy | Express |
|---|---|---|
| GLS EuroBusinessParcel | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| DPD Classic | 3–5 days | 2–3 days |
| UPS Standard | 3–4 days | 1–2 days |
| DHL Economy Select | 3–5 days | 1–2 days |
| DHL Express Worldwide | — | 1–2 days |
| FedEx International Priority | 2–4 days (TNT) | 1–2 days |
Business days. EU shipments: no customs delay.
Germany is an EU member — no customs export declarations or import documents are required for shipments from Portugal. The following documents are only needed for commercial B2B shipments.
Not required for Portugal–Germany shipments. EU single market — no customs declarations needed.
Not legally required for intra-EU shipments. Good practice for multi-item B2B orders.
Not required for EU intra-community trade. Only needed for import/export to/from non-EU countries.
As part of the EU Single Market, no import duties apply between Portugal and Germany. VAT rate in Germany: 19% (standard). For B2C e-commerce over €150, IOSS registration may apply.
| Product Category | Typical Duty Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All goods (EU intra-community) | 0% | EU single market — no import duties between Portugal and Germany |
| VAT on B2C e-commerce (>€150) | 19% German VAT | IOSS simplification available for e-commerce platforms |
| Excise goods (tobacco, spirits) | German excise rates apply | Excise duty applies even for intra-EU shipments on restricted goods |
Duty rates are indicative. Actual rates depend on the HS code classification of your goods. Consult a customs broker for high-value or complex shipments.
The following items have import restrictions or are prohibited in Germany. Check carrier guidelines before shipping.
Portugal–Germany is a 3–5 day road economy route. GLS is typically the cheapest option — compare against DPD and UPS Standard on Cargosender for the best rate.
No customs paperwork required — both countries are EU members. Your carrier label is all you need for standard shipments.
Germany has very high parcel delivery success rates — GLS, DPD and DHL all have strong German networks with excellent first-attempt delivery.
DPD operates a large network in Germany and their DPD Predict 1-hour delivery window is widely used — ideal for consumer e-commerce shipments to German recipients.
For B2B Germany shipments, UPS Standard is a reliable option and often competitive with GLS for heavier parcels.
Volumetric weight applies on all carriers. Germany's high packaging standards mean boxes tend to be large — always measure before booking.
Economy road carriers (GLS, DPD, UPS Standard) typically deliver from Portugal to Germany in 3–5 business days. Express services (DHL Express, UPS Express Saver) deliver in 1–2 business days. Compare live transit times and rates on Cargosender.
No. Portugal and Germany are both EU member states. No customs declarations, commercial invoices or import paperwork are required for standard parcel shipments. The only exceptions are excise goods (tobacco, alcohol over 24% ABV) which have separate EU excise regulations.
GLS EuroBusinessParcel is typically the cheapest option for non-urgent shipments — expect €9–€20 for parcels up to 10 kg. DPD Classic is a close alternative with the added benefit of DPD Predict delivery notifications. Compare all carriers on Cargosender for your exact weight and dimensions.
Both are strong in Germany. GLS is typically slightly cheaper and is one of the strongest B2B networks in Germany. DPD has a larger German residential parcel shop network and DPD Predict 1-hour delivery window, which reduces missed deliveries for consumer shipments. For B2B: GLS. For B2C consumer e-commerce: DPD.
Economy road shipping (GLS/DPD) from Portugal to Germany costs approximately €9–€20 for parcels up to 10 kg. Express (DHL/UPS) starts at €30–€60 for the same weight. Compare live rates from all carriers on Cargosender for your exact parcel dimensions.
Compare DHL, FedEx, UPS, DPD and GLS rates to Germany — instant quote, door-to-door collection from Portugal.
Get a Free Quote →