Legalisation validates UK documents for official use in Portugal. The most common documents requiring legalisation when applying for Portuguese visas include:

  • Certificate of criminal record (ACRO police certificate): confirms your criminal record history and is often mandatory for many visa types .

  • Proof of family relationship: For visas like family reunification, birth or marriage certificates may need legalisation.

UK documents and other non-Portuguese often need to be translated by a certified translator after they have been apostilled.

Documents needing translation typically include:

Criminal record checks, educational certificates, medical reports, and civil documents (birth, death, and marriage certificates). 

Legalisation service example:

Total Cost: Please enquire about the latest pricing

Our legalisation process

We simplify the legalisation process with three key steps:

  • 1
    Certification: Our FCDO-registered solicitor or notary certifies your documents.
  • 2
    Hague apostille: We get the apostille from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), confirming the legitimacy of your documents for international use.
  • 3
    Translation: If necessary, we provide certified translation of your documents into Portuguese.

How to get started

  • Contact us: Let us know which document(s) you need legalised and whether translation is required.
  • Submit your documents: Send your documents via post or deliver them directly to our office.

Choose your service speed:

  • Express next-day apostille service: Submit by 10 am for next-day completion, ready for collection or shipping by 4 pm.
  • Standard service: Allow 3-4 days for processing.

Specific visa requirements

Temporary and residence visas

For both temporary and residence visas in Portugal, you’ll typically need to legalise:

  • Certificate of criminal record: Issued by your country of nationality or residence. For UK citizens, this is the ACRO Police Certificate, which provides details relevant to visa applications.

Visa categories often requiring a criminal background check  include:

  • Temporary stay visas

  • Study visas

  • Residency visas

  • Job seeker visa

Family reunification visas

In addition to the criminal record certificate, family reunification visas necessitate legalisation of:

  • Proof of family relationship: Such as birth or marriage certificates

General rule:

Any official documents issued by non-EU countries and required for a Portuguese visa application typically need to be legalised with an apostille.

Important note:

Visa requirements can change. For the most up-to-date and accurate information, always refer to the official Portuguese visa website or consult an immigration expert.

E-apostilles

Please note that e-apostilles are unsuitable for Portuguese visa applications at the moment.

While Portugal isn’t currently part of the official e-Register system, it’s important to understand that Portuguese authorities can still request and accept electronic apostilles.

To be eligible for an e-apostille, your documents must first be notarised with either an Advanced Electronic Signature (AES) or a Qualified Electronic Signature (QES).

If you require a translation from English into Portuguese and it’s done within the UK, this translation will also need to be apostilled by the FCDO.

When it comes to certifying documents for use in Portugal, the authorities accept certification from either a solicitor or a notary public.

Given the evolving nature of e-apostille acceptance, it’s always prudent to directly contact the relevant Portuguese authority or organisation if you have any uncertainties regarding whether to obtain a physical or electronic apostille for your specific situation.

They can provide the most up-to-date and accurate information tailored to your needs.

Portuguese flagSubmitting your legalised documents for your Portuguese visa application in London

Once your documents are legalised, follow these steps:

  • 1
    Gather all required documents: Ensure you have everything for your visa type, including legalised documents. Check the official Portuguese visa website or contact the Visa Application Centre (VAC) for the complete list.
  • 2
    Book an appointment at the VAC: Schedule an appointment online through the VAC website.
  • 3
    Attend your appointment: Bring your completed application form, all supporting documents (including legalised ones), passport, and visa fee.
  • 4
    Submit your application: Submit everything at the VAC. They’ll also take your biometric data.
  • 5
    Track your application: You’ll receive a tracking number to monitor progress online.
  • 6
    Collect your passport: Once a decision is made, you’ll be notified to collect your passport from the VAC.

Remember:

  • Check the latest requirements on the official Portuguese visa website.
  • Apply well in advance of your travel date.
  • Keep copies of all your documents.

Tips:

  • Organise your documents.
  • Be prepared to answer questions at the VAC.
  • Be patient throughout the process.

How we can help

We can assist you with legalisation, from obtaining the apostille to arranging for certified translations.

Contact us today to ensure your documents meet all Portuguese consulate requirements and streamline your visa application process.