Kitchen Renovation Cost in Portugal 2026: What to Expect

Kitchen renovation costs in Portugal vary widely depending on the size of the kitchen, the scope of work, the quality of materials, and the location. A basic update in a small apartment and a full bespoke kitchen in a villa can differ by a factor of ten. This guide breaks down the realistic numbers.

Kitchen Renovation Cost Ranges in Portugal (2026)

These are total project costs including design, supply, installation, and all associated building work (plumbing, electrical, tiling). VAT (IVA) at 23% is included in labour costs; materials VAT applies at the point of purchase.

What Does a Kitchen Renovation Include?

A full kitchen renovation in Portugal typically covers:

• Demolition: removing old units, worktops, tiles, and appliances
• Structural works: any wall changes, opening up to adjacent rooms (requires permit in some cases — see below)
• Plumbing: updating water supply and waste connections, relocating if needed
• Electrical: upgrading circuits for modern appliances, adding sockets, extractor fan wiring, under-unit lighting
• Wall and floor finishing: tiling, microcement, or painting of exposed surfaces
• Kitchen unit installation: base and wall units, including assembly and fitting
• Worktop installation: templating, fabrication, and installation of stone or other worktop material
• Appliance installation: built-in oven, hob, extractor, fridge, dishwasher connections
• Finishing: plinths, cornice, handles, silicone sealing, and snag fixes

Cost Breakdown by Work Category

Key Factors That Drive Kitchen Renovation Costs

1. Kitchen Size

The size of your kitchen directly determines the quantity of units, the length of worktop, and the surface area to finish. A 6 m² galley kitchen costs very differently from a 15 m² open-plan kitchen. The number of linear metres of units is the key measurement contractors use to quote.

2. Layout Changes

Keeping the existing kitchen layout — sink in the same position, units in the same footprint — minimises cost significantly. Moving the sink requires replumbing (add €400–€1,000). Moving to a gas hob where there was no gas connection requires a certified gas fitter and approval (add €600–€2,000). Opening a wall to create an open-plan layout may require structural assessment and a building permit (see our open-plan kitchen guide).

3. Unit Quality

Cabinet unit cost varies enormously. The main options available in Portugal:

• National flat-pack brands (IKEA, Leroy Merlin, AKI): €1,500–€4,000 for a medium kitchen. Good value, widely available, relatively straightforward installation. Limited customisation.
• Mid-range Portuguese or Spanish manufacturers: €4,000–€9,000. Better finishes, more colour and door style options, made-to-order within standard sizes.
• Bespoke Portuguese cabinet makers: €9,000–€20,000+. Fully custom-sized, premium materials, integrated solutions. Lead times of 6–12 weeks.

4. Worktop Material

The worktop is one area where quality really shows — and where costs vary dramatically. See our full guide on kitchen worktop options in Portugal for a detailed breakdown.

5. Appliances

Most clients source appliances independently — from Worten, Media Markt, or directly from appliance retailers — and we install them. This gives you control over budget. A full set of built-in appliances (oven, hob, extractor, fridge-freezer, dishwasher, microwave) can range from €1,500 to €8,000+ depending on brand and specification.

Portugal vs UK: Kitchen Renovation Cost Comparison

The savings in Portugal are primarily driven by lower labour costs. Materials — particularly imported appliances and stone worktops — are broadly comparable in price across Europe. The trade markup and installation cost is where Portugal offers real savings.

How to Control Your Kitchen Renovation Budget

• Keep the layout: the single most effective way to reduce cost. Relocating plumbing and gas adds thousands to the bill.
• Separate supply from installation: sourcing units from IKEA or Leroy Merlin and using a local fitter can save significantly versus a turnkey package from a kitchen company.
• Prioritise where it shows: invest in the worktop (you touch it every day) and the handles and taps (visible at all times). Save on internal drawer boxes and soft-close hinges — cheaper versions perform nearly as well.
• Choose porcelain tile over natural stone for floors: a €20/m² porcelain tile that looks like marble costs a third of real marble and is more durable in a kitchen environment.
• Budget for contingency: old Portuguese kitchens often reveal plumbing or electrical surprises once demolished. Set aside 10–15% above the quoted price.
• Get three quotes: kitchen renovation prices vary significantly between contractors. Make sure you're comparing like-for-like scope, not just headline numbers.

Timeline: How Long Does a Kitchen Renovation Take?

A standard kitchen renovation in Portugal:

• Small kitchen, no layout change, flat-pack units: 10–15 working days
• Medium kitchen, minor layout change, mid-range units: 15–25 working days
• Large or open-plan kitchen, custom units: 30–50 working days (includes lead time for custom cabinetry and stone worktop templating)

The kitchen is often the room that causes the most disruption during renovation — plan for an alternative cooking arrangement for the duration.

For further reading, see our kitchen renovation overview guide, our article on open-plan kitchen conversions, and our kitchen renovation service page.