How does a certified translation work in Portugal?
Translation and certification are separate steps with different legal roles.
When is certification requested?
It is commonly requested when a document written in one language is submitted to an authority, university, court, employer or other organisation that works in another language. The requirement should always be checked with the receiving body.
Who can certify?
Portuguese official information indicates that translations can be certified through notaries, registry officials, lawyers, solicitors and recognised chambers of commerce, depending on the applicable route.
Typical process
Assessment
I check legibility, language, purpose, deadline and known formalities.
Translation
The translation preserves relevant content, names, dates, numbers, stamps and annotations. Illegible material should be identified transparently rather than guessed.
Certification
When required, I can arrange the formal certification with the competent professional or body.
Delivery
Some recipients accept electronic documents; others require paper originals or specific formalities. This should be confirmed before the final route is chosen.
Common documents
- Birth and marriage certificates
- Criminal records
- Diplomas, transcripts and academic certificates
- Employment and corporate documents
- Powers of attorney and legal documents
