{"id":14778,"date":"2026-11-04T02:09:26","date_gmt":"2026-11-04T02:09:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/portugal-criminal-record-apostille\/"},"modified":"2026-11-04T02:09:26","modified_gmt":"2026-11-04T02:09:26","slug":"portugal-criminal-record-apostille","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/portugal-criminal-record-apostille\/","title":{"rendered":"Portuguese criminal record with an apostille: how to get it from abroad"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&#8217;ve left Portugal, and now another country wants your <strong>Portuguese criminal record certificate<\/strong>, usually with an <strong>apostille<\/strong>. Canada, Brazil and Italy are among the countries that ask for one from places you&#8217;ve lived.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since <strong>July 2025<\/strong> you can request it from abroad through an online form, with <strong>no Portuguese ID card and no trip back<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-1\">[1]<\/a><\/sup> Most of what you&#8217;ll read still describes the old route, and even Canada&#8217;s own instructions for Portugal haven&#8217;t caught up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Two things catch people out. <strong>The purpose you choose is printed on the certificate and can&#8217;t be changed<\/strong>, and the apostille is a separate step with its own office. This guide takes you through both, country by country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-sum\">\n<style>\n.nm-sum,.nm-flow,.nm-qs,.nm-dep,.nm-cost,.nm-stg{font-family:inherit;margin:34px 0 38px;}\n.nm-sum{background:#FFFBF0;border:1px solid #F2E6BE;border-left:5px solid #F5C518;border-radius:0 18px 18px 0;padding:24px 28px;}\n.nm-k{font-size:12.5px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#8a6d00;margin:0 0 14px;}\n.nm-sum ul,.nm-qs ol{margin:0;padding:0;list-style:none;}\n.nm-sum li{position:relative;padding-left:26px;margin:0 0 11px;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.55;color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-sum li:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.nm-sum li:before{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:4px;top:9px;width:8px;height:8px;border-radius:50%;background:#F5C518;}\n.nm-flow{position:relative;padding-left:4px;}\n.nm-fs{display:grid;grid-template-columns:44px 1fr;gap:0 18px;position:relative;padding-bottom:26px;}\n.nm-fs:last-child{padding-bottom:0;}\n.nm-fs:not(:last-child):after{content:\"\";position:absolute;left:21px;top:46px;bottom:4px;width:2px;background:#E3E7EF;}\n.nm-fn{width:44px;height:44px;border-radius:50%;background:#1B2A4A;color:#F5C518;font-weight:700;font-size:18px;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;}\n.nm-ft{font-size:17.5px;font-weight:700;color:#1B2A4A;margin:9px 0 5px;line-height:1.35;}\n.nm-fd{font-size:16px;line-height:1.6;color:#3d4c6b;margin:0 0 9px;}\n.nm-chip{display:inline-block;font-size:13.5px;font-weight:600;padding:5px 12px;border-radius:999px;background:#F4F6FA;border:1px solid #E3E7EF;color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-chip.g{background:#FFFBF0;border-color:#F2E6BE;color:#8a6d00;}\n.nm-qs{background:#F4F6FA;border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-radius:18px;padding:24px 28px;}\n.nm-qs .nm-k{color:#5a6b8c;}\n.nm-qs li{display:grid;grid-template-columns:30px 1fr;gap:12px;margin:0 0 14px;font-size:16.5px;line-height:1.5;color:#1B2A4A;font-weight:600;}\n.nm-qs li:last-child{margin-bottom:0;}\n.nm-qs li span{width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:8px;background:#fff;border:1px solid #C9D0DC;color:#00B67A;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:center;font-weight:700;}\n.nm-dep{display:grid;grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;gap:16px;}\n.nm-dc{border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 22px;background:#fff;}\n.nm-dc.y{background:#1B2A4A;border-color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-dc h4{margin:0 0 4px;font-size:18px;color:#1B2A4A;font-family:inherit;}\n.nm-dc.y h4{color:#fff;}\n.nm-dc .w{font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#5a6b8c;margin:0 0 12px;}\n.nm-dc.y .w{color:#F5C518;}\n.nm-dc p{font-size:15.5px;line-height:1.55;margin:0;color:#3d4c6b;}\n.nm-dc.y p{color:rgba(255,255,255,.85);}\n.nm-cost{border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-radius:18px;overflow:hidden;}\n.nm-cost .nm-ch{background:#1B2A4A;color:#fff;padding:18px 24px;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;}\n.nm-cost .nm-ch span{color:#F5C518;}\n.nm-cg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);}\n.nm-ci{padding:20px 22px;border-right:1px solid #E3E7EF;}\n.nm-ci:last-child{border-right:0;}\n.nm-ci .v{font-size:24px;font-weight:700;color:#1B2A4A;line-height:1.2;}\n.nm-ci .l{font-size:14px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a6b8c;margin-top:6px;}\n.nm-stg{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(5,1fr);gap:10px;counter-reset:s;}\n.nm-sg{background:#F4F6FA;border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-radius:14px;padding:16px 14px;position:relative;}\n.nm-sg:before{counter-increment:s;content:counter(s);display:flex;width:30px;height:30px;border-radius:50%;background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A;font-weight:700;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:10px;}\n.nm-sg b{display:block;font-size:15.5px;color:#1B2A4A;line-height:1.35;margin-bottom:4px;}\n.nm-sg small{font-size:13.5px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a6b8c;display:block;}\n.nm-stg-note{grid-column:1\/-1;font-size:14.5px;color:#5a6b8c;margin-top:4px;}\n.nm-flow p,.nm-qs p,.nm-sum p,.nm-dc p,.nm-cost p{margin-top:0!important;}\n.nm-flow .nm-ft{margin:9px 0 4px!important;}\n.nm-flow .nm-fd{margin:0 0 8px!important;}\n.entry-content ul.wp-block-list,.entry-content ol.wp-block-list{margin:6px 0 26px;padding-left:22px;}\n.entry-content ul.wp-block-list li,.entry-content ol.wp-block-list li{font-size:17px;line-height:1.6;margin:0 0 10px;padding-left:4px;}\n.entry-content ul.wp-block-list li::marker{color:#F5C518;}\n@media(max-width:820px){.nm-dep,.nm-cg{grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr!important;}.nm-stg{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;}.nm-ci:nth-child(2){border-right:0;}.nm-ci:nth-child(-n+2){border-bottom:1px solid #E3E7EF;}}\n@media(max-width:560px){.nm-dep,.nm-cg{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;}.nm-ci{border-right:0!important;border-bottom:1px solid #E3E7EF;}.nm-ci:last-child{border-bottom:0;}.nm-sum,.nm-qs{padding:20px;}}\n<\/style>\n<p class=\"nm-k\">The short version<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>You can get your Portuguese criminal record <strong>without going back to Portugal<\/strong>: through an online form if you live abroad, or through someone in Portugal acting for you, like <strong>our partner lawyer<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<li>The certificate costs <strong>\u20ac5<\/strong>. It comes in <strong>Portuguese and English<\/strong>, with a code anyone can use to check it online.<\/li>\n<li>The <strong>purpose you pick is printed on it and can&#8217;t be changed<\/strong>, so choose it before you pay.<\/li>\n<li>The apostille comes from Portugal&#8217;s <strong>Prosecutor General&#8217;s Office<\/strong>, for <strong>\u20ac10.20<\/strong>. Countries outside the apostille convention, such as the UAE and Qatar, want embassy legalisation instead.<\/li>\n<li>The country you&#8217;re moving to decides <strong>how old the certificate can be<\/strong>. Work backwards from its deadline.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No Citizen Card, no Digital Mobile Key, or no time for Portuguese portals? Our <a href=\"\/portugal-criminal-record-certificate\/\">Portuguese criminal record service<\/a> gets you the certificate and the apostille through our partner lawyer in Portugal, with <strong>one power of attorney you sign online<\/strong>. Everything below is what you need to know either way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.nm-toc{font-family:inherit;margin:30px 0 8px;border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-left:4px solid #1B2A4A;border-radius:16px;background:#fff;}\n.nm-toc summary{list-style:none;cursor:pointer;display:flex;align-items:center;justify-content:space-between;gap:12px;padding:16px 22px;font-weight:700;font-size:16.5px;color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-toc summary::-webkit-details-marker{display:none;}\n.nm-toc summary small{font-weight:600;font-size:13.5px;color:#5a6b8c;margin:0 auto 0 4px;}\n.nm-toc summary::after{content:\"\";width:9px;height:9px;border-right:2px solid #1B2A4A;border-bottom:2px solid #1B2A4A;transform:rotate(45deg);margin:-4px 4px 0 0;transition:transform .2s;flex:none;}\n.nm-toc[open] summary::after{transform:rotate(-135deg);margin-top:4px;}\n.nm-toc:not([open]) ol{display:none !important;}\n.nm-toc ol{margin:0 !important;padding:16px 22px 8px 44px !important;columns:2;column-gap:36px;border-top:1px solid #E3E7EF;}\n.nm-toc li{break-inside:avoid;margin:0 0 10px !important;font-size:15px;line-height:1.45;color:#5a6b8c;}\n.nm-toc li::marker{color:#C9A10C;font-weight:700;}\n.nm-toc a{color:#1B2A4A;text-decoration:none;}\n.nm-toc a:hover{text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;}\n.entry-content h2[id]{scroll-margin-top:110px;}\n@media(max-width:820px){.nm-toc ol{columns:1;}}\n<\/style>\n<details class=\"nm-toc\">\n<summary>In this guide<small>10 sections<\/small><\/summary>\n<ol><li><a href=\"#do-you-need-an-apostille-on-your-portuguese-criminal-record\">Do you need an apostille on your Portuguese criminal record?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-can-you-get-a-portuguese-criminal-record-from-abroad\">How can you get a Portuguese criminal record from abroad?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-can-you-use-a-portuguese-criminal-record-for\">What can you use a Portuguese criminal record for?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#which-purpose-should-you-choose-on-the-request\">Which purpose should you choose on the request?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-much-does-it-cost-and-how-long-does-it-take\">How much does it cost, and how long does it take?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-does-the-certificate-look-like-and-does-paper-matter\">What does the certificate look like, and does paper matter?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-do-you-get-the-apostille-in-portugal\">How do you get the apostille in Portugal?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#how-old-can-your-portuguese-certificate-be\">How old can your Portuguese certificate be?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#what-do-recent-files-tell-you-about-doing-this-from-abroad\">What do recent files tell you about doing this from abroad?<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#should-you-do-it-yourself-or-have-it-done\">Should you do it yourself or have it done?<\/a><\/li><\/ol>\n<\/details>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"do-you-need-an-apostille-on-your-portuguese-criminal-record\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do you need an apostille on your Portuguese criminal record?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes, if the country asking is in the apostille convention<\/strong>, and most are. An apostille is the stamp that proves a Portuguese official really signed your certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-acc\" role=\"figure\" aria-label=\"Which kind of certification you need, by where the certificate is going\">\n<style>\n.nm-acc{margin:28px 0;font-family:inherit;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-grid{display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(3,1fr);gap:16px;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-card{background:#F4F6FA;border:1px solid #E3E7EF;border-radius:16px;padding:20px 20px 18px;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-card.nm-acc-both{background:#1B2A4A;border-color:#1B2A4A;color:#fff;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-tag{display:inline-block;font-size:12px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.06em;text-transform:uppercase;padding:5px 11px;border-radius:999px;background:#E3E7EF;color:#1B2A4A;margin:0 0 12px;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-both .nm-acc-tag{background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-acc h4{font-size:19px;line-height:1.3;margin:0 0 6px;color:#1B2A4A;font-family:inherit;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-both h4{color:#fff;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-holds{font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 12px!important;color:#5a6b8c;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-both .nm-acc-holds{color:rgba(255,255,255,.8);}\n.nm-acc ul{list-style:none;margin:0;padding:0;}\n.nm-acc li{font-size:15px;line-height:1.5;margin:0 0 7px;padding-left:26px;position:relative;color:#1B2A4A;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-both li{color:#fff;}\n.nm-acc li:before{position:absolute;left:0;top:0;font-weight:700;}\n.nm-acc li.y:before{content:\"\u2713\";color:#00B67A;}\n.nm-acc li.n:before{content:\"\u2715\";color:#C0392B;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-both li.y:before{color:#F5C518;}\n.nm-acc .nm-acc-cap{font-size:13.5px;color:#5a6b8c;margin:10px 0 0!important;}\n@media(max-width:820px){.nm-acc .nm-acc-grid{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;}}\n<\/style>\n<div class=\"nm-acc-grid\">\n<div class=\"nm-acc-card nm-acc-both\">\n<span class=\"nm-acc-tag\">Most countries<\/span>\n<h4>You need the apostille<\/h4>\n<p class=\"nm-acc-holds\">The country is in the apostille convention.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"y\">Canada, the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand<\/li>\n<li class=\"y\">Brazil, Mexico, Cape Verde, Switzerland<\/li>\n<li class=\"y\">Spain or Italy, unless you&#8217;re Portuguese<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-acc-card\">\n<span class=\"nm-acc-tag\">Outside the convention<\/span>\n<h4>You need embassy legalisation<\/h4>\n<p class=\"nm-acc-holds\">An apostille won&#8217;t be accepted.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"n\">United Arab Emirates<\/li>\n<li class=\"n\">Qatar, Kuwait, Egypt<\/li>\n<li class=\"y\">The destination&#8217;s embassy confirms the document instead<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-acc-card\">\n<span class=\"nm-acc-tag\">EU, Portuguese citizens<\/span>\n<h4>You may need nothing<\/h4>\n<p class=\"nm-acc-holds\">Only if two things are true.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li class=\"y\">You&#8217;re a Portuguese citizen<\/li>\n<li class=\"y\">It goes to a public authority in another EU country<\/li>\n<li class=\"n\">Doesn&#8217;t apply if you&#8217;re any other nationality<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"nm-acc-cap\">Convention status from the Hague Conference&#8217;s table, last updated 30 June 2026.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three situations cover almost everyone:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The country is in the convention.<\/strong> Canada (since January 2024), the US, the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Brazil, Mexico, Cape Verde and every EU country are. You need the apostille.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-12\">[12]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The country isn&#8217;t in the convention.<\/strong> The United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Egypt aren&#8217;t. <strong>An apostille won&#8217;t do<\/strong>: the destination&#8217;s embassy has to legalise the certificate instead.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-12\">[12]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You&#8217;re Portuguese and it&#8217;s going to another EU country&#8217;s authorities.<\/strong> An EU rule drops the apostille for a criminal record, but only for a record issued to you by <strong>your own country of nationality<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-13\">[13]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"i-m-moving-from-portugal-to-spain-do-i-still-need-the-aposti\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;I&#8217;m moving from Portugal to Spain. Do I still need the apostille?&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>If you&#8217;re not Portuguese, probably yes.<\/strong> The EU exemption only covers a record from your own country. A Portuguese certificate for an American, a Brazilian or a French citizen is outside it, so Spain or Italy can still ask for the apostille.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-13\">[13]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If you are Portuguese, you also get a free multilingual EU form with a clean certificate. <strong>Portugal issues it only to Portuguese citizens.<\/strong><sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-can-you-get-a-portuguese-criminal-record-from-abroad\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How can you get a Portuguese criminal record from abroad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In one of four ways<\/strong>, and which ones are open to you depends on whether you still have a Portuguese login.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-dep\" style=\"grid-template-columns:1fr 1fr;\">\n<div class=\"nm-dc y\"><p class=\"w\">No Portuguese ID needed<\/p><h4>The online form for people living abroad<\/h4><p>For people with no Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. You pay \u20ac5 online by card or PayPal. Issued within <strong>10 working days<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-dc\"><p class=\"w\">If you still have one<\/p><h4>Online with your Digital Mobile Key<\/h4><p>Log in with a Digital Mobile Key linked to your passport or residence permit, or an EU national eID. Issued within <strong>3 working days<\/strong>.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-dc\"><p class=\"w\">In person abroad<\/p><h4>A Portuguese consulate<\/h4><p>Some consulates take requests by appointment, with your passport. The certificate still comes from Lisbon.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-dc\"><p class=\"w\">Someone in Portugal<\/p><h4>A person you authorise<\/h4><p>They go to a counter in Portugal with your <strong>signed authorisation<\/strong>, a copy of your ID and the purpose.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The online form for people living abroad.<\/strong> It&#8217;s built for people with neither a Citizen Card nor a Digital Mobile Key, and you pay online by card, PayPal, MB WAY or Multibanco.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-1\">[1]<\/a><\/sup> Once you start it, <strong>you have 24 hours to finish<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-2\">[2]<\/a><\/sup> The certificate is issued within <strong>10 working days<\/strong> of your documents and payment arriving.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-5\">[5]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Online with a Digital Mobile Key.<\/strong> If you got one while you lived in Portugal and it&#8217;s still active, or you have an eID from another EU country, you can request online and get it within <strong>3 working days<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>At a Portuguese consulate.<\/strong> Several consulates take requests in person by appointment, including London, Paris, Toronto, Boston and S\u00e3o Paulo.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-9\">[9]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Through someone in Portugal.<\/strong> They go to a counter with <strong>your signed authorisation<\/strong>, which states the purpose, plus a copy of your ID.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-4\">[4]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Use the form only if you really live abroad.<\/strong> If you live in Portugal and use it, your request is refused and <strong>your fee isn&#8217;t refunded<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-2\">[2]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"which-of-these-can-you-actually-use\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which of these can you actually use?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Only the form, if you have no Portuguese login and you&#8217;re not in Portugal.<\/strong> The portal needs a Citizen Card, a Digital Mobile Key or an EU eID.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup> If you never set up a Digital Mobile Key while you lived in Portugal and you have no EU eID, that rules it out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-dep\">\n<div class=\"nm-dc\"><p class=\"w\">You can do it alone if<\/p><h4>You still have a Portuguese login<\/h4><p>An active Digital Mobile Key or Citizen Card, or an EU eID, and the other country accepts the digital certificate with its access code.<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-dc y\"><p class=\"w\">You&#8217;ll hit a wall if<\/p><h4>You have no login, or need paper<\/h4><p>No Citizen Card, no Digital Mobile Key and no EU eID, or an authority that wants a paper original with a paper apostille. That&#8217;s most people who&#8217;ve left.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The form gets you the certificate. <strong>It doesn&#8217;t get you the apostille<\/strong>, and that&#8217;s where most people who do this alone get stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"573\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-1024x573.jpg\" alt=\"Courier envelope and document folder beside a laptop and an open suitcase in a room with a world map\" class=\"wp-image-14777\" srcset=\"https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-1024x573.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-300x168.jpg 300w, https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-768x430.jpg 768w, https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-1536x859.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad-18x10.jpg 18w, https:\/\/novomove.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/11\/portugal-criminal-record-from-abroad.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Illustrative image.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-will-they-ask-you-for\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What will they ask you for?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your full name exactly as on your passport, <strong>your place of birth, your date of birth and your parents&#8217; names<\/strong>, and your nationality. Officials check these against your ID.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-5\">[5]<\/a><\/sup> You don&#8217;t need a Portuguese tax number for your own certificate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-can-you-use-a-portuguese-criminal-record-for\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What can you use a Portuguese criminal record for?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Anything abroad that asks about your time in Portugal.<\/strong> In recent files we analysed, these came up most:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>A visa or residence permit<\/strong> in another country, including Canadian permanent residence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Citizenship<\/strong>, such as Italian citizenship by marriage or by descent.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A job<\/strong>, including work with children and jobs that need a professional licence.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>An adoption or volunteer work<\/strong>, where a background check is part of the file.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>University enrolment<\/strong> abroad.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Whatever it&#8217;s for, <strong>the request names that use as its purpose<\/strong>, so settle it before you apply.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"which-purpose-should-you-choose-on-the-request\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Which purpose should you choose on the request?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The one that matches what the other country asked for<\/strong>, because it&#8217;s printed on the certificate and you can&#8217;t change it afterwards.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-8\">[8]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You choose it from a fixed list. For use abroad, Portuguese consulates point to two common ones: <strong>settling abroad<\/strong> (&#8220;fixa\u00e7\u00e3o de resid\u00eancia no estrangeiro&#8221;) and <strong>a visa<\/strong> (&#8220;concess\u00e3o de visto em passaporte&#8221;).<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-8\">[8]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-qs\">\n<p class=\"nm-k\">Before you pay the \u20ac5, check<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Does the purpose match what the other country asked for: a visa, settling abroad, a job, an adoption?<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Will you need the same certificate for two things, such as a visa and a job? Ask both authorities which purpose they accept.<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Is your name exactly as on your passport, with your place of birth and your parents&#8217; names?<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Do you know how old the certificate can be on the day you submit it?<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the same certificate has to serve two applications, such as a visa and a job, <strong>ask both authorities before you pay<\/strong>. At \u20ac5 a certificate, a second request costs you less than a refused file.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-much-does-it-cost-and-how-long-does-it-take\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does it cost, and how long does it take?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The certificate costs \u20ac5<\/strong>, whether you request it online, at a counter or from abroad.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-4\">[4]<\/a><\/sup> There&#8217;s no faster, paid option.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-cost\">\n<div class=\"nm-ch\">What you pay if you do it yourself <span>(official fees)<\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-cg\">\n<div class=\"nm-ci\"><div class=\"v\">\u20ac5<\/div><div class=\"l\">The certificate, online or in person<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-ci\"><div class=\"v\">\u20ac8.25<\/div><div class=\"l\">Registered post to an address abroad, if you want paper<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-ci\"><div class=\"v\">\u20ac10.20<\/div><div class=\"l\">The apostille, per document<\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-ci\"><div class=\"v\">\u20ac0<\/div><div class=\"l\">Checking a certificate online with its access code<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Online with a Digital Mobile Key:<\/strong> up to <strong>3 working days<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>From abroad, through the form:<\/strong> up to <strong>10 working days<\/strong> after your documents and payment arrive.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-5\">[5]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>At a counter in Portugal:<\/strong> official sources disagree, from same day to <strong>up to 10 working days<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-6\">[6]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apostille adds <strong>\u20ac10.20<\/strong> per document.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-11\">[11]<\/a><\/sup> Its timing depends on the route you take, which is the next section.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-does-the-certificate-look-like-and-does-paper-matter\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What does the certificate look like, and does paper matter?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>You get it in Portuguese and English<\/strong>, in one bilingual document.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-3\">[3]<\/a><\/sup> It&#8217;s electronically signed and comes with an <strong>access code<\/strong> that lets anyone view it online, free, for <strong>90 days<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-7\">[7]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-dep\">\n<div class=\"nm-dc y\"><p class=\"w\">The digital certificate<\/p><h4>A PDF with an access code<\/h4><p>Electronically signed. Anyone with the code can view it online for 90 days. <strong>Same legal value as paper.<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-dc\"><p class=\"w\">The paper certificate<\/p><h4>A printed original<\/h4><p>What some authorities still ask for in an envelope. It needs a paper apostille, which means an appointment or the post in Portugal.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The digital certificate has <strong>the same legal value as paper<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-7\">[7]<\/a><\/sup> What matters is what the authority you&#8217;re sending it to will accept:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>They check documents online.<\/strong> Send the PDF and the access code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>They want an original in an envelope.<\/strong> You need the paper version, posted from Lisbon for <strong>\u20ac8.25<\/strong> in total.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-4\">[4]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ask before you request, because the format you choose decides how you get the apostille.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-do-you-get-the-apostille-in-portugal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How do you get the apostille in Portugal?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>From Portugal&#8217;s Prosecutor General&#8217;s Office (Procuradoria-Geral da Rep\u00fablica)<\/strong> and its regional offices.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-10\">[10]<\/a><\/sup> The Ministry of Justice issues the certificate itself, and the apostille is a separate step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-mf\" role=\"list\" aria-label=\"Four steps from your request to the other country's desk\">\n<style>\n.nm-mf{background:#1B2A4A;border-radius:20px;padding:30px 28px 26px;margin:30px 0 36px;font-family:inherit;display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(4,1fr);gap:14px;position:relative;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-k{grid-column:1\/-1;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:.1em;text-transform:uppercase;color:#F5C518;margin:0 0 6px!important;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-s{background:rgba(255,255,255,.06);border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.14);border-radius:16px;padding:20px 16px 18px;position:relative;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-s:not(:nth-last-child(2)):after{content:\"\u2192\";position:absolute;right:-13px;top:50%;transform:translateY(-50%);width:24px;height:24px;border-radius:50%;background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A;font-weight:700;font-size:14px;line-height:24px;text-align:center;z-index:2;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-n{display:flex;width:36px;height:36px;border-radius:50%;background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A;font-weight:700;font-size:17px;align-items:center;justify-content:center;margin-bottom:14px;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-t{font-size:17.5px;line-height:1.35;font-weight:700;color:#fff;margin:0!important;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-c{grid-column:1\/-1;font-size:14px;color:rgba(255,255,255,.7);margin:8px 0 0!important;}\n@media(max-width:900px){.nm-mf{grid-template-columns:1fr!important;gap:16px;padding:24px 20px;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-s{display:flex;align-items:center;gap:14px;padding:16px;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-n{margin:0;flex:0 0 36px;}\n.nm-mf .nm-mf-s:not(:nth-last-child(2)):after{content:\"\u2193\";right:auto;left:50%;top:auto;bottom:-20px;transform:translateX(-50%);}}\n<\/style>\n<p class=\"nm-mf-k\">How your certificate gets to the other country<\/p>\n<div class=\"nm-mf-s\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"nm-mf-n\">1<\/span><p class=\"nm-mf-t\">You request it, with the right purpose<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-mf-s\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"nm-mf-n\">2<\/span><p class=\"nm-mf-t\">Lisbon issues it, in Portuguese and English<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-mf-s\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"nm-mf-n\">3<\/span><p class=\"nm-mf-t\">The Prosecutor General&#8217;s Office adds the apostille<\/p><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-mf-s\" role=\"listitem\"><span class=\"nm-mf-n\">4<\/span><p class=\"nm-mf-t\">You hand in both, together<\/p><\/div>\n<p class=\"nm-mf-c\">The apostille comes as its own sheet. Keep it with the certificate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since <strong>March 2025<\/strong> the office runs an <strong>online apostille service<\/strong>. Documents issued electronically get an <strong>electronic apostille<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-10\">[10]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Paper documents are a different story:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>In person, by appointment only.<\/strong> You or someone you send books a slot through the same online service.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-10\">[10]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>By post to the Coimbra office.<\/strong> It takes postal requests with the original, a copy of your ID, the payment receipt and a return envelope.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-11\">[11]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The apostille costs <strong>\u20ac10.20<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-11\">[11]<\/a><\/sup> It comes back as <strong>its own sheet<\/strong>, so keep it with the certificate: one without the other will be refused.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"already-holding-a-paper-certificate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Already holding a paper certificate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The apostille goes on the original<\/strong>, so it has to reach Portugal. If it&#8217;s close to its age limit, a fresh certificate with the apostille is often the easier route. Our <a href=\"\/apostille-portugal\/\">apostille service<\/a> handles either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"how-old-can-your-portuguese-certificate-be\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How old can your Portuguese certificate be?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Portugal says three months<\/strong>, but the country you&#8217;re applying to decides.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-6\">[6]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<style>\n@media(max-width:700px){.entry-content figure.wp-block-table{overflow-x:auto;-webkit-overflow-scrolling:touch;}.entry-content figure.wp-block-table table{min-width:680px;}}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table><thead><tr><th>Where it&#8217;s going<\/th><th>In the apostille convention?<\/th><th>What it means for you<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td>Canada<\/td><td>Yes, since January 2024<\/td><td>Apostille, and a certificate dated after your last six-month stay in Portugal<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United States<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Ask the consulate or agency what form it wants<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United Kingdom<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Apostille<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Australia, New Zealand<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Apostille; check the age rule for your visa<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Brazil<\/td><td>Yes, since August 2016<\/td><td>Apostille<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Mexico, Cape Verde<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Apostille<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>Spain, Italy and other EU countries<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Apostille, unless you&#8217;re Portuguese<\/td><\/tr><tr><td>United Arab Emirates, Qatar<\/td><td>No<\/td><td>Embassy legalisation instead<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sources for the convention column: the Hague Conference&#8217;s status table.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-12\">[12]<\/a><\/sup> Canada&#8217;s date rule: Canada&#8217;s immigration department.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-14\">[14]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"canada-says-six-months-my-certificate-is-older-is-it-dead\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">&#8220;Canada says six months. My certificate is older. Is it dead?&#8221;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Not if you&#8217;ve left Portugal.<\/strong> Canada&#8217;s six-month rule is for the country you live in now. For a country you&#8217;ve left, the certificate only has to be <strong>issued after your last stay there of six months or more in a row<\/strong>.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-14\">[14]<\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-flow\" role=\"list\" aria-label=\"Worked example: a Portuguese certificate for a Canadian permanent residence application\">\n<div class=\"nm-fs\" role=\"listitem\"><div class=\"nm-fn\">1<\/div><div><p class=\"nm-ft\">You lived in Portugal for two years and left in 2024.<\/p><p class=\"nm-fd\">Canada wants a certificate from every country you&#8217;ve lived in for six months or more since you turned 18.<\/p><span class=\"nm-chip\">Portugal counts<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-fs\" role=\"listitem\"><div class=\"nm-fn\">2<\/div><div><p class=\"nm-ft\">You now live in the UK.<\/p><p class=\"nm-fd\">Your UK certificate must be dated within six months of your application, because that&#8217;s where you live now.<\/p><span class=\"nm-chip g\">UK: six months<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-fs\" role=\"listitem\"><div class=\"nm-fn\">3<\/div><div><p class=\"nm-ft\">Your Portuguese certificate only has to be issued after you left.<\/p><p class=\"nm-fd\">For a country you&#8217;ve left, Canada asks for a certificate issued after your last stay there of six months or more in a row.<\/p><span class=\"nm-chip g\">Portugal: dated after you left<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<div class=\"nm-fs\" role=\"listitem\"><div class=\"nm-fn\">4<\/div><div><p class=\"nm-ft\">Canada can still ask you for a newer one.<\/p><p class=\"nm-fd\">Keep the access code and the apostille together, and check the date rule again when you apply.<\/p><span class=\"nm-chip\">Officer&#8217;s call<\/span><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"what-do-recent-files-tell-you-about-doing-this-from-abroad\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What do recent files tell you about doing this from abroad?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>That the paperwork travels further than you&#8217;d think.<\/strong> These are recent files we analysed where people needed their Portuguese record for another country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-qs\">\n<p class=\"nm-k\">Where certificates went, in recent files we analysed<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Italian citizenship by marriage, with the apostille and the original posted abroad<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Brazilian residency, with the apostille<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>A visa application, with the apostilled original posted to Montenegro<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>A move abroad, with the original sent on to Paraguay<\/li>\n<li><span>\u2713<\/span>Two family members&#8217; visa applications, ordered by one of them for both<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Three things kept coming up:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The passport scan.<\/strong> A phone photo gets refused. You need a flat, colour scan of the photo page, with all four corners, the codes at the bottom and your signature showing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The signature.<\/strong> It must look like the one in your passport, drawn by hand.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The purpose and the destination.<\/strong> Both have to be settled before the request goes in, because neither can change afterwards.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"should-you-do-it-yourself-or-have-it-done\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Should you do it yourself or have it done?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Do it yourself if three things are true:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You still have a Portuguese login:<\/strong> an active Digital Mobile Key or Citizen Card, or an EU eID.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The authority accepts the digital certificate<\/strong> with its access code.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Nobody needs a paper original<\/strong> with a paper apostille.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Then it costs you <strong>\u20ac5 plus \u20ac10.20<\/strong>, and you don&#8217;t need us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Everyone else hits at least one wall:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No login.<\/strong> The portal is closed to you, so the form for residents abroad is your only route on your own, and it stops at the certificate.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A paper apostille.<\/strong> That means an appointment in Portugal, or posting your original to Coimbra and paying through Portuguese channels: Multibanco, cash, a Portuguese state cheque or a transfer to the State treasury.<sup class=\"nm-fnref\"><a href=\"#source-11\">[11]<\/a><\/sup><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>One shot at the purpose.<\/strong> A wrong one means a new request and a new apostille.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>A deadline.<\/strong> Up to 10 working days for the certificate, then the apostille, then the post.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-our-service-gets-you\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What our service gets you<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>You need no Portuguese login at all.<\/strong> No Citizen Card, no Digital Mobile Key, no EU eID and no Portuguese tax number. You sign one power of attorney online.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Our partner lawyer requests it at the counter in Portugal<\/strong>, so the form&#8217;s 24-hour window and its residents-abroad rule don&#8217;t touch you.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>We settle the purpose with you first.<\/strong> You tell us the country and what it&#8217;s for, and the request goes in with the matching purpose.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The apostille comes in the same order.<\/strong> You never book a slot in Portugal or post an original to Coimbra.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>You get a scan first, then the original anywhere, tracked<\/strong>: to you, a consulate or a lawyer abroad.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>3 to 5 business days for the certificate<\/strong> after you sign, about 5 more for the apostille, and a <strong>full refund if we can&#8217;t deliver the certificate within 10 business days<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That&#8217;s how the files above got their certificates to Italy, Brazil, Montenegro and Paraguay.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>What we can&#8217;t do:<\/strong> decide what the other country accepts. Check its rules on age, format and translation before you order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"nm-cta\">\n<style>\n.nm-cta{background:#1B2A4A;border-radius:20px;overflow:hidden;color:#fff;box-shadow:0 24px 60px rgba(10,15,30,.18);margin:40px 0;font-family:inherit;}\n.nm-cta img{width:100%;aspect-ratio:16\/9;object-fit:cover;display:block;margin:0;}\n.nm-cta .nm-cta-body{padding:38px;}\n.nm-cta .nm-cta-pill{display:inline-block;background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A;border-radius:999px;padding:6px 14px;font-size:13px;font-weight:700;}\n.nm-cta p{font-size:17px;line-height:1.65;color:rgba(255,255,255,.86);margin:18px 0 22px;}\n.nm-cta p a{color:#F5C518;text-decoration:underline;text-underline-offset:3px;}\n.nm-cta .nm-cta-btns{display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:12px;}\n.nm-cta .nm-btn-p{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;background:#F5C518;color:#1B2A4A !important;padding:14px 24px;border-radius:12px;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;text-decoration:none;}\n.nm-cta .nm-btn-p:hover{background:#E3B30C;}\n.nm-cta .nm-btn-s{display:inline-flex;align-items:center;color:#fff !important;border:1px solid rgba(255,255,255,.4);padding:14px 24px;border-radius:12px;font-weight:700;font-size:16px;text-decoration:none;}\n.nm-cta .nm-btn-s:hover{background:#fff;color:#1B2A4A !important;}\n@media (max-width:640px){.nm-cta .nm-cta-body{padding:26px 22px;}}\n<\/style>\n<img decoding=\"async\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/cta-miradouro.png\" alt=\"A miradouro view over Lisbon rooftops at golden hour\">\n<div class=\"nm-cta-body\">\n<span class=\"nm-cta-pill\">Portuguese criminal record<\/span>\n<p><strong>The certificate is \u20ac99 and the apostille is \u20ac99 more.<\/strong> You get the certificate 3 to 5 business days after you sign the power of attorney, and the apostille takes about 5 more. Posting the original worldwide is \u20ac100.<\/p>\n<div class=\"nm-cta-btns\">\n<a class=\"nm-btn-p\" href=\"\/portugal-criminal-record-certificate\/\">Get your criminal record<\/a>\n<a class=\"nm-btn-s\" href=\"\/free-consultation\/\">Book a free 15-minute call<\/a>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"frequently-asked-questions\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently asked questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-i-get-my-portuguese-criminal-record-if-i-don-t-live-in-p\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get my Portuguese criminal record if I don&#8217;t live in Portugal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes.<\/strong> Since July 2025 there&#8217;s an online form for people living abroad who have no Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. You pay online by card or PayPal. It only covers the certificate: the apostille is still a separate step.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-a-foreigner-get-a-portuguese-criminal-record-certificate\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can a foreigner get a Portuguese criminal record certificate?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes, anyone aged 16 or over can request their own.<\/strong> Foreigners can use the form for people abroad, a Digital Mobile Key linked to a passport or residence permit, or a counter in Portugal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-much-does-a-portuguese-criminal-record-cost\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How much does a Portuguese criminal record cost?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>\u20ac5.<\/strong> Registered post to an address abroad is \u20ac8.25 in total, and the apostille is \u20ac10.20 per document.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"how-long-does-it-take\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">How long does it take?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Up to 3 working days online with a Digital Mobile Key<\/strong>, and up to 10 working days through the form for people abroad. The apostille is a separate step after that.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"who-issues-apostilles-in-portugal\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Who issues apostilles in Portugal?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The Prosecutor General&#8217;s Office and its regional offices.<\/strong> Electronic documents can get an electronic apostille through its online service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"is-the-portuguese-certificate-in-english\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is the Portuguese certificate in English?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes.<\/strong> It&#8217;s issued in one bilingual Portuguese and English version. For any other language you need a translation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-i-change-the-purpose-after-it-s-issued\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I change the purpose after it&#8217;s issued?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>No.<\/strong> The purpose is printed on the certificate and can&#8217;t be changed. If you need it for something else, you request a new one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"does-the-certificate-expire\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does the certificate expire?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Portugal treats it as valid for three months<\/strong>, and its access code works for 90 days. The country you&#8217;re applying to sets its own age limit, which can be longer or shorter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"do-i-need-an-apostille-for-spain-or-italy\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Do I need an apostille for Spain or Italy?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes, unless you&#8217;re Portuguese.<\/strong> The EU exemption only covers a criminal record from your own country of nationality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"what-about-the-uae-or-qatar\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">What about the UAE or Qatar?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>They&#8217;re not in the apostille convention<\/strong>, so an apostille won&#8217;t be accepted. The certificate needs legalising through the destination country&#8217;s embassy instead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"i-don-t-have-a-citizen-card-or-digital-mobile-key-can-i-stil\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">I don&#8217;t have a Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. Can I still get it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Yes, in two ways.<\/strong> You can use the form for residents abroad, or someone in Portugal can request it at a counter with your signed authorisation. <strong>That second route is how our partner lawyer does it<\/strong>, and it lets us add the apostille in the same order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"can-i-get-a-certificate-with-an-apostille-already-on-it\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Can I get a certificate with an apostille already on it?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>The apostille is always a separate step.<\/strong> You request the certificate first, then the apostille on that certificate. Our service does both in one order.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:32px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"sources-and-how-we-checked\" class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources and how we checked<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The cases are recent files we analysed for this post. <strong>We&#8217;ve left out names and anything more identifying than where the certificate was going.<\/strong> Everything else comes from the official sources below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li id=\"source-1\"><strong>The online form for people living abroad, launched July 2025, and its payment options (Multibanco, MB WAY, card, PayPal):<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.pt\/noticias\/residentes-no-estrangeiro-podem-pedir-o-registo-criminal-atraves-de-novo-formulario-online\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gov.pt, 22 July 2025<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/dgaj.justica.gov.pt\/Noticias-da-DGAJ\/Residentes-no-estrangeiro-novo-formulario-pedido-de-Registo-Criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGAJ news<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-2\"><strong>The form is for residents abroad only, must be finished within 24 hours, and is refused without refund for residents of Portugal:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/registocriminal.justica.gov.pt\/ResiEstrangeiros\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Registo Criminal Online, form for residents abroad<\/a> (updated 24 September 2026; Decreto-Lei 171\/2015).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-3\"><strong>The \u20ac5 fee, issue within 3 working days online, the bilingual certificate, Digital Mobile Key and EU eID logins, and the European model certificate for Portuguese citizens:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/registocriminal.justica.gov.pt\/Home\/FAQ?lang=pt\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Registo Criminal Online, FAQ<\/a> (updated 24 September 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-4\"><strong>Fees (\u20ac5; \u20ac8.25 registered post abroad), counters and requests by an authorised person:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/justica.gov.pt\/Servicos\/Pedir-e-consultar-registo-criminal-de-pessoas\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Justi\u00e7a, request a criminal record<\/a> (updated 28 July 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-5\"><strong>Ten working days from abroad, and the identity details checked:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/dgaj.justica.gov.pt\/Registo-criminal\/Criminal-record-certificate\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DGAJ, criminal record certificate<\/a> (updated 31 July 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-6\"><strong>Three-month validity, and up to 10 working days at a counter:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.pt\/servicos\/pedir-o-certificado-de-registo-criminal-de-pessoas-singulares\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gov.pt, request a criminal record certificate<\/a> (updated 25 September 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-7\"><strong>The access code, free viewing, 90 days, and equal legal value of digital and paper:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.pt\/servicos\/consultar-o-certificado-de-registo-criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">gov.pt, view a criminal record certificate<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-8\"><strong>The purpose is printed and can&#8217;t be changed; the purposes most used abroad:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/salvadordabaia.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt\/pt\/assuntos-consulares\/servicos-consulares\/registo-criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consulate of Portugal in Salvador da Bahia, criminal record<\/a>. Purpose required: Lei 37\/2015, article 10.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-9\"><strong>Consulates that take requests in person:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/portaldascomunidades.mne.gov.pt\/pt\/atendimento\/no-estrangeiro\/servicos-consulares\/registo-criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Portal das Comunidades, criminal record<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/paris.consuladoportugal.mne.gov.pt\/pt\/assuntos-consulares\/quero-tratar-de\/registo-criminal\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Consulate of Portugal in Paris<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-10\"><strong>Apostilles from the Prosecutor General&#8217;s Office, the online service since March 2025 and electronic apostilles:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/portal.oa.pt\/comunicacao\/noticias\/2025\/03\/ministerio-publico-novo-servico-de-apostilas-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Ordem dos Advogados, 1 March 2025<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ministeriopublico.pt\/despachos\/delegacao-de-competencias-para-emissao-e-verificacao-de-apostilas-em-guimaraes-acores-e\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Minist\u00e9rio P\u00fablico, delegation of apostille powers<\/a> (Decreto-Lei 86\/2009).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-11\"><strong>The \u20ac10.20 fee and postal requests:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/trc.pt\/servico-de-apostilas\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tribunal da Rela\u00e7\u00e3o de Coimbra, apostille service<\/a>; <a href=\"https:\/\/www.trp.pt\/apostila-de-haia\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Tribunal da Rela\u00e7\u00e3o do Porto<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-12\"><strong>Which countries are in the apostille convention:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.hcch.net\/en\/instruments\/conventions\/status-table\/?cid=41\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hague Conference, status table<\/a> (last updated 30 June 2026).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-13\"><strong>The EU exemption and its nationality condition:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/eur-lex.europa.eu\/eli\/reg\/2016\/1191\/oj\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Regulation (EU) 2016\/1191 on public documents<\/a>, articles 2(1)(m), 4 and 7.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li id=\"source-14\"><strong>Canada&#8217;s date rule for police certificates:<\/strong> <a href=\"https:\/\/www.canada.ca\/en\/immigration-refugees-citizenship\/services\/immigrate-canada\/express-entry\/documents\/police-certificates.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, police certificates<\/a> (page dated 16 October 2026).<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<style>\n.entry-content sup.nm-fnref{font-size:.72em;line-height:0;vertical-align:super;margin-left:2px;}\n.entry-content sup.nm-fnref a{color:#1a5fb4;text-decoration:none;font-weight:600;}\n.entry-content sup.nm-fnref a:hover{text-decoration:underline;}\n.entry-content li[id^=\"source-\"]{scroll-margin-top:110px;}\n.entry-content li[id^=\"source-\"]:target{background:#FFFBF0;}\n<\/style>\n\n\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\", \"@type\": \"FAQPage\", \"mainEntity\": [{\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I get my Portuguese criminal record if I don't live in Portugal?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. Since July 2025 there's an online form for people living abroad who have no Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. You pay online by card or PayPal. It only covers the certificate: the apostille is still a separate step.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can a foreigner get a Portuguese criminal record certificate?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, anyone aged 16 or over can request their own. Foreigners can use the form for people abroad, a Digital Mobile Key linked to a passport or residence permit, or a counter in Portugal.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How much does a Portuguese criminal record cost?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"\u20ac5. Registered post to an address abroad is \u20ac8.25 in total, and the apostille is \u20ac10.20 per document.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"How long does it take?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Up to 3 working days online with a Digital Mobile Key, and up to 10 working days through the form for people abroad. The apostille is a separate step after that.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Who issues apostilles in Portugal?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The Prosecutor General's Office and its regional offices. Electronic documents can get an electronic apostille through its online service.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Is the Portuguese certificate in English?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes. It's issued in one bilingual Portuguese and English version. For any other language you need a translation.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I change the purpose after it's issued?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"No. The purpose is printed on the certificate and can't be changed. If you need it for something else, you request a new one.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Does the certificate expire?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Portugal treats it as valid for three months, and its access code works for 90 days. The country you're applying to sets its own age limit, which can be longer or shorter.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Do I need an apostille for Spain or Italy?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, unless you're Portuguese. The EU exemption only covers a criminal record from your own country of nationality.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"What about the UAE or Qatar?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"They're not in the apostille convention, so an apostille won't be accepted. The certificate needs legalising through the destination country's embassy instead.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"I don't have a Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key. Can I still get it?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Yes, in two ways. You can use the form for residents abroad, or someone in Portugal can request it at a counter with your signed authorisation. That second route is how our partner lawyer does it, and it lets us add the apostille in the same order.\"}}, {\"@type\": \"Question\", \"name\": \"Can I get a certificate with an apostille already on it?\", \"acceptedAnswer\": {\"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"The apostille is always a separate step. You request the certificate first, then the apostille on that certificate. Our service does both in one order.\"}}]}\n<\/script>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Need your Portuguese criminal record apostilled for a visa or residency elsewhere? How to request it from abroad, the \u20ac5 and \u20ac10.20 fees, and the purpose trap.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":14776,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14778","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-guides"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14778","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=14778"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/14778\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/14776"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=14778"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=14778"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/novomove.com\/pt\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=14778"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}