A certified translation of a criminal record is one of the most sought-after services by those who need to present their criminal record certificate in Portugal or abroad. Whether for work, studies, visas, immigration, adoption or other legal purposes.
In this comprehensive guide, we explain in a clear and detailed way everything you need to know about criminal records, the requirements for certified translation and how to ensure that your document will be valid in any country or entity where it is required.
What we're going to explore:
What is a criminal record and what is it for?
The criminal record certificate is an official document issued by the Directorate-General for the Administration of Justice (DGAJ) in Portugal.
It certifies whether or not there is any criminal conviction registered in a person’s name, and may include decisions of foreign courts communicated under international agreements. Source URL.
This document is required in several situations, such as:
- job applications;
- visa or nationality applications;
- adoption processes;
- professional licenses;
- public tenders;
- and other legal purposes.
In Portugal, anyone over the age of 16 can apply for their own certificate, while someone else can only do so with written and in-person authorisation. Source URL.
How to apply for a criminal record certificate in 2026
There are several ways to obtain a criminal record certificate in Portugal, all regulated by the official public services:
Online
The fastest method is through the Online Criminal Records portal, using the Citizen Card with reader or the Digital Mobile Key (CMD). This makes it possible to validate, pay for and receive the certificate digitally. Source URL.
📌 The cost of the certificate is usually €5 and the document is valid for 90 days from the date of issue. Source URL.
In person
If you prefer to apply in person, you can go to a registry office or service desk, presenting a valid identification document. Source URL.
By phone or mail
It is also possible to apply for the certificate by phone or by post, especially if you are abroad. Source URL.
💡 If you live outside Portugal and need a valid certificate for legal purposes, consult the official portal for foreigners on the gov.pt website for specific information on criminal record applications abroad. Source URL.
When a certified translation of a criminal record is required
A certified translation of a criminal record certificate is often required when the document is presented to foreign entities, courts or institutions that do not accept original Portuguese language versions.
This translation must:
- be carried out by a certified or sworn translator;
- contain a signature and stamp that guarantee legal compliance;
- comply with the legal requirements of the country or institution where it will be presented.
The certified translation gives public trust to the content of the document, avoiding problems of validity or recognition in legal proceedings outside Portugal.
European multilingual criminal record certificate
A recent innovation is the automatic emission of the European Criminal Records Certificate, which accompanies the national certificate at no additional cost. This model is multilingual (including English) and facilitates the presentation of the document in European Union countries without the need for translation. Source URL.
However, certified translation is still often required outside the EU or in specific situations where the European model is not sufficient.
Why choose certified translation with Dokutech?
The translation of official documents requires technical rigour and knowledge of legal standards. Dokutech Translations offers certified criminal record translation services with:
✔ specialised professionals with proven experience;
✔ translations with legal validity and acceptance in official institutions;
✔ personalised service for Portuguese and foreign citizens;
✔ confidentiality and security in data processing.
If you need professional assistance in translating your criminal record certificate or other legal documents, our team can help you with accuracy and speed.
To learn more about certified translation in general, please see our page dedicated to certified translation.
Step by step: from the request to the translated document
If you are a foreigner or resident outside Portugal, before applying for the certificate, check:
- Apply for your criminal record certificate online or in person through the official services. Source URL.
- Issue the certificate, which is valid for 90 days. Source URL.
- Choose a certified translator (such as Dokutech) to carry out the official translation.
- Check that the translation is signed and stamped, ensuring that it will be accepted by the authority or company where it is required.
Practical tips for foreigners
If you are a foreigner or resident outside Portugal, before applying for the certificate, check:
🔹If you really need a criminal record certificate for your case (some cases, such as renewal of residence permit, may waive the formal request).
🔹If the destination country requires a Hague Apostille or additional certified translation.
🔹What translations are required by the foreign agency, visa or university.
FAQs - Criminal record and certified translation
A criminal record is an official document that contains information about a person's criminal record, issued by competent authorities in Portugal and used for various legal purposes.
The application for a criminal record certificate in Portugal generally costs €5, whether it is requested online, in person or by telephone.
The criminal record certificate is valid for 90 days from its issuance.
The European model facilitates presentation in the EU, but for use outside the European Union or in specific cases, a certified translation may be required.
The translation must be done by a certified or sworn translator, with an official signature and stamp attesting to the fidelity and legal validity of the translated document.
Conclusion
Certified translation of criminal records is often a mandatory step in international or professional legal proceedings.
With increased global mobility and more demanding requirements from foreign entities, ensuring that this document is correctly translated and certified in 2026 is essential to avoid delays or rejections.
If you need an official, professional and recognised translation service, Dokutech Translations is ready to help with accuracy, speed and legal compliance in any language and context.
