So, you fell in love, said “I do,” and now you’re ready to make it all official in Portugal. But wait—before you can bask in your newlywed bliss on the beaches of Algarve or sip wine in Porto, there’s one final bureaucratic adventure: translating and legalizing your marriage certificate.
Yes, romance and paperwork go hand in hand when it comes to international marriages. But don’t worry—I’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide, sprinkled with practical tips, humor, and insider advice to help you navigate Portugal’s bureaucracy with ease.
💍 Why Do You Need to Translate and Legalize Your Marriage Certificate in Portugal?
If you got married outside Portugal and plan to use your marriage certificate here—whether for residency, citizenship, tax benefits, or even changing your last name—it must be translated into Portuguese and legally recognized.
In short, Portugal doesn’t just take your word (or your English/French/Italian certificate) for it. They want it all in official, notarized Portuguese, with the right stamps to prove it’s the real deal.
Think of it as a passport for your marriage—it needs the right stamps to be accepted!
Step 1: Get Your Marriage Certificate Apostilled or Legalized
Before translation, your marriage certificate must first be officially recognized by Portugal. There are two different processes depending on your country:
✅ If your country is part of the Hague Apostille Convention
You need an apostille stamp, which verifies that your document is authentic. You can get this from:
- U.S.: Secretary of State office
- U.K.: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO)
- Canada, Australia, etc.: Local government offices authorized to issue apostilles
Check if your country is in the Hague Convention here.
❌ If your country is NOT part of the Hague Convention
Your certificate needs to be certified by your government, then legalized at the Portuguese consulate in your country.
💡 Pro Tip: This step can take weeks (or months), so start early!
Step 2: Get a Certified Translation into Portuguese
Now that your certificate is legally recognized, it’s time to translate it. But not just any translation—Portugal requires a certified translation by a sworn translator.
Where to Get a Certified Translation?
📝 Approved translation agencies in Portugal:
- Traductanet – Professional legal translations
- LinguaVox – Certified and notarized document translations
- APTRAD – Association of professional translators in Portugal
🌎 Outside Portugal? You can also use a certified translator in your home country, but the translation must be notarized and legalized before Portugal accepts it.
⚠ DO NOT use Google Translate. Portugal’s government is not a fan of AI-generated documents—only certified human translators will do.
Step 3: Get the Translation Notarized
Once your document is translated, it needs notarial certification to confirm it’s accurate. You can do this at:
- A Portuguese notary office
- A Portuguese lawyer (advogado) authorized to certify translations
- Portuguese Chamber of Commerce
💡 Some notaries offer both translation and certification services, saving you an extra step!
Step 4: Submit Your Translated Marriage Certificate in Portugal
The moment of truth! Now you can officially register your marriage with Portuguese authorities.
Where to Submit It?
📍 If registering your marriage in Portugal:
👉 Civil Registry Office (Conservatória do Registo Civil)
📍 If applying for residency or citizenship:
👉 Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF)
📍 If applying for tax benefits or social security:
👉 Social Security Office (Segurança Social)
Once submitted, congratulations! You’re officially married in Portugal! 🎉
⏳ How Long Does It Take?
Let’s be real—Portugal’s bureaucracy is charmingly slow. Expect 3 to 7 weeks, depending on how busy the offices are.
📅 Need it fast? Some private translation agencies offer 24- to 48-hour urgent services—just ask!
📝 Final Checklist: What You Need to Do
📌 Before traveling to Portugal:
✅ Get your marriage certificate apostilled or legalized
✅ Find a certified translator
✅ Get the translation notarized
📌 Once in Portugal:
✅ Submit your translated, notarized marriage certificate
✅ Register your marriage or apply for residency/citizenship
🔥 FAQ: Common Questions About Marriage Certificate Translation in Portugal
❓ Do I need to translate my marriage certificate if I married in Portugal?
✅ No! If you got married in Portugal, your certificate is already in Portuguese.
❓ How much does it cost to translate a marriage certificate in Portugal?
✅ €50-€150, depending on the translator and urgency.
❓ Can I submit an English marriage certificate in Portugal?
❌ No! It must be translated and notarized.
❓ How long does the translation and legalization process take?
✅ Expect 3-7 weeks (or faster with express services).
📸 Now That You’re Officially Married… Let’s Capture the Magic!
Now that the paperwork is done, it’s time for what really matters—celebrating your love in Portugal! Whether you’re planning a breathtaking elopement in Sintra, a beach wedding in Algarve, or a romantic Lisbon city shoot, your love story deserves to be beautifully documented.
As a destination wedding photographer, I specialize in capturing those raw, emotional, joy-filled moments that make your wedding unforgettable.
👉 Check out my wedding photography portfolio: Your Happy Moments Blog
📸 See my wedding packages: Investment Guide
📩 Let’s chat about your dream wedding photoshoot! Contact me here
Because at the end of the day, love isn’t about paperwork—it’s about the moments. Let’s capture yours. 💕
