Power of Attorney Translation

A power of attorney (procuração in Portuguese) gives someone the legal authority to act on your behalf. In Portugal, it’s commonly needed when you can’t be physically present for a property purchase, a legal proceeding, or an official appointment. Whether you need an English power of attorney translated for use in Portugal, or a Portuguese one translated into English for UK authorities, I handle the full process from start to finish.

Certified translation for Portugal (English to Portuguese)

If your power of attorney was drafted in English – by a UK solicitor, for example – it needs a certified Portuguese translation before any Portuguese authority will accept it. I provide certified translations accepted by AIMA, the Conservatoria, and all Portuguese authorities.

I handle the full process: translation, certification by a Portuguese lawyer (as required by Portuguese law), and delivery of a document ready for submission.

When you’ll need this

Buying property in Portugal. If you’re purchasing property but can’t attend the signing of the deed (escritura) in person, you’ll grant a power of attorney to a lawyer or representative to act on your behalf. If the power of attorney was drafted in English, it must be translated into Portuguese and certified before the Portuguese notary will accept it.

Selling property in Portugal. The same applies in reverse. If you own property in Portugal and want someone to handle the sale on your behalf, the power of attorney must be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation.

Legal representation. If you need a Portuguese lawyer to represent you in court or in dealings with government authorities and you’re granting them formal authority through a power of attorney, the document needs to be in Portuguese.

Company formation and management. If you’re setting up a business in Portugal and authorising someone to act on your behalf for company registration, tax filings, or banking, a translated and certified power of attorney is typically required.

Managing affairs from abroad. If you live outside Portugal but have financial, legal, or property interests here, a power of attorney allows someone in Portugal to handle your affairs. A certified translation ensures it’s legally recognised by Portuguese institutions.

Inheritance proceedings. If you’re an heir to an estate in Portugal and can’t attend proceedings in person, a power of attorney allows a representative to act for you. The death certificate and the power of attorney both need translating.

What’s involved

Powers of attorney are legal documents with precise language. The scope of authority granted, the limitations placed on that authority, and the conditions under which it can be exercised all need to be rendered with exact legal equivalents in Portuguese.

A poorly handled translation can create real problems. If the Portuguese version doesn’t accurately reflect the authority granted in the English original, a notary or court may refuse to accept it – or worse, the person acting on your behalf may not have the legal authority they need.

I review every document for accuracy before certification. The translation covers all elements: the names and identification details of the grantor and the attorney, the specific powers granted, any limitations or conditions, the date of execution, signatures, notarial seals, and any witnesses.

UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English)

If you hold a Portuguese power of attorney and need it translated into English for UK authorities, I personally translate your 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.

When you’ll need this

UK solicitors or courts. If you’re involved in legal proceedings in the UK and a Portuguese power of attorney is relevant – for example, in a cross-border property dispute or family matter – UK solicitors and courts will need a certified English translation.

Managing UK affairs from Portugal. If you’ve granted power of attorney in Portugal and the document needs to be presented to a UK institution – a bank, pension provider, or HMRC – they’ll require an English translation from an authorised translator.

Inheritance or probate in the UK. If a Portuguese power of attorney forms part of an estate or probate matter being handled in the UK, the courts and solicitors involved will need an authorised English translation.

Informal translation for personal understanding

Sometimes you just need to understand what a Portuguese power of attorney says – perhaps one that’s been granted on your behalf, or a document you’ve received as part of a legal process. I can provide an informal English translation so you know exactly what authority has been granted and on what terms. It’s not legally certified, but it gives you a clear picture of what the document says.

The apostille

A power of attorney executed in a foreign country needs an apostille from the country where it was signed before it can be used in Portugal. Apostille first, then translation.

Some Portuguese notaries can also execute a power of attorney directly in Portugal on your behalf, which avoids the apostille requirement entirely. If you’re not sure which route is best for your situation, get in touch and I can advise.

What you need to provide

Send me a clear scan or photograph of the complete power of attorney, including all pages, any annexes, and the signature and notarisation pages. If an apostille is already attached, include that too.

Pricing and turnaround

Power of attorney translation including lawyer certification starts from EUR60. The final price depends on the length and complexity of the document. Simple, single-purpose powers of attorney are typically shorter and less expensive than general powers of attorney that grant broad authority across multiple areas.

GOV.UK authorised translation (Portuguese to English) starts from EUR60.

Standard turnaround is 3 to 5 working days. Priority turnaround is available, particularly for property transactions with fixed completion dates.

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

Frequently asked questions

Can I have a power of attorney drafted directly in Portuguese instead of translating an English one? Yes, and it’s sometimes the simpler option. A Portuguese lawyer can draft the power of attorney in Portuguese, which avoids the need for translation and apostille. I can recommend lawyers if needed.

Does the power of attorney need to be notarised in Portugal as well? If it was executed and notarised abroad, it typically needs an apostille and a certified translation. Some Portuguese notaries may also require recognition of the foreign notarisation. Check with the notary who will be accepting the document.

Can you also interpret at the notary appointment where the power of attorney is used? Yes. I offer a notary interpreter service for situations where you need in-person interpretation at a notary appointment.

How long is a power of attorney valid for? It depends on the terms of the document itself. Some powers of attorney are granted for a specific transaction and expire once it’s complete. Others are open-ended until revoked. The translation will reproduce whatever validity terms are stated in the original.

What’s the difference between a certified translation and a GOV.UK authorised translation? A certified translation for Portugal is translated and then certified by a Portuguese lawyer, as required by Portuguese law, so it’s accepted by Portuguese authorities. A GOV.UK authorised translation is one I produce personally as an authorised translator listed on the GOV.UK directory – it’s recognised by UK government bodies, courts, and solicitors.

Get a quote in minutes

Send me a scan of your power of attorney on WhatsApp and I’ll reply with a price and timeline.

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Prefer email? eduardanejaimc@gmail.com

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