How To Start Dropshipping In Portugal In 2025
Why start dropshipping
In the vast expanse of global ecommerce, where dreams intertwine with reality, dropshipping stands as a beacon of opportunity, accessible to all, from the quiet shores of an island to the bustling heart of a metropolis.
Here, at the right place, you hold the key to start a business that transcends borders, serving customers across the globe with elegance and ease.
No need to craft or stock goods; simply connect the dots between desire and delivery.
With just a stable internet connection and a vision, your entrepreneurial odyssey begins.
Embrace this journey where every click can shape a legacy, and let your story unfold from this very spot.
How dropshipping works
Why start dropshipping in Portugal
Portugal has emerged as a vibrant hub for entrepreneurs, particularly those venturing into the world of ecommerce. The country’s strategic location, robust infrastructure, and supportive business environment make it an ideal choice for those looking to start a dropshipping business. According to recent statistics, Portugal’s ecommerce market is growing at a significant rate, with a projected increase of 15% annually. This growth is driven by a rising number of internet users and increased consumer confidence in online shopping.
Furthermore, Portugal boasts a well-developed transportation system, including modern ports and airports, which facilitate the efficient movement of goods. This infrastructure is crucial for dropshipping, where timely delivery is essential to customer satisfaction. Additionally, the country’s membership in the European Union (EU) provides access to a market of over 450 million consumers, making it easier to scale the business beyond national borders.
Portugal’s business environment is also highly favorable. The government offers various incentives and support programs for startups, including tax breaks and grants. For instance, the Portugal Startup Visa program allows non-EU entrepreneurs to establish and run a business in the country, making it an attractive destination for international entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the cost of living and doing business in Portugal is relatively low compared to other European countries, which can significantly reduce startup costs.
Another significant advantage is the high level of digital literacy among Portuguese consumers. A recent survey found that over 80% of the population shops online regularly, indicating a strong demand for ecommerce services. This digital savviness is particularly beneficial for dropshipping, as it reduces the need for extensive marketing and customer education.
Plus, the country’s robust IT infrastructure supports the development and maintenance of online platforms, ensuring a smooth and secure shopping experience for customers.Â
Although navigating the complexities of online marketing can be overwhelming, the potential for reaching a global audience and generating significant sales makes dropshipping a lucrative endeavor.
Advantages and disadvantages of dropshipping in Portugal
Advantages of dropshipping in Portugal
1. Strategic location and logistics
Portugal’s strategic location and well-developed logistics network are significant advantages for dropshipping. The country’s modern ports and airports ensure efficient transportation of goods, which is crucial for maintaining customer satisfaction. This infrastructure also facilitates access to the broader European market, allowing businesses to scale more easily.
2. Access to the European market
As a member of the EU, Portugal provides access to a market of over 450 million consumers. This large and diverse market offers numerous opportunities for growth and expansion. The ease of cross-border trade within the EU simplifies the process of reaching a wider customer base.
3. Supportive business environment
Portugal’s business environment is highly supportive of startups and entrepreneurs. The government offers various incentives, such as tax breaks and grants, to encourage business development. Programs like the Portugal Startup Visa make it easier for non-EU entrepreneurs to establish and run a business in the country, reducing the barriers to entry.
4. Low cost of living and doing business
Compared to other European countries, Portugal has a relatively low cost of living and doing business. This can significantly reduce startup costs and operational expenses, making it more feasible for entrepreneurs to launch and grow their dropshipping businesses.
5. High digital literacy and demand for ecommerce
Portugal has a high level of digital literacy, with over 80% of the population shopping online regularly. This strong demand for ecommerce services reduces the need for extensive marketing and customer education. The robust IT infrastructure in the country supports the development and maintenance of online platforms, ensuring a smooth and secure shopping experience for customers.
Disadvantages of dropshipping in Portugal
1. Small domestic market
Portugal’s domestic market is relatively small, which can limit growth opportunities for dropshipping businesses. To sustain growth, businesses must look to export and tap into international markets, which can be more challenging and require additional resources.
2. Complex regulatory environment
While the regulatory environment in Portugal is generally supportive, it can be complex, especially for foreign entrepreneurs. Navigating the legal and administrative requirements can be time-consuming and may require the assistance of local experts, increasing operational costs.
3. Competition from established players
The ecommerce market in Portugal is becoming increasingly competitive, with established players already dominating certain sectors. New entrants may find it difficult to gain a foothold and attract customers, especially in saturated markets.
4. Language barriers
For non-Portuguese speakers, language can be a barrier. While many Portuguese people speak English, especially in urban areas, effective communication with suppliers, customers, and local authorities may require proficiency in Portuguese, which can be a challenge for international entrepreneurs.
5. Higher labor costs compared to some competitors
While the cost of living in Portugal is relatively low, labor costs can be higher compared to some other countries, particularly in the tech and logistics sectors. This can impact the profitability of dropshipping businesses, especially for those with tight margins.
The advantages of starting a dropshipping business in Portugal are significant. The country’s strategic location, supportive business environment, and high digital literacy make it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs looking to enter the ecommerce market. By carefully navigating the challenges, businesses can capitalize on the opportunities and achieve sustainable growth.
What to dropship?
How much can you make with dropshipping?
How far you can go with dropshipping: real-life experience
FAQ
Is dropshipping legal in Portugal?
Yes! When you are dropshipping, you are not ‘fooling’ anyone, and you are not breaking any laws. You are simply helping other people receive the items they want - and enjoy the perfect customer service you provide.
However, pay attention to your choice of products. It is illegal to sell branded, copyrighted items, or things like weapons (even their sports or hunting models), knives, smoking mixtures, etc.
How much money do I need to start?
At least $150 is necessary - let’s do the maths.
If you have some technical skills and can assemble and set up a website yourself, you will need around $150.
First of all, you will need to buy a domain name (a good one costs about $10-15, and you will need to pay this fee every year to prolong your registration).
After that, you need a hosting: a server that makes your store info visible to the Internet user. You can use the basic hosting service from AliDropship (‘Silver Plan’) and only pay $69 per year.
Then, you will need to install WordPress, which is absolutely free, and buy AliDropship plugin, which costs $89. It should be enough: WordPress + AliDropship make a proper basis to create a fully functional dropshipping store.
If you don’t have these technical skills, you can order a ready-made store based on the AliDropship plugin. It will be made for you personally by an expert team: the specialists will even add the first products to your store. So, technically, it will be ready to sell items from day 1. The basic ready-made dropshipping store costs $299; together with the annual domain fee, you will have to pay $310-315 to launch your business.
How to choose the store niche?
First, it should be something that you really like - or, at least, know deeply. You will be picking products, making advertisements, and advising customers, so you absolutely need to be a pro in this.
Also, this niche should be popular with buyers and easy to promote online. Here is a complete niche selection guide that will help you!
Where to find the products?
AliDropship plugin lets you easily import products on your dropshipping website. Basically, it transfers the products’ titles, descriptions and images in a single click. So, all you need to do is browse and find good quality products from reputable sellers.
Alternatively, you can use a database of over 50,000 selected products which are guaranteed to be in high demand. This database is available within AliDropship plugin: you can see it when you go to the Import section of your AliDropship-based store. The best part is that all the products’ titles and descriptions are already edited there, so you won’t spend your own time doing this yourself.
If I sell products, how can I compete with itself?
AliExpress is a large shopping platform where sellers offer everything at once. At the same time, your niche dropshipping store is focused on a specific range of products. Surely, you are more client-oriented than a large-scale store, and this is why buyers will choose you over.
Will my buyers know they are actually buying items?
It’s not likely. Even if they see Chinese names/addresses/characters on the wrapping paper, it won’t tell them anything. Lots of warehouses and manufacturing facilities of the largest global companies are situated in China, so there is nothing strange if a buyer receives a package of the Chinese origin.
Also, you can write your suppliers directly and ask them not to put any promotional materials into the package. Sellers are always glad to partner with dropshipping store owners because this partnership is profitable, so they will be happy to help you.
Will my buyers agree to a long delivery?
Long delivery itself isn’t a problem. Your customers are not buying life critical items from you, so they don’t mind waiting - especially, if you offer them an appealing price and a low-cost shipping.
Besides, you can choose the ePacket delivery method which cuts up the delivery time significantly. With ePacket, it will take the packages 7-15 days to arrive.
What if a buyer asks me for a refund?
Refunds are the responsibility of the original suppliers. Usually, they refund low-cost purchases really quickly, so there is nothing for you to worry about.
How to promote the store?
To make profit from your store, you first of all need to attract traffic to it. There are lots of ways to promote your store online for free, so pick the ones you personally like. Also, read the free marketing tips for dropshipping business: an experienced team brings them to you every week!
Will WordPress or AliDropship limit my activity and charge business fees?
No. The only recurring fee is the domain fee - you will have to pay for it every year, otherwise, your site won’t be visible on the Internet.
WordPress is completely free, and all the AliDropship solutions only require a one-time payment. Whatever AliDropship tool or service you get, you remain a full owner of your business. There are no limits on the amount of orders you can accept, or the volume of profit you make, or the quantity and the content of the products you import, etc. You are your own boss!
Free Dropshipping Guide
