How to Translate Documents from English to Portuguese for a Visa Application

What is an official translation?

An official translation is the translation of documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, etc, with a certification of translation accuracy or sworn statement from an authorised translator or agency. 

This type of translation is often required when submitting documents in a foreign language for official purposes, such as visa applications, immigration, academic applications, or marriage in a new country. Students applying to study in these countries can find help from a custom dissertation writing service. A good dissertation writing service can help prepare academic documents. It will offer many products, including law dissertation writing services and essays.

The term “official translation” is often used interchangeably with certified, sworn, notarized, or legalized translations. Each involves a slightly different process depending on the country’s legal requirements and the purpose of the document.

For a translation to be legally valid, it must be completed by an authorized translator and accompanied by a formal declaration of accuracy to be legally accepted.

In Portugal, a “certified translator” is very different from how it is known in other countries. When you need an official translation, it can be done by different authorized entities. This includes: Portuguese Notary Office, Central Registry, Civil Registry, Portuguese consulate in the country where the document was issued, Consulate representing the country where the document was issued in Portugal, Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and Lawyers and Solicitors.

A translation can also be produced by a qualified translator who must have their work certified by any of the entities mentioned above. Before that, the identity of the translator and the accuracy of their translation must be confirmed. 

In Brazil, the process is a lot more specific. Certified translations must be carried out by a “tradutor público juramentado”, or sworn public translator. These translators are licensed by the government and registered with a state’s Board of Trade (Junta Comercial). Their English to Brazilian Portuguese translations are automatically recognized by public institutions and courts across the country. 

It’s important to note that the requirements for official or certified translations can vary depending on the type of document and the authority reviewing it. Visa offices, universities, and government agencies may each have different expectations regarding format, seals, or notarization.

Using a trusted translation agency that understands local requirements is important. A certified translation ensures that your documents are professionally prepared, legally compliant, and ready to be accepted by Portuguese-speaking authorities without delays or rejections.

Which documents require certified translation?

Below is a list of documents that are commonly translated from English to Portuguese: 

• Birth certificate
• Marriage certificates
• Death certificates
• Notarial deeds
• Criminal records
• Contracts
• Driving licenses
• IMTI declarations
• Divorce sentences
• Reports and medical documents
• Financial information
• Invoices
• Academic document
• Employment recommendation and job acceptance letters
• Police clearance certificates
• Legal swearing papers and affidavits

Countries that require applicants to translate documents into Portuguese

The following countries require visa applicants to translate documents from Portuguese to English or vice versa. 

Portugal

Portugal is the original country of the Portuguese language, but it is home to only about 5% of speakers globally. As a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, Portugal requires all supporting documents for visa and residency applications to be in Portuguese. If your original documents are in English or any other language, they must be officially translated and, in many cases, certified or notarized. This means you’ll need a certified translation service in Portugal verified by a recognised entity such as a notary, lawyer, consulate, or the Chamber of Commerce. Translations may also require authentication through an apostille, depending on the country of origin. The embassy does not accept translations from individuals.

Brazil

Brazil has strict requirements when it comes to official documents. All foreign-language documents submitted for official use must be translated into Brazilian Portuguese by a “tradutor público juramentado” (sworn public translator). If you’re outside Brazil and need to get a certified translation in Brazil for official purposes, make sure to work with a sworn translator in Brazil or an approved translation agency.  

Mozambique

These countries also require that official documents be translated into Portuguese for visa, education, or professional purposes. While Mozambique may not have a centralized registry of sworn translators like Brazil, the government still requires that translations be accurate, complete, and validated by a notary or the Mozambican consulate. 

Angola

Certified translations in Angola must be performed by a certified translator and, in some cases, authenticated or legalized by the Angolan consulate or embassy in the country where the document was issued. Angola also requires that the original document be legalized (e.g., apostilled) before translation. 

Guinea-Bissau, Cape Verde, São Tomé, and Príncipe

While requirements can differ between consulates, Portuguese remains the official language in all three countries. Applicants are often required to submit translated versions of key documents, especially for residency, work permits, or long-term visas. Translations typically need to be certified or notarized to be accepted by local authorities.

East Timor (Timor-Leste)

Although Tetun and Portuguese are both official languages, Portuguese plays a dominant role in legal and governmental procedures. Certified translations are required, especially when documents are being submitted to ministries, universities, or legal institutions. It's advisable to consult the Timor-Leste consulate or embassy for specific formatting and notarization requirements.

Equatorial Guinea

Portuguese is one of the three official languages of Equatorial Guinea, alongside Spanish and French. For certain visa categories and legal matters, especially involving regional partnerships or Lusophone exchanges, authorities may request document translations into Portuguese. 

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Types of certified document translation

Each country may have unique translation requirements for all visa applicants. Understand these differences and where to translate a document. Here are the major types of official document translation.

Notarized translation

A notarized translation is an English to Portuguese translation process requiring the presence of a notary public. Under this arrangement, the translator completes the document and presents it to the notary public to certify that it was done by a professional.

Certified translation

A certified translation is the most common official English-to-Portuguese translation and is done by a professional translator. After translation, the professionals attach a signed statement to confirm the translation is accurate and complete.

Sworn translation

Sworn translation is done by a professional translator empowered by the judicial system (court) or government. Some embassies, especially Brazil and Portugal, may require the swearing to be done by a licensed legal entity located in the target country.

How to choose an official document translation service

Before translating your documents, research where and how to get them translated professionally. Look for authorized translators through legal entities, top translation companies, or immigration-approved institutions. Always check the embassy or consulate website to confirm whether the country requires a sworn, legalized, certified, or notarized translation.

Make sure the translator or agency you choose meets the specific requirements for your application. They should be reputable, experienced, and hold the necessary credentials. Avoid using AI tools or machine translation, as these often result in errors that can lead to the rejection of your documents. Translayte provides legally valid and accepted certified translations in different languages, including English to Brazilian Portuguese, English to Portuguese, Portuguese to English, and over 150 other languages.

Following the correct procedures and meeting every requirement ensures that your documents are accurate and legally valid. This not only helps immigration officials process your application more efficiently but may also increase your chances of faster visa approval compared to other applicants.

Final thoughts

Visa applicants to Portuguese-speaking countries should take language translation requirements seriously. Accurate and certified translation makes the process smooth and leads to quick approvals. Understand the requirements of each country and the type of translation required. Hire credible professionals and confirm whether they have the certifications or legal qualifications required for the process.