Explore country-specific rules for recognising foreign documents for official use.
This map shows when certified or sworn translations, apostilles, or legalisation are required for official use.
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Requirement: Notarised
| Apostille required | Often required for foreign documents, depending on country of origin |
|---|---|
| Translation type required | Certified translation with notarisation |
| Who can translate | Any competent translator, provided the signature is officially certified |
| Official translator registry | No central sworn translator registry (Portugal does not operate a sworn translator system) |
| Accepted languages | Portuguese |
| Legalisation authority | Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) |
| Official source | Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) – Official portal |
Important: If an apostille is required, it must be obtained before the translation is certified in Portugal.
Official guidance (IRN) – PortugalPortugal does not operate a system of officially appointed sworn translators. Translations may be carried out by any competent translator.
However, for the translation to be legally valid for official purposes, the translator’s signature must be formally certified by an authorised authority.
To be recognised for official use in Portugal, the translation should include a declaration of accuracy, and the translator’s signature must be certified by an authorised authority such as a notary, lawyer, solicitor, registrar (conservador), or an official Chamber of Commerce.
Certification typically involves a formal statement confirming that the translation is accurate and complete.
Foreign documents generally need to be apostilled or legalised in their country of origin before being translated and certified in Portugal.
Certification of translations in Portugal is handled through national notarial and registry procedure
