FAQ – Certified Translations

I provide certified translations in English for clients who need foreign documents prepared for official use in Portugal, including immigration, nationality, academic, legal, and administrative procedures. My translations include a signed declaration of accuracy and completeness, and I am a member of the ITI.

What is a certified translation in Portugal?

A certified translation is a translation accompanied by a signed statement confirming that the text is complete and accurate. In Portugal, foreign-language documents often need certified translation for official use.

When do I need a certified translation in Portugal?

You may need one when submitting foreign documents for immigration, nationality, civil registration, court, academic, banking, tax, or administrative purposes.

Which institutions in Portugal commonly request certified translations?

Certified translations are commonly requested by AIMA, IRN and registry offices, courts, universities, banks, tax authorities, Social Security, IMT, and some municipalities, depending on the procedure.

Do you provide certified translations for AIMA applications?

Yes. Certified translations are often needed for AIMA procedures involving birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal record certificates, and other foreign documents.

Do you provide certified translations for nationality and registry procedures?

Yes. Certified translations are commonly used for Portuguese nationality applications, marriage registration, death registration, and other registry procedures handled by IRN and conservatories.

Can you translate documents for foreign divorce judgments and court matters?

Yes. Certified translations may be required for foreign judgments, including divorce decisions, and other supporting documents used in legal proceedings in Portugal.

Can you translate diplomas and academic records for Portugal?

Yes. Universities and educational institutions often request certified translations for diplomas, transcripts, certificates, and other academic documents issued abroad.

Can you translate documents for banks, tax, and administrative procedures?

Yes. Banks, tax authorities, Social Security, and other institutions may request certified translations for foreign documents used in financial, tax, civil status, or administrative matters.

Who can certify a translation in Portugal?

Portugal does not use the same sworn translator model found in some other countries. Certification may be carried out through authorised entities such as notaries, lawyers, solicitors, registry authorities, chambers of commerce, or consulates.

Can a translator certify their own translation in Portugal?

A translator may prepare the translation, but where Portuguese certification is required, the certification step generally has to be completed through an authorised entity.

Do your translations include a signed declaration?

Yes. My certified translations include a signed declaration of accuracy and completeness. If the receiving institution in Portugal requires formal certification by an authorised entity, that additional step may also be necessary.

Are you a member of a professional translation association?

Yes. I am a member of the ITI, a recognised professional association for translators and interpreters. This reflects my commitment to professional standards and quality.directory.

Do you provide certified translations for migrants in Portugal?

Yes. Migrants often need certified translations for residence applications, family reunification, nationality procedures, education, work, and civil registration.

Which migrant documents are commonly translated?

Common documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, divorce judgments, criminal record certificates, diplomas, transcripts, and other civil or legal documents issued abroad.

Do I always need translation for documents in English?

Not always. In some registry procedures, documents in English, French, or Spanish may be accepted without translation if the competent officer understands the language, but this exception is limited and should not be assumed in advance.

Do I also need an apostille or legalisation?

Possibly. Translation and authentication are different requirements, and some procedures in Portugal may require both.

Can you work from a scan or photo?

Yes, as long as the document is clear, complete, and fully legible, including stamps, signatures, and handwritten notes where relevant.

How long does it take?

Turnaround depends on the length, complexity, language pair, and urgency of the document. Short civil documents are usually faster than long legal or academic files.directory.

How much does it cost?

Pricing depends on the language pair, word count or number of pages, formatting complexity, and urgency. A clear quote can be given after reviewing the document.