Common Mistakes in Portuguese Legal Translations (And How to Avoid Them)
Introduction: Why Legal Translation Demands Precision
Legal documents are complex, full of precise terms, and leave no room for error. When translating them into Portuguese, whether for Portugal or Brazil, accuracy is not just important—it’s legally required. A single mistranslated word can invalidate contracts, delay immigration, or cause legal disputes.
In this article, we highlight the most common mistakes in Portuguese legal translations and offer practical tips on how to avoid them—especially if you’re dealing with certified translations for government, court, or academic purposes.
1. Confusing European Portuguese with Brazilian Portuguese
❌ The Mistake:
Treating Portuguese as one uniform language. Legal systems in Portugal and Brazil use different terminology, phrasing, and grammar. Translating for the wrong audience can render your document invalid.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Always clarify the target country.
- Hire a translator specialized in European Portuguese or Brazilian Portuguese—never both.
- Confirm with the receiving authority which variant they require.
2. Mistranslating Legal Terminology
❌ The Mistake:
Translators without a legal background often make errors with terms like:
- “Power of Attorney” (Procuração)
- “Affidavit” (Declaração Juramentada)
- “Liability” (Responsabilidade legal)
A literal translation may lose the legal meaning, or worse, imply something entirely different.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Use translators with legal expertise.
- Ask if they are familiar with the civil law system used in Portugal or Brazil.
- Request a review by a lawyer or legal consultant, if the document is high-stakes.
3. Leaving Out Official Seals, Stamps, or Marginal Notes
❌ The Mistake:
Some translators skip translating handwritten notes, stamps, signatures, or even seals—thinking they’re not important.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Include everything visible on the document.
- Indicate in brackets when something is unreadable or stamped (e.g., “[Illegible signature]” or “[Round stamp: Portuguese Embassy]”).
📌 Tip: These elements are often what make a document official.
4. Poor Formatting of the Translated Document
❌ The Mistake:
Legal translations must mirror the original structure. Translators who submit translations with inconsistent layout, misaligned paragraphs, or missing sections risk rejection by authorities.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Ensure formatting is as close as possible to the original.
- Include a translator’s declaration stating that the translation is “true and complete.”
💡 In Portugal, formatting is especially important for court submissions or SEF documents.
5. Ignoring Certification Requirements
❌ The Mistake:
Some people mistakenly think that any translation will do. But Portuguese authorities often require:
- Certified translations
- Sometimes also notarized translations
- Or even sworn translations done by court-registered professionals
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Always check the requirements of the authority or institution.
- Work with translators who provide signed statements of accuracy.
- If needed, request translations done by notary-approved or court-sworn translators in Portugal.
6. Using Google Translate or AI Tools for Legal Documents
❌ The Mistake:
Machine translations may help with casual texts—but they are dangerous in legal settings. Tools like Google Translate often misinterpret syntax, verbs, and legal nuances.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Use human translators only for legal work.
- Consider machine translation only for initial drafts or personal understanding, never for official submission.
7. Failing to Translate Page Numbers, Dates, or Currency Properly
❌ The Mistake:
Leaving numeric data like:
- “12/10/2024” — interpreted differently in Portugal (DD/MM/YYYY) than in the US
- Currency like “$” — does it mean USD, BRL, or EUR?
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Clarify date formats (write: “12 October 2024” if needed)
- Spell out currencies, e.g., “USD 1,000 (mil dólares americanos)”
📌 Portuguese formatting matters in legal documents—mismatched formats may be flagged as suspicious or misleading.
8. Skipping a Final Proofread by a Legal Professional
❌ The Mistake:
Even skilled translators can miss small yet critical details.
✅ How to Avoid It:
- Hire a second set of eyes—preferably someone with legal or bureaucratic experience.
- For highly sensitive documents, have a lawyer or notary review the translation before submission.
Final Tips: Do It Right the First Time
Legal translations are not just about language—they’re about legality. A flawed translation can mean rejected applications, financial loss, or even legal liability.
Here’s a quick checklist to avoid mistakes: ✔️ Confirm the target Portuguese variant (Portugal or Brazil)
✔️ Use a legally qualified translator
✔️ Include all visible marks, stamps, and notes
✔️ Match the formatting exactly
✔️ Certify and notarize if required
✔️ Proofread by a legal professional
