Employment Contract Translation

If you’re moving to Portugal for work, your employment contract is one of the most important documents in the process. Portuguese authorities need to see the terms of your employment in Portuguese, and British nationals returning to the UK may need a Portuguese contract translated into English for HMRC or pension providers. Either way, you need a translation that’s done right.

Certified translation for Portugal (English to Portuguese)

If your employment contract is in English, Portuguese authorities will need a certified translation in Portuguese. All translations are certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law.

Work visa applications (D3, Tech Visa). If you’re applying for a D3 highly qualified worker visa or a Tech Visa, the Portuguese consulate and later AIMA will require a certified translation of your employment contract or formal job offer. The contract must demonstrate the role, salary, and terms of employment. See the AIMA document checklist for the full requirements.

Residence permit applications through AIMA. Even for visa categories that aren’t strictly employment-based, AIMA may ask for proof of employment or income as part of the residence permit process. A translated employment contract serves as strong supporting evidence.

Digital nomad visa applications. If you’re applying for a digital nomad visa and working remotely for a foreign employer, your employment contract or service agreement may need translating to demonstrate the nature of your work and your income.

Employer compliance. Under Portuguese labour law, if you’re employed by a Portuguese company and the contract was originally drafted in a foreign language, the employee has the right to a Portuguese translation. Some employers handle this themselves, but others ask the employee to arrange it.

Social security and tax registration. Registering with Portuguese social security (Seguranca Social) or Financas may require proof of employment, and a translated contract can serve as that proof.

Disputes and legal proceedings. If an employment dispute arises and the contract is in English, a certified Portuguese translation is needed for any court or mediation proceedings in Portugal.

I handle the full process: translation, certification by a Portuguese lawyer, and delivery of a document ready for submission to AIMA, the Conservatoria, or whichever authority needs it.

Employment contracts are typically longer and more complex than civil certificates. They contain legal terminology, specific clauses covering probation periods, notice periods, non-compete provisions, benefits, and termination conditions, all of which need to be translated accurately using the correct Portuguese legal equivalents. I review every document for accuracy before certification.

The translation must reproduce the entire contract faithfully, including all annexes, schedules, and addenda. If the contract references other documents (such as a company handbook or benefits policy), let me know and I can advise on whether those need translating too.

UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English)

If you’re a British national in Portugal with a Portuguese employment contract, you may need it translated into English for UK authorities. I personally translate your Portuguese documents into English.

HMRC and UK tax matters. If you’re reporting Portuguese income to HMRC or claiming tax relief under the UK-Portugal double taxation agreement, HMRC may ask for an English translation of your Portuguese employment contract.

UK pension providers. Some UK pension schemes need proof of overseas employment, and a translated contract satisfies that requirement.

UK solicitors and legal proceedings. If a Portuguese employment contract is relevant to UK legal proceedings, divorce settlements, or financial disclosure, an authorised English translation will be required.

I’m listed on the GOV.UK directory as an authorised translator for British nationals in Portugal. My translations are officially recognised by the UK government.

Informal translation for personal understanding

Not every translation needs legal certification. If you’ve signed a Portuguese employment contract and simply want to understand the terms in English, I can provide an informal translation. It won’t carry legal certification, but it gives you a clear, accurate English version of your contract so you know exactly what you’ve agreed to. This is common when foreign employees sign a Portuguese-language contract and want to fully understand the clauses.

The apostille

Employment contracts do not typically require an apostille for submission to AIMA or Portuguese authorities. However, if the contract is being used in a court proceeding or a formal legal context, an apostille may be needed. Check with the specific authority or your lawyer.

What you need to provide

Send me a clear scan or photograph of the complete employment contract, including all pages, annexes, and any amendments or addenda. Make sure every page is legible, including signature pages.

Pricing and turnaround

Employment contract translation including lawyer certification starts from EUR60. The final price depends on the length and complexity of the contract. A straightforward two-page offer letter will cost less than a fifteen-page contract with multiple annexes. GOV.UK authorised translations (Portuguese to English) are priced separately based on document length.

Send me the document and I’ll give you an exact quote before starting.

Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days, depending on length. Priority turnaround is available if you have an upcoming visa appointment or AIMA deadline.

See the full pricing page for details.

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 navigated Portuguese employment documentation in Portugal. I know what Portuguese authorities expect because I’ve been through the process myself.

Frequently asked questions

Does my employment contract need to be translated for AIMA? If your contract is in English, AIMA may accept it without translation since January 2025. However, having a certified Portuguese translation avoids any ambiguity and ensures smooth processing. For other authorities (courts, social security, Financas), a translation is typically required.

I have a freelance or service agreement, not a traditional employment contract. Can you handle that? Yes. I handle all types of work agreements, including freelance contracts, consultancy agreements, and service-level agreements.

My contract has been amended several times. Do I need the amendments translated too? Yes. If the amendments are relevant to the process you’re using the contract for, they should be included in the translation. Send me everything and I’ll advise on what’s needed.

What’s the difference between a certified translation and a GOV.UK authorised translation? A certified translation (English to Portuguese) is certified by a Portuguese lawyer and accepted by Portuguese authorities like AIMA, the Conservatoria, and Portuguese courts. A GOV.UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English) is one I produce personally as a translator listed on the official GOV.UK directory, and it’s recognised by UK government bodies.

Can you provide an informal translation if I just want to understand my contract? Yes. If you don’t need legal certification and just want to read your contract in English, I can provide an informal translation at a lower cost.

Get a quote in minutes

Send me a scan of your employment contract 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.