Authentication and Certification of Documents
What is the Authentication and Certification of Documents?
Authentication and certification of documents are legal processes to validate the authenticity of documents or copies, giving them legal value for use in Portugal or abroad.
Types of Authentication and Certification
Authentication of Original Documents: Confirms the legitimacy and authenticity of an original document.
Certification of Copies: Declares that the copy is a faithful representation of the original document presented.
Signature Recognition: Validates that the signature on the document belongs to the identified person.
Legalization of Documents: Done at notaries or through an Apostille of Hague for international use.
Certification of Translations: Certifies that a document’s translation to another language is faithful to the original.
When is it Necessary?
Authentication or certification is required in various legal and administrative situations, such as:
Immigration and citizenship processes.
Recognition of diplomas and academic documents.
Civil registration (marriage, birth, death).
Homologation of foreign judgments.
Commercial contracts or powers of attorney for national and international use.
Registration of foreign companies in Portugal.
Common Documents for Authentication and Certification
Personal Documents:
Birth, marriage, and death certificates.
National ID cards, passports, and residence permits.
Academic Documents:
Diplomas, school transcripts, and equivalency certificates.
Legal Documents:
Court judgments, contracts, and powers of attorney.
Commercial Documents:
Corporate statutes, commercial registration, and business contracts.
Documents Required for the Process
Original Document: The document to be authenticated or certified must be presented in its original version.
Copy of the Document (for copy certification): A copy that will be certified as true to the original.
Identification Document: National ID card, passport, or other official document of the applicant.
Official Translation (if applicable): Documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by a certified translation to Portuguese.
Apostille of Hague (if applicable): For documents destined for international use, apostille may be required.
Power of Attorney (if applicable): If the applicant cannot be present, a legally authenticated power of attorney must be presented.
Where to Perform Authentication and Certification in Portugal?
Notary Offices:
Authentication of signatures, certification of copies, and legalization of documents.
Civil Registry Offices:
For documents related to civil registrations (birth, marriage, death).
Lawyers or Solicitors:
Can authenticate signatures and certify document copies.
Chambers of Commerce:
Certification of commercial and business documents.
Consulates and Embassies:
For the legalization or authentication of documents issued abroad.
Steps of the Process
Preparing Documents: Gather the original documents and copies (if necessary).
Translation and Legalization (if applicable): Translate and legalize documents issued abroad to be accepted in Portugal.
Submission to the Competent Service: Submit the documents to the notary, registry office, or relevant entity.
Payment of Fees: Pay the associated service fees.
Delivery of Certified or Authenticated Document: The document will be returned with the validation seal or stamp.
Cost and Timeframe
Costs: Vary according to the type of document and service, generally standardized in notary offices and registry offices.
Timeframe: The process can be immediate or take several days, depending on the complexity and the involved body.
Important Observations
Validity Period: Certificates and other documents have a limited validity for official use (usually 6 months).
International Legalization: Documents for use abroad require Apostille of Hague or consular legalization.
Certified Translation: Translations must be done by certified translators and notarized if necessary.