Death Certificate Translation

Needing a death certificate translated is never easy. It usually comes at a time when you’re already dealing with difficult circumstances, and the bureaucratic requirements can feel overwhelming on top of everything else.

I handle the entire process with care and discretion, whether you need a certified translation for Portuguese authorities or a UK-authorised translation for British institutions.

Certified translation for Portugal (English to Portuguese)

If a family member has passed away and you need to deal with Portuguese authorities, you’ll need a certified translation of the death certificate. All translations are certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law, and delivered ready for submission.

Here are the most common situations where you’ll need one:

Inheritance and probate proceedings. If there are assets in Portugal, whether property, bank accounts, or investments, the Portuguese courts or notary handling the estate will require a certified translation of the death certificate. This is also the case if the deceased held Portuguese citizenship or was a resident.

Remarriage in Portugal. If you’re a widow or widower and wish to register a marriage in Portugal, the Conservatoria requires a certified translation of the death certificate as proof that your previous marriage ended.

Pension and social security claims. If you’re claiming a survivor’s pension or other benefits through Portuguese social security, a translated death certificate may be required as part of the application.

Updating the civil registry. If a Portuguese citizen dies abroad, the death needs to be registered with the Portuguese civil registry. The foreign death certificate must be translated and certified for this purpose.

Insurance claims. Life insurance companies operating in Portugal may require a certified translation of a foreign death certificate before processing a claim.

Residence permit implications. If a family member who held the primary residence permit passes away, the surviving dependants may need to update their own immigration status with AIMA. A certified translation of the death certificate may be part of that process.

I handle the full process: translation, certification by a Portuguese lawyer, and delivery of a document ready for submission. You deal with me throughout. One point of contact for the entire process.

UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English)

If you need a Portuguese death certificate translated into English for UK authorities, I personally translate the document. I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator for British nationals in Portugal, and my translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

Common situations where you’ll need this:

UK probate and inheritance. If a family member died in Portugal and there are assets in the UK, UK solicitors and courts will need an authorised English translation of the Portuguese death certificate.

HMRC and tax matters. Notifying HMRC about a death, closing tax affairs, or claiming bereavement-related allowances may require a translated Portuguese death certificate.

UK pension providers. If you need to notify a UK pension scheme or claim a survivor’s pension, the provider may require an English translation of the Portuguese death certificate.

UK insurance claims. UK-based life insurance companies will typically require an authorised English translation before processing a claim related to a death that occurred in Portugal.

Informal translation for personal understanding

Sometimes you simply need to understand what a Portuguese death certificate says, without needing a legally certified document. I can provide an informal English translation for personal use. It won’t carry legal certification, but it gives you a clear, accurate understanding of the document’s contents.

The apostille

A death certificate needs an apostille from the country that issued it before the translation can be used officially in Portugal. Apostille first, then translation. The certified translation must include the apostille text.

For UK death certificates, the apostille is obtained from the FCDO. For Portuguese death certificates being used in the UK, the apostille is obtained from the Portuguese authorities.

What you need to provide

Send me a clear scan or photograph of the death certificate, including any apostille if already attached. The document should be fully legible.

Pricing and turnaround

A standard death certificate translation including lawyer certification starts from EUR50. Most death certificates are a single page.

GOV.UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English) is priced similarly, starting from EUR50.

Standard turnaround is 2 to 3 working days. I understand that these situations are often time-sensitive, particularly for inheritance proceedings. If you need it sooner, let me know and I’ll do my best to accommodate.

Why work with me

I’m Duda. I handle the entire document process so you don’t have to navigate it yourself. I tell you exactly what you need, coordinate the certified translation through a Portuguese lawyer (as required by Portuguese law), review everything for accuracy, and deliver a document ready for submission.

For British nationals, I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator and interpreter. My Portuguese-to-English translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

I trained as a lawyer in Brazil, I work in compliance and anti-money laundering, and I’ve personally helped families through difficult processes in Portugal. I know what Portuguese authorities expect because I’ve been through the process myself.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need the cause of death translated? If it appears on the certificate, yes. The translation must reproduce the entire document faithfully, including the cause of death if it’s stated.

Can you help with inheritance proceedings in Portugal? I can handle the translation of all the documents needed for the process, including the death certificate, wills, and powers of attorney. For legal advice on Portuguese inheritance law, I’d recommend consulting a Portuguese lawyer, and I can suggest contacts if needed.

I need a Portuguese death certificate translated into English. Can you do that? Yes. I personally translate Portuguese death certificates into English. As a GOV.UK authorised translator, my translations are officially recognised by the UK government and accepted by UK solicitors, HMRC, pension providers, and courts.

What’s the difference between a certified translation and an authorised translation? A certified translation (English to Portuguese) is certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law, for use with Portuguese authorities. An authorised translation (Portuguese to English) is one I produce personally as a translator listed on the GOV.UK directory, recognised by the UK government for use with British institutions.

Get a quote in minutes

Send me a scan of the death certificate on WhatsApp and I’ll reply with a price and timeline.

Message Duda on WhatsApp →

Prefer email? eduardanejaimc@gmail.com

Or use the contact form → and I’ll get back to you within a few hours.