Why You Need an Apostille for Portugal
If you’re planning to move to Portugal for residency, work, studies, marriage, or investment, chances are you’ll be asked to submit official documents from your home country. But there’s a catch: Portuguese authorities won’t accept foreign documents unless they are legalized, and the most common method of legalization is through an apostille.
In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about how to apostille documents for Portugal, who needs it, where to get it, and how to make sure your paperwork won’t be rejected.
What Is an Apostille?
An apostille is a special stamp or certificate issued under the Hague Apostille Convention, which Portugal is a member of. It verifies the authenticity of a public document, making it legally valid for use in other member countries.
This means:
- You don’t need to go through embassy legalization
- The apostille certifies the signature, seal, or authority on your document
Who Needs Apostille Documents in Portugal?
If you are submitting official documents from outside Portugal, you likely need an apostille. This includes people who are:
- Applying for a D7, D2, or Golden Visa
- Enrolling in universities or schools
- Getting married in Portugal
- Applying for citizenship or residency
- Buying property or dealing with inheritance
Which Documents Commonly Require an Apostille?
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate
- Criminal record / Police clearance
- Academic diplomas and transcripts
- Divorce decree
- Death certificate
- Notarized powers of attorney
- Medical records (in some cases)
⚠️ Note: Translations do not get apostilled. You apostille the original document, then get it translated and certified in European Portuguese for use in Portugal.
Step-by-Step: How to Apostille Documents for Portugal
✅ Step 1: Identify Your Country of Origin
Make sure your country is part of the Hague Convention. If not, you’ll need consular legalization instead.
🔗 List of Hague Convention Countries
✅ Step 2: Gather the Right Documents
Only public documents can be apostilled. These are issued by:
- Government offices (e.g., registry, police)
- Educational institutions
- Notaries
Make sure your documents are:
- Originals or official certified copies
- Properly signed and stamped
✅ Step 3: Submit to the Apostille Authority in Your Country
Each country has a designated authority. Here are a few examples:
- USA: Secretary of State in the issuing state
- UK: Legalisation Office, Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Canada: Provinces issue documents; use a notary and then consular legalization
- Israel: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- India: Ministry of External Affairs
🔎 Search online: “How to get an apostille in [Your Country]”
✅ Step 4: Wait for Processing
Timeframes vary:
- Usually between 1–10 business days
- Some countries offer express services
Fees also vary—from free to €100+, depending on the country and document.
✅ Step 5: Translate (If Needed)
Once you receive the apostilled document:
- Translate it into European Portuguese
- Use a certified or sworn translator accepted in Portugal
- Sometimes a notarized translation is required
✅ Important: You don’t translate the apostille itself, only the content of the document.
Tips to Avoid Common Mistakes
❌ Submitting copies without apostille
❌ Using Brazilian Portuguese translations instead of European Portuguese
❌ Apostilling a translation (only the original gets the apostille)
❌ Submitting expired documents (e.g., old police records)
Where Will You Need to Submit Apostilled Documents in Portugal?
- SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras) – immigration services
- AIMA
- Municipal chambers – for marriage or property
- Portuguese universities – for academic recognition
- Notary offices – for legal processes
- Lawyers and accountants – for visa or business applications
Final Thoughts: Be Prepared for Bureaucracy
While the process of apostilling may seem overwhelming, it’s a one-time effort that makes your documents legally recognized in Portugal. Whether you’re moving for love, study, work, or retirement, having your documents apostilled and ready can speed up your application process and avoid frustrating delays.
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to consult a Portuguese immigration lawyer or use a specialized relocation service to review your paperwork before submission.
