Which Purpose Should You Use for a Portuguese Criminal Record?

Why Portugal asks for the purpose

The criminal record certificate is issued for a concrete use.

Portuguese DGAJ explains that the content of the certificate depends on:

• the specific purpose of the request;
• whether the purpose involves children.

For residents-abroad applications, the official form also asks for a clear description of the purpose and whether the work or activity involves regular contact with minors.

Ordinary employment and regulated work are not the same

For employment or access to a professional activity, Portuguese rules distinguish between two broad situations.

If the job or activity is subject to a legal rule requiring the absence of certain convictions, the certificate can show the current criminal record information relevant under that framework.

For ordinary employment without that kind of legal restriction, the content is narrower and focuses on convictions carrying professional prohibitions or related safety measures.

That is why employment can be too vague when the receiving body has a more specific legal purpose.

Work involving children

If the purpose involves children, the certificate contains additional information about convictions for sexual offences, alongside the information that follows from the main purpose.

If you are applying to work at a school, nursery, youth organisation, sports programme or another role involving regular contact with minors, say so accurately in the request.

Do not hide or soften the purpose to try to obtain a different certificate. The document should match the real procedure for which it is being requested.

Non-employment purposes

For a purpose outside employment or access to a professional activity, the official rules state that the certificate contains the current criminal record information of the person concerned.

Common real-world reasons include immigration, residence, citizenship, adoption, court matters and other administrative procedures.

When the receiving authority gives you wording, use it exactly.

Practical examples

These are examples of clear descriptions, not mandatory legal formulas:

If the authority gave you a reference letter or checklist, send it with the request.

The purpose stays linked to the certificate

A Portuguese criminal record certificate has a defined purpose and a 90-day validity period.

For a materially different second procedure, use the purpose required for that procedure and make sure the certificate content matches it.

If you live abroad

The dedicated residents-abroad request also requires the purpose to be entered clearly.

If you want Portugal Papers to handle the request, send us:

• the authority asking for the criminal record;
• the country;
• the actual purpose;
• any wording from the checklist or letter.

We then prepare the application around the real use instead of guessing.

FAQ