What do you need to do with the certificate?
Start with your actual situation. Whether you already have the certificate, where you live and where the document will be used tells you which route comes next.
Check these five points before you order
- Which authority will receive the document
- How recently the certificate must have been issued
- Whether a digital access code or paper version is accepted
- Whether apostille or consular legalization is required
- Which language and type of translation is accepted
A country being part of the Hague Convention does not by itself mean that apostille is required. Follow the receiving authority's instructions.
Choose the situation that matches your case
I still need the certificate
Start with the certificate service. We can request it and add the remaining steps after you confirm the destination requirements.
I already have an electronic certificate
Check its 90-day validity and whether the authority accepts the access code. If apostille is required, a digitally signed document or a document with an access code needs an electronic apostille through e-APP.
I will use it in another EU country
Apostille is generally not required for public documents covered by Regulation (EU) 2016/1191. Eligible Portuguese citizens with a negative certificate can also obtain the multilingual European Standard Certificate, which must accompany the Portuguese certificate.
The destination is outside the Apostille Convention
Consular legalization may be required instead of apostille. Check the current HCCH status and the destination authority's instructions before choosing the route.
When this page applies
This page is for people who need a Portuguese criminal record certificate for immigration, employment, study, residence, citizenship, compliance or another procedure outside Portugal. It is especially relevant for former residents of Portugal and for users who are no longer physically in Portugal.
Portuguese criminal record for residency or immigration abroad
A Portuguese criminal record certificate may be requested when you apply for residency, immigration, visa, work, study or other procedures before a foreign authority. If the certificate will be used outside Portugal, the receiving authority may also require apostille, certified translation or delivery of the prepared document.
The exact requirement depends on the country and the authority reviewing your file. Portugal Papers can help request the Portuguese certificate and organize apostille, certified translation or delivery when these steps are needed.
- Residency or immigration applications
- Visa, work or study procedures
- Foreign authority or consular requests
- Apostille for use outside Portugal
- Certified translation and delivery when required
Apostille and translation are not automatic
International use follows the destination route. The country and receiving procedure determine whether the Portuguese criminal record goes directly, with apostille, with Annex XI, with certified translation or with a combination of those steps.
The current certificate is issued in Portuguese and English and is valid for 90 days. Eligible Portuguese citizens with a negative record can use Annex XI for the qualifying EU route instead of apostille or translation.
Tell us where the certificate will be used. We confirm the document path before you pay for extra formalities.
One request can cover the complete process
Portugal Papers can obtain the certificate and coordinate apostille, certified translation and delivery. If you already have the document, we can start from the next step.
- Certificate request
- Apostille or the appropriate legalization route
- Certified translation
- Digital, postal or worldwide courier delivery
Related reading
Frequently asked questions
Is apostille always required?
No. The receiving authority decides whether it accepts the certificate as issued or requires apostille, another legalization route, translation or a paper version.
Can an electronic certificate be apostilled?
Yes. If the public document is digitally signed or issued with an access code, the apostille must also be electronic and is requested through the Ministério Público e-APP system.
Do I always need a translation?
No. It depends on the languages accepted by the receiving authority. Within the EU, an eligible European Standard Certificate may reduce or remove the translation requirement.
Do I need a paper original?
The digital and paper Portuguese certificates have the same legal value in Portugal. The receiving authority decides whether it accepts the access code or requires a paper version.
Requirements for document acceptance, apostille, translation and delivery depend on the receiving authority. Portugal Papers provides private assistance and guidance, not official government decisions.