Portuguese Document Translation for UK Visa Applications
A full 2026 guide for Portuguese speakers. Translate documents from Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and every other Portuguese-speaking country for UK visas.
Portuguese Documents: Brazil, Portugal & All Lusophone Countries
Over 250 million people speak Portuguese, across 9 countries. You may be from Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, or another Portuguese-speaking country. In every case, UK Visas and Immigration wants a certified English translation of your Portuguese documents. The language is the same, but the document formats and office systems differ a lot from country to country. The gap between Brazil and Portugal is the biggest.
UKVI Requirement for Portuguese Documents
Any document not in English or Welsh must come with a certified translation. That covers Portuguese documents from every country: Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Timor-Leste. Each one needs a signed translator statement confirming the translation is accurate. UKVI does not accept machine translations or uncertified translations.
Portuguese Translation Pricing — 2026
Portuguese document translation costs £17.99 per page at the standard rate. Portuguese uses the Latin alphabet, so it is one of the cheapest languages to translate for a UK visa. This price covers documents from every Portuguese-speaking country: Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and the rest. Upload your documents for an exact quote in seconds.
Document Variations Across Lusophone Countries
Portuguese is the official language in 9 countries. Each has its own document formats and its own paperwork process. Here is how they differ:
Brazil (Brasil)
- Birth certificate: Certidão de Nascimento
- Marriage certificate: Certidão de Casamento
- Issued by Cartório de Registro Civil
- Police record: Antecedentes Criminais (Federal Police)
- Diploma & Histórico Escolar (academic transcript)
- Apostille from Tribunal de Justiça
- Often includes CPF number (taxpayer ID)
- Brazilian Portuguese: different words from European Portuguese
Portugal
- Birth certificate: Assento de Nascimento
- Marriage certificate: Assento de Casamento
- Issued by Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Police record: Certificado de Registo Criminal
- Academic: Certificados Académicos
- EU apostille format, simpler legalisation
- NIF number (tax identification) on documents
- European Portuguese: spelling differs from Brazilian
Angola
- Birth certificate: Certidão de Nascimento
- Issued by Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Police record from Ministério do Interior
- Apostille from Ministry of Justice
- Some documents refer back to colonial-era records
- Post-1975 independence documents
Mozambique
- Birth certificate: Certidão de Nascimento
- Issued by Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Police record from PRM (Mozambique Republic Police)
- Older documents may use colonial-era formats
- Apostille from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
- Birth certificate: Certidão de Nascimento
- Issued by Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Police record from Polícia Judiciária
- Small island nation, with all documents in Portuguese
- Apostille available from Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Other Lusophone Countries
- Guinea-Bissau
- São Tomé and Príncipe
- Timor-Leste (East Timor)
- Goa (Indian state with historical Portuguese records)
- Macau (SAR China, Portuguese historical records)
- All documents cost the standard £17.99 per page
Common Portuguese Documents Requiring Translation
Birth Certificates
Certidão de Nascimento (BR) or Assento de Nascimento (PT). Every UK visa type needs one as proof of who you are.
Marriage Certificates
Certidão de Casamento (BR) or Assento de Casamento (PT). You need this for spouse and family visa applications.
Academic Documents
Diplomas and histórico escolar from Brazilian or Portuguese universities. Use these to prove your qualifications for a Skilled Worker visa.
Police Certificates
Antecedentes Criminais (BR) or Certificado de Registo Criminal (PT). You need one for ILR and many long-term visas.
Divorce Certificates
Certidão de Divórcio (BR) or Sentença de Divórcio (PT). You need this for a spouse visa if either partner was married before.
Bank Statements & Financial Records
Extrato Bancário. You need these for visitor visas and to show you can support yourself. Brazilian banks often issue statements in Portuguese only.
Portuguese Translation Challenges
Brazilian vs European Portuguese
Brazilian and European Portuguese spell some words differently (Brazil ran a spelling reform in 2009). They also use different everyday words and different official terms. The translator has to know which version the document uses. For example, Brazil says “Cartório” and Portugal says “Conservatória” for a similar office.
Notarial and Cartório Text
Brazilian documents from Cartórios carry long blocks of formal legal wording. All of it must be translated. If the notarial text is left out, a UKVI caseworker may treat the translation as incomplete.
Colonial-Era Documents from African Countries
Older documents from Angola, Mozambique, and other former Portuguese colonies can mention colonial offices, place names that no longer exist, or laws from that era. Reading them takes more than standard Portuguese.
Brazilian Academic Grading
Brazilian universities do not all grade the same way. Some mark from 0 to 10 and use terms like “Aprovado” (passed) and “Reprovado” (failed). Others use percentages. Grades must be explained clearly, because UKVI uses them to judge your qualifications.
Name Formatting Differences
Brazilian names often carry both the mother's and the father's surname, in a different order from UK names. The translator must keep the name exactly as written. It must not be reordered or shortened, even if it looks odd to English speakers.
Macanese and Goan Historical Records
Old Portuguese records from Macau (now a Special Administrative Region of China) or Goa (now part of India) may use very old Portuguese. Some mix Portuguese with local languages. These need a translator who works with historical documents.
Step-by-Step Translation Process
Obtain Your Portuguese Documents
Brazil: Ask the Cartório de Registro Civil for certified copies. You can also use the Brazilian Consulate in the UK (Consulado-Geral do Brasil em Londres). For university papers, contact your university directly. Allow 2–4 weeks.
Portugal: Ask the Conservatória do Registo Civil, or go through the Portuguese Consulate in the UK. You can often get Portuguese documents online through the ePortugal portal.
Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde: Contact that country's Conservatória do Registo Civil directly. You can also ask their consular service in the UK.
Upload Your Documents for an Instant Quote
Scan or photograph your Portuguese documents clearly, then upload them to our platform. Our system spots the language on its own, and tells Brazilian Portuguese apart from European Portuguese. It then works out your price at £17.99 per page. You can upload several documents in one order, and you see the total cost before you pay.
Expert Portuguese-English Translation
Professional translators fluent in both Brazilian and European Portuguese do the work. Every piece of text on the page is translated. That includes Cartório stamps, headers, seals, official notes, and notarial declarations. We also keep the layout of the original document.
Quality Review and UKVI Certification
We check every translation for accuracy, and to make sure nothing is missing. The translator then signs a certification statement confirming the translation is accurate and complete. This meets UKVI rules for every UK visa type.
Receive Your Certified Translation by Email
Your UKVI-ready certified translation arrives as a PDF within 24 hours. Download it, print it, and send it with your visa application next to the original Portuguese document.
Common Rejection Reasons for Portuguese Document Translations
Incomplete Cartório Text (Brazilian Documents)
Brazilian Cartório documents carry long blocks of standard legal wording. All of it must be translated. If that text is left out or shortened into a summary, UKVI may treat the translation as incomplete.
Missing Apostille (When Required)
Some UK visa types ask for apostilled documents. Brazil, Portugal, Cape Verde is a Hague Convention signatory. Angola and Mozambique are not, so their documents need consular legalisation. If your visa needs an apostille and you send only the translation, your application may be refused or delayed.
Translation Without Original Document
Always send both the original Portuguese document and the certified English translation. If you send only the translation, UKVI may ignore that evidence.
Name Inconsistency Across Documents
Brazilian names usually carry the mother's and father's surnames in a set order. If the translation changes that order, or shortens a double surname, it will no longer match your passport. UKVI may then question who you are.
Machine Translation of Portuguese Documents
Online tools cope badly with formal Portuguese official language, above all Cartório text and older formats. UKVI caseworkers spot machine translations easily, and reject them.
Portuguese Document Translation Pricing Guide
| Document Type | Portuguese Name | Typical Pages | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birth Certificate | Certidão de Nascimento | 1–2 pages | £17.99–£35.98 |
| Marriage Certificate | Certidão de Casamento | 1–2 pages | £17.99–£35.98 |
| Divorce Certificate | Certidão de Divórcio | 2–5 pages | £35.98–£89.95 |
| Police Certificate | Antecedentes Criminais | 1–2 pages | £17.99–£35.98 |
| Degree Certificate | Diploma de Graduação | 1–2 pages | £17.99–£35.98 |
| Academic Transcript | Histórico Escolar | 2–6 pages | £35.98–£107.94 |
| Bank Statement | Extrato Bancário | 2–4 pages | £35.98–£71.96 |
* Portuguese is a standard-rate language at £17.99/page. The same rate covers documents from Brazil, Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, and every other Portuguese-speaking country. Upload your document for an exact quote.
Processing Time and Turnaround
Standard Delivery
Most Portuguese documents arrive within 24 hours of payment
Rush Delivery
Same-day rush option available for urgent applications
Per Page
Standard rate for all Portuguese documents, whatever country they come from
Portugal vs Brazil vs Other Lusophone Countries: Key Differences for UK Visa Applicants
Portuguese is the shared language, but that is where the similarity ends. Documents from Portugal, Brazil, and the African Portuguese-speaking countries differ in format, in which office issues them, and in the steps you must take before translation. Knowing these differences helps you prepare your UK visa application properly.
Portugal
Document system:
- The IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) runs civil registration
- Birth certificates: Certidão de Nascimento from the Conservatória do Registo Civil
- Documents come in one standard digital format since 2014
- Apostille is available, but UK visas do not always ask for it
- Portugal is in the EU, so some documents are recognised directly. You still need a translation for UKVI
Translation notes:
- Modern Portuguese civil documents are clean and easy to translate
- They use European Portuguese spelling, not Brazilian
- You can get them online at the ePortugal.gov.pt portal
- Standard rate: £17.99/page
Brazil (Brasil)
Document system:
- Cartórios (notarial offices) run civil registration
- Birth certificates: Certidão de Nascimento from the local Cartório de Registro Civil
- There is no single national format. Cartório style varies by state and by era
- Apostille is widely required. Brazil joined the Hague Convention in 2016
- Brazilian names carry two surnames, from the mother and the father
Translation notes:
- The long Cartório legal wording must be translated in full
- Older documents may be handwritten, so check your scan is clear
- They use Brazilian spelling, from the 2009 reform
- Double surnames must stay in the same order as in your passport
- Standard rate: £17.99/page
Mozambique (Moçambique)
Document system:
- The Conservatória de Registro Civil runs civil registration
- Documents still follow the Portuguese colonial-era format
- Records have gaps in rural areas. Some births were never registered
- Apostille is available. Mozambique has not joined the Hague Convention, so documents need legalisation
Translation notes:
- Some documents use colonial-era Portuguese terms and place names
- Older ones may name provinces as they were called then
- Standard rate: £17.99/page
Angola
Document system:
- The Instituto Nacional de Identificação Civil e Criminal (INAC) runs civil registration
- Documents mix colonial-era and post-independence formats
- Apostille is available. Angola has not joined the Hague Convention, so documents need legalisation
- Older documents may name Luanda Province as it was called in colonial times
Translation notes:
- Documents may carry stamps and signatures from several ministries
- Older civil documents may be handwritten or typed carbon copies
- Standard rate: £17.99/page
Cape Verde (Cabo Verde)
Document system:
- The Conservatória de Registro Civil runs civil registration
- Cape Verde joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 2009
- The Supremo Tribunal de Justiça issues the apostille
- Formal documents are in Portuguese. Cape Verdean Creole (Kriolu) may appear only in informal notes
Translation notes:
- Civil documents use standard European Portuguese official language
- You may see island place names such as Praia or São Vicente
- Standard rate: £17.99/page
How to Obtain Portuguese Documents from the UK
You may already be in the UK and need civil documents from Portugal or another Portuguese-speaking country. Here are your options, depending on where you are from.
Portuguese Consulate in the UK
Portuguese nationals in the UK can ask the Portuguese Consulate-General in London for civil documents. There are also consular sections in Manchester and other cities. The consulate can handle requests for a Certidão de Nascimento, a Certidão de Casamento, and other civil registry documents. This usually takes 2–4 weeks. Bring your Portuguese ID number (NIF or BI number) and proof of identity.
- Portuguese Consulate General London: www.consuladoportugal.co.uk
- You usually need an appointment, so book ahead
- Documents are posted to you, or you collect them in person
IRN Online Portal (ePortugal.gov.pt)
Portugal's Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) runs an online civil registry portal at ePortugal.gov.pt. Portuguese nationals with a valid Chavão Móvel Digital (CMD) can order and download certified copies of civil documents there. The CMD is Portugal's digital ID login. Documents arrive by email, or by post to a UK address. If your CMD is active, this is the fastest route, often taking 3–5 business days.
- You need an active CMD (Chavão Móvel Digital) Portuguese digital ID
- You can activate a CMD from abroad with a Portuguese phone number
- You can download the documents as certified PDFs straight away
- Paper certified copies also come by post (7–14 days)
Brazilian Consulate in the UK
Brazilian nationals in the UK can ask the Brazilian Consulate-General in London for civil documents. It is the main consular post for most of England and Wales, and there are consular sections in other cities. The consulate can handle requests for a Certidão de Nascimento, a Certidão de Casamento, and other civil documents. It acts as the go-between with your Cartório in Brazil. Allow 4–8 weeks.
- Brazilian Consulate London: london.itamaraty.gov.br
- You usually need to book an appointment online
- You pay the fee in pounds sterling at the consulate
Brazil Civil Registry Online Portal (registrocivil.org.br)
Brazil's national civil registry portal lets Brazilian nationals order certified copies of birth and marriage certificates online, from Cartórios that have signed up. Not every Cartório is on the system, especially smaller or older ones in rural areas. Where it works, it is faster than going through a consulate. The portal sends you a digitally certified PDF. That PDF counts as an official document, and you can send it straight to a translation service.
- Available at registrocivil.org.br
- You need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID number) to log in
- It only works if your Cartório has signed up
- Documents come as a certified digital PDF
Power of Attorney for Other Lusophone Countries
Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, and São Tomé and Príncipe rarely offer online portals to people living abroad. The best route is a power of attorney (procuração). You give it to a trusted family member or a lawyer at home, so they can collect the documents from the Conservatória for you. The power of attorney itself may need to be notarised or apostilled first, before your home country will accept it.
- Ask that country's embassy or high commission in London for exact guidance
- Allow 4–12 weeks, depending on the country and the document
- You can scan and email the document for translation at once, with the paper copy to follow by post
UKVI Translation Requirements Checklist
- Every Portuguese document submitted to UKVI must have a certified English translation
- A qualified translator must sign it and add a statement of accuracy
- Every word on the document must be translated, including Cartório stamps, seals, and official notes
- Send the original Portuguese document AND the certified English translation together
- Check if your visa type requires an apostille on your Portuguese documents before translating
- Do not use online translation tools. You need a certified human translation
FAQs — Portuguese Document Translation
Do Brazilian documents need apostille before translation for a UK visa?
Brazil is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention. Many UK visa types ask for an apostille on civil documents such as birth and marriage certificates. You can translate the document with or without one, because the translation is the same either way. Check the rules for your visa type, and get the apostille from the Brazilian authorities (Tribunal de Justiça) if you need it. You can run the translation and the apostille at the same time to save time.
Are Brazilian Portuguese and European Portuguese treated differently for translation?
Our translators work in both versions. Brazilian and European Portuguese are the same language, but they differ in spelling (above all since Brazil's 2009 spelling reform), in everyday words, and in official terms. The document format matters even more than the language version. A Brazilian Cartório document and a Portuguese Conservatória document look quite different, even though both are in Portuguese.
What about Portuguese documents from Angola, Mozambique, or Cape Verde?
We translate Portuguese documents from every Portuguese-speaking country. That includes Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, São Tomé and Príncipe, Timor-Leste, and former Portuguese territories such as Macau and Goa. The same standard price of £17.99 per page applies. Older documents may mention colonial-era offices or place names that no longer exist. Our translators know this history well.
How do I obtain a certidão de nascimento if I am already in the UK?
Brazilian nationals can ask the Brazilian Consulate General in London, or another Brazilian consulate in the UK. In some cases you can order online through the Brazilian government portal (registrocivil.org.br). You can also give power of attorney to someone in Brazil to collect the documents for you. Portuguese nationals can use the Portuguese Consulate, or the online ePortugal portal, for most civil documents.
My Brazilian document has handwriting on it. Can it still be translated?
Yes. Older Brazilian civil documents often have handwritten entries or notes, especially those from smaller Cartórios. Our translators read handwritten Portuguese every day, and they will write out and translate all of it. Very hard-to-read handwriting can add a little time. Send the clearest scan or photo you can for the best result.
Can I reuse the same translation for multiple UK visa applications?
Yes. Certified translations do not expire. You can use a certified translation of your certidão de nascimento or certidão de casamento for your first visa application, then again for extensions, ILR, and citizenship. Keep both digital and paper copies of every certified translation.
Translate Your Portuguese Documents Today
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