How to Apostille Documents for Portugal from the U.S.

Boston Notary Service — Trusted Apostille Experts for Massachusetts Residents Traveling to Portugal



🇵🇹 Why You May Need an Apostille for Portugal

Whether you're moving to Portugal for citizenship, retirement (D7 visa), remote work (Digital Nomad visa), marriage, or study abroad, your U.S. documents must be apostilled to be legally recognized by Portuguese authorities.

Since Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, all foreign public documents from the U.S. must carry an apostille certificate to be accepted by:

The Portuguese Embassy or Consulates

SEF (Serviço de Estrangeiros e Fronteiras)

Local civil registry offices

Universities or employers in Portugal


At Boston Notary Service, we specialize in providing fast, accurate, and secure apostille services for individuals and families preparing to relocate or do business in Portugal.



🧾 Documents That Require Apostilles for Portugal

You may need to apostille one or more of the following documents:

✅ Birth Certificate

✅ Marriage Certificate

✅ FBI Background Check

✅ Proof of Income (bank letters, pension verifications)

✅ IRS Tax Transcripts

✅ University Diplomas or Transcripts

✅ Single Status Affidavits

✅ Power of Attorney (for property or residency representation)

✅ Articles of Incorporation or Corporate Docs (for business registration)


Each of these documents has specific requirements. Some must be certified copies from the city or state, while others must be notarized originals. We handle the verification and make sure nothing gets rejected by Portuguese officials.



📍 Apostille Services from Massachusetts for Portugal

Depending on the type of document, it will need to be apostilled either:

Through the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth (for state-issued or notarized documents)

Or through the U.S. Department of State in Washington, D.C. (for federal documents like FBI background checks)


At Boston Notary Service, we take care of the entire process — from notarization and review to state or federal submission, and shipping your documents securely back to you or directly to Portugal if needed.



🛠️ How the Apostille Process Works (for Portugal)

1. Free Document Review – Send us scans or photos of your documents so we can assess what's needed.


2. Notarization (if required) – Our mobile notary team covers Greater Boston, Cambridge, Quincy, and the Seaport District.


3. Apostille Submission – We file your documents with the proper state or federal authority.


4. Secure Return – We ship via FedEx or UPS, and can coordinate international shipping or local in-hand delivery upon request.




🇵🇹 Popular Use Cases for Apostilles in Portugal

✔️ Portuguese Citizenship by Descent

If you're applying for citizenship through a Portuguese parent or grandparent, you'll need apostilled birth, marriage, and death records, plus a FBI background check.

✔️ D7 Retirement Visa or Digital Nomad Visa

You’ll need to apostille:

Bank letters proving financial stability

IRS tax transcripts

Background checks

Health insurance proof


📌 Pro Tip: The FBI background check must be apostilled federally, not by the state. We help you with fast-track FBI report apostilles from D.C.

✔️ Portuguese Marriage Registration

Planning to marry in Portugal or register a foreign marriage there? You’ll need apostilled single status affidavits, birth certificates, and a marriage certificate if already married abroad.

📌 Pro Tip: Ensure your vital records are issued within the last 6 months. Portuguese authorities are strict about document age.

✔️ Study Abroad in Portugal

For students attending universities like the University of Lisbon or Porto, you may need to apostille:

Diplomas

Transcripts

Recommendation letters

Health and immunization records




🌍 Translation Requirements for Portugal

Although Portugal is flexible with document formatting, your apostilled documents may need to be translated into Portuguese — especially for civil registry, visa, or school applications.

📌 Pro Tip: After apostilling, work with a certified Portuguese translator in the U.S. or Portugal. Some embassies may request a sworn translation (tradução juramentada), so always confirm with the receiving office.



✉️ Apostille Delivery & Options

Boston Notary Service offers:

📦 FedEx/UPS express return shipping

🛫 International shipping coordination if you’re already in Portugal

🚗 Local mobile service and in-hand delivery available in Greater Boston


Our team is fast, discreet, and fully equipped to meet your deadline — whether you're boarding a flight or waiting on approval from SEF.



💬 FAQs About Portugal Apostille Services

Q: How long does the apostille process take?

Massachusetts Apostille: 1–3 business days

Federal Apostille (FBI): 3–5 weeks (rush options available)


Q: Can I apostille documents for my family?
Yes! Many clients submit birth, marriage, and background check documents for entire households or couples planning to relocate.

Q: Can you get my FBI background check apostilled?
Yes — we offer full service for FBI apostille processing directly through Washington, D.C.

Q: I’m already in Portugal. Can you help?
Yes — we serve U.S. citizens abroad who need apostille help from a U.S.-based provider. Documents can be sent digitally and returned internationally.



📌 Why Choose Boston Notary Service?

We’re the most trusted name in Massachusetts apostille services, offering:

✅ Decades of experience in apostille compliance

✅ Same-day mobile notary in Boston, Brookline, and surrounding areas

✅ Fast-track apostille options and coast-to-coast support

✅ In-person retrieval of Massachusetts birth, marriage, and death certificates

✅ International document coordination for overseas clients


From the South End to Setúbal, we make sure your documents are done right.



📞 Get Started Today

Skip the confusion. Apostille your documents for Portugal with confidence.

📩 Email: [email protected]
📱 Call or Text: 617-230-6676
📝 Apply Now: https://bostonnotaryservice.us/apply-here