General Interpreter for Expats in Lisbon

Living in Portugal is wonderful until you hit a situation where your Portuguese isn’t enough. It might be a police station after a theft, a meeting at Finanças about your taxes, a call from your child’s school, or a dispute with your landlord. These moments come without warning, and suddenly you need someone who speaks both languages.

I’m Duda, a certified English–Portuguese interpreter based in Lisbon. Beyond the formal services I offer for weddings, AIMA, notaries, medical appointments, and legal proceedings, I’m also the person you call when everyday life in Portugal needs an interpreter.

Situations where expats need an interpreter

Police and GNR

If you need to file a police report, whether for theft, a traffic accident, fraud, or any other incident, the report is taken in Portuguese. Getting the details right matters, especially if the report will be used for an insurance claim or legal proceedings. I interpret at police stations so your statement is recorded accurately.

Finanças (tax office)

Dealing with the Portuguese tax authority can be confusing even in your own language. If you have a meeting at Finanças about your NIF, your tax returns, your IRS declaration, or any other tax matter, I interpret so you understand what’s being asked and can respond correctly.

Segurança Social (social security)

Registering for social security, understanding your NISS, or dealing with benefit queries all involve appointments conducted in Portuguese. I interpret so nothing gets lost in the process.

Banks

Beyond opening an account, there are ongoing banking situations where interpretation helps: closing an account, disputing a charge, discussing a loan, changing signatories, or dealing with compliance checks. I interpret at bank meetings so you understand the terms and the bank understands your requests.

Schools

Parent-teacher meetings, enrolment discussions, disciplinary meetings, or conversations about your child’s progress: these are important conversations where nuance matters. I interpret so you can engage fully with your child’s school. If you need school documents translated as well, I handle that too.

Landlord and tenant matters

Lease negotiations, disputes about repairs or deposits, condominium meetings (assembleia de condóminos), or discussions about contract terms: property-related conversations with Portuguese-speaking landlords, tenants, or building managers can be difficult without an interpreter.

Insurance

Making a claim, understanding a policy, or disputing a decision with a Portuguese insurance company is easier with an interpreter who can explain the terminology and convey your position clearly.

Utilities and service providers

Disputing a bill, arranging a new connection, or dealing with a service issue: these situations are frustrating enough in your own language. I interpret at meetings or on calls with utility companies, telecoms providers, and other service providers.

Junta de Freguesia (parish council)

Getting your atestado de residência, registering for local services, or dealing with any parish-level bureaucracy: all conducted in Portuguese.

Car inspections (IPO)

If your vehicle fails its inspection and you need to understand the issues or discuss them with the inspector, an interpreter helps.

Job interviews

If you’re applying for a role where the interview is conducted in Portuguese and you want support, or if you understand Portuguese well enough for the job but want backup for a high-stakes interview, I can attend as an interpreter.

How it works

For most everyday situations, the process is simple. You tell me what the appointment or situation is, when it is, and where. I attend with you, interpret in real time, and make sure you understand everything and are understood.

For phone calls or remote situations, I can join by video call and interpret that way.

Some situations are planned (a meeting at Finanças, a school appointment), and some are unexpected (a police report, an urgent issue with your landlord). For planned situations, booking a few days in advance is ideal. For urgent situations, contact me and I’ll do my best to be available at short notice.

What it costs

General interpretation starts from €100 per appointment for straightforward, shorter appointments. The price depends on the expected duration and location. Most everyday appointments fall between €100 and €150.

For phone or video call interpretation, the rate starts from €60 per call.

See the full pricing page for details.

Why work with me

I live the expat experience. My husband is British, I’m Brazilian. I’ve navigated the Portuguese system from both sides. I’ve sat in Finanças, dealt with landlords, registered at the Junta de Freguesia, and worked through the school system for my son. I know how these situations work because I’ve lived them.

I’m listed on GOV.UK. The British government lists me in their official directory of translators and interpreters for British nationals in Portugal, approved for general interpretation. You can verify my listing directly.

I’m flexible and responsive. Life in Portugal doesn’t always give you warning before throwing a situation at you. I aim to respond to enquiries within a few hours and can often accommodate same-day or next-day bookings.

Frequently asked questions

Can you interpret over the phone or by video call? Yes. For situations that don’t require in-person attendance, I can join by phone or video call. This is often practical for calls to banks, insurance companies, or utility providers.

What if I need an interpreter urgently? Contact me on WhatsApp. I’ll let you know my availability immediately. I can often accommodate same-day requests in the Lisbon area, though advance booking is always preferred.

Do you only work in Lisbon? I’m based in Lisbon and regularly work across the greater Lisbon area, including Cascais, Sintra, and Setúbal. For locations further afield, I can often help remotely or arrange travel.

I don’t need an interpreter for a formal appointment. I just need help with a phone call. Can you help? Absolutely. Phone call interpretation is one of the most common things I’m asked to do. It’s quick, practical, and often solves the problem in minutes.

What’s the difference between this and your other interpreter services? My wedding, AIMA, notary, medical, and legal interpreter services are tailored to those specific contexts, with specialised preparation and pricing. The general interpreter service covers everything else: the everyday situations where you suddenly need someone who speaks Portuguese.

Get in touch

Tell me about the situation and I’ll let you know how I can help. No situation is too small.

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.