Translation Services for American Expats in Portugal

Portugal has become one of the most popular destinations for Americans relocating to Europe, and for good reason. But the gap between “I love Lisbon” and “I have a Portuguese residence permit” is filled with documents, apostilles, translations, and appointments that can feel overwhelming when you’re navigating a foreign bureaucratic system.

I’m Duda, a native Brazilian Portuguese speaker, qualified lawyer, and certified translator based in Lisbon. I help American expats get their documents translated, certified, and accepted by Portuguese authorities. I understand the US document system, including the state-by-state variations that make American paperwork more complicated than most.

US documents and their quirks

American documents present unique challenges because so much is handled at the state level rather than federally. Here’s what I see most from American clients:

Birth certificates. US birth certificates are issued by the state where you were born, and every state has a different format. Some are single-page certificates, others are multi-page documents with additional information. Portuguese authorities require the full certificate, not an abstract or short-form version. The apostille process also varies by state (see below).

FBI Identity History Summary. This is the federal criminal record certificate most commonly used for Portuguese residence applications. You request it through the FBI’s Identity History Summary process, which involves submitting fingerprints. It takes several weeks, so plan ahead. It then needs an apostille from the US Department of State (not from your state) and a certified translation. Some applicants use a state-level background check instead of or in addition to the FBI check. Check the requirements for your specific visa type.

Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry. If you’re getting married in Portugal, the US Embassy in Lisbon can issue an Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry (sometimes called a Certificate of No Impediment). You’ll need to make an appointment at the embassy. The affidavit is issued in English and Portuguese, but the Conservatória may still require additional documents translated.

Divorce decrees. US divorce decrees vary enormously by state. Some are brief court orders, others are lengthy judgments that include custody arrangements, property division, and financial terms. Portuguese authorities need the final decree (not an interlocutory order), and the length directly affects the translation cost and turnaround.

Academic transcripts. American university transcripts use a credit-hour and GPA system that has no direct Portuguese equivalent. I translate the transcript faithfully, including the grading scale, and let the recognising institution (DGES or the university) handle the equivalence assessment.

Driving licences. Your US driving licence needs exchanging for a Portuguese licence through IMT once you’re a resident. Portugal has agreements with some US states for direct exchanges, but others require additional steps. A certified translation of your licence is part of the process.

The apostille process for US documents

The US apostille process is more complex than most countries because it depends on who issued the document:

Federal documents (FBI checks, documents from federal agencies) are apostilled by the US Department of State in Washington, DC. You can apply by mail, and processing typically takes several weeks.

State-issued documents (birth certificates, state background checks, court orders, marriage certificates) are apostilled by the Secretary of State’s office in the state that issued them. Every state has its own process, fees, and turnaround times. Some states offer online applications, others require mail-in submissions.

Notarised documents (affidavits, declarations) are apostilled by the Secretary of State in the state where the notary is commissioned.

The key rule is the same everywhere: apostille first, then translation. The certified translation must include the apostille text.

If you’re not sure which apostille process applies to your documents, get in touch and I can walk you through it based on your specific state and document type.

Common visa pathways for American expats

D7 visa (passive income). Very popular with American retirees and anyone with investment income, pension income, or social security. See my guide on D7 visa document requirements.

Digital nomad visa (D8). For Americans working remotely for US companies. The income threshold and documentation requirements are specific. See my guide on digital nomad visa documents.

D2 visa (entrepreneur). For Americans starting a business in Portugal.

D3 visa (highly qualified worker). For those taking up skilled employment with a Portuguese company.

Golden Visa (ARI). For Americans making qualifying investments in Portugal. Get in touch for help with the required translations.

For all of these, documents need translating and certifying for both the consulate application and the AIMA appointment in Portugal.

What I offer American expats

Document translation. Every US document you might need: birth certificates, marriage certificates, criminal records (FBI and state-level), divorce decrees, driving licences, academic qualifications, employment contracts, medical records, financial documents, and property documents. All with certification by a Portuguese lawyer.

In-person interpretation. AIMA appointments, Conservatória visits, notary signings, wedding ceremonies, medical appointments, legal proceedings, and everyday situations.

Guidance on US-specific requirements. I understand the state-by-state variations in US documents and the apostille process. I’ll tell you exactly what you need based on your state and your visa type.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an FBI check or a state background check for AIMA? Requirements can vary depending on the visa type and the specific AIMA office. The FBI Identity History Summary is the most widely accepted option. Some applicants are asked for state-level checks as well, particularly if they’ve lived in multiple states. Legislation and administrative requirements evolve, so I always verify the current rules before advising you.

Can the US Embassy help with translations? The US Embassy in Lisbon does not provide translation services. They can issue certain documents (like the Affidavit of Eligibility to Marry) in both English and Portuguese, but for all other documents, you’ll need an independent certified translator.

My birth certificate is from a state that no longer exists in the same form (for example, it was issued by a county, not the state). Is that a problem? Not usually, but the apostille process may require an extra step. Get in touch with the details and I’ll advise on the correct approach.

How do I get an apostille if I’m already in Portugal? You can apply for US apostilles by mail from abroad. Some states also accept applications from agents or services within the US who can handle it on your behalf. The processing time is longer when mailing from overseas, so plan ahead.

I have dual US-Portuguese citizenship. Do I still need documents translated? It depends on the process. If you’re submitting US-issued documents to Portuguese authorities, they’ll typically need a certified translation regardless of your citizenship status. Check with me for your specific situation.

Portuguese legislation and administrative requirements change frequently. As part of my service, I always verify the latest rules and requirements before advising you, so you’re working with current information rather than outdated guidance.

Get in touch

Tell me about your situation: which state your documents are from, what visa you’re applying for, and what stage you’re at. I’ll let you know exactly what you need.

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.