Many people share the dream of living abroad, especially those who see Portugal as the perfect destination due to the common language with Brazil. To live and even obtain citizenship in the European country, you will need to deal with a series of documents and certifications. Among them, the Hague Apostille in Portugal stands out.
Do you know what the Hague Apostille in Portugal is and what it is for? Check out everything about the Hague Apostille and find out why it is important for those who wish to live in the European country.
What is the Hague Apostille in Portugal?
The Hague Apostille in Portugal authenticates documents and public acts. Also known as the Hague Apostille Convention, it functions as a seal or stamp issued by the competent authorities in Portugal, recognizing and certifying the signature and the quality of the documents.
In practical terms, the Hague Apostille in Portugal authenticates public or private documents. Portuguese authorities operate according to the Apostille Service Regulation.
What is the Hague Convention?
The Hague Convention, also known as the Apostille Convention, is an international treaty that facilitates the use of documents abroad. The treaty reduces bureaucratic procedures so that documents originating in one country can be used in other nations.
In Brazil, the international treaty became law in August 2016, with the enactment of Decree No. 8,660/2016. The National Council of Justice (CNJ) is the body responsible for coordinating and regulating the application of the Hague Convention.
The Hague Apostille Convention facilitates the lives of numerous Brazilians who dream of living in Portugal or other countries. It reduces bureaucratic processes and costs for citizens, eliminating the need for “consularization” – the consular legalization process of foreign documents, such as notarial certificates, powers of attorney signed by foreigners, and certificates.
According to the National Council of Justice (CNJ), 125 countries are signatories to the Hague Convention.
Where to get the Hague Apostille in Portugal?
You can get the Hague Apostille in Portugal in different locations, depending on the origin of the document to be apostilled. The Attorney General of the Republic is the competent authority to issue and verify the apostille in Portugal. Additionally, Regional Attorneys General are also competent by delegation.
Here are the locations where you can get the Hague Apostille in Portugal:
- Lisbon
- Porto
- Ponta Delgada
- Guimarães
- Funchal
- Évora
- Coimbra
The headquarters of the Attorney General of the Republic of Portugal is located in the capital Lisbon, at Rua da Escola Politécnica, nº 140, 1269-269. The Hague Apostille services are provided at the Lisbon Justice Campus, located at Av. D. João II, 1.08.01, Edifício E, 1990-097.
For more information about where to get the Hague Apostille in Portugal, visit the website of the Public Ministry of Portugal. There, you will find all the information related to the Hague apostille services.
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How to apostille documents for Portugal? Step by step
To apostille documents for Portugal, follow a series of requirements and steps. First and foremost, know which documents require apostille. The apostille process for documents for Portugal offers an advantage: no need for sworn translation.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apostille documents for Portugal:
1. Apostille documents in Brazil
First, apostille documents in Brazil. Brazilian documents, such as birth or marriage certificates, criminal background certificates, and school transcripts, must be apostilled in Brazil before being sent to Portuguese authorities. You can do the apostille in person at notary offices or online through Yellowling.
2. Fill out the form
Next, fill out the apostille service request form. On the website of the Public Ministry of Portugal, you will find the form available in four different languages (Portuguese, English, French, and Spanish). If you have any doubts, check the filling instructions also available on the website.
3. Schedule an appointment
After filling out the form, schedule an appointment at the Attorney General offices to request the Hague Apostille in Portugal. You can do this in seven different locations: Lisbon, Porto, Ponta Delgada, Guimarães, Funchal, Évora, and Coimbra.
Generally, the Hague Apostille in Portugal is done at the time of the appointment, according to the order of arrival or scheduling. Exceptions occur for requests involving more than five documents to be apostilled.
You can also schedule an online appointment. According to the Public Ministry, digital Hague apostille services in Portugal are available for the regions of Lisbon, Porto, and Guimarães. A maximum of 12 documents per request is allowed.
Price of the Hague Apostille in Portugal
The price of the Hague Apostille in Portugal corresponds to one-tenth of the Accounting Unit (UC), set at €102.00 for 2023. Therefore, the price of the apostille is €10.2. The Accounting Unit is used to calculate legal costs.
Which documents need to be apostilled for Portugal?
Documents that need to be apostilled include:
- Marriage certificates
- Birth certificates
- Certificates and Diplomas from Educational Institutions
- School Transcripts
These are the main documents for the Hague apostille in Portugal. However, depending on your intention, the list of documents may vary.
According to the official website of the Public Ministry of Portugal, all documents issued by the following establishments need to go through the Hague apostille to be valid in the European country:
- Municipal Chambers
- Notary Offices
- Registry Offices
- Public Educational Institutions
- Private Educational Institutions (check Apostille Service Regulation)
- Parish Councils
- Ministries
- Courts
The Registry Office is responsible for issuing documents such as birth records, death certificates, and marriage consummation.
Do I need to translate documents for Portugal?
No, Portuguese is the official language of both countries, so translation is not necessary. However, this was not always the case. In some places, sworn translation was required even for documents written in Portuguese.
In 2016, the National Council of Justice (CNJ) unanimously approved a recommendation to Brazilian courts not to require sworn translations of foreign documents written in Portuguese. The CNJ’s recommendation was based on Article 162 of the Code of Civil Procedure and Article 224 of the Brazilian Civil Code.
When to request the Hague Apostille in Portugal?
Request the Hague Apostille in Portugal whenever you need to present documents not issued in Portuguese territory. In other words, documents issued in Brazil need the Hague Apostille to ensure their authenticity in Portugal.