The Bureaucratic Process of Diploma Apostille in Portugal
The apostille of diploma in Portugal is known for being bureaucratic and, in many cases, costly, especially for documents like diplomas, certificates, and academic transcripts. The Hague Apostille is essential for these documents to be valid abroad; however, the specific requirements and regional division make the process complex.
Example: Apostille for Residents Abroad
A typical example involves a Brazilian citizen with a diploma from the University of Coimbra who needs to apostille the document for use in Brazil. In Portugal, apostille services are conducted according to regional jurisdiction. For instance, a diploma from Coimbra can only be apostilled in the city of Coimbra, meaning that the original document must be authenticated in the region of issuance before the apostille can proceed.
For those not residing in Portugal, this task becomes even more complicated, often requiring them to appoint a trusted representative to authenticate and apostille the diploma, certificate, or academic transcript.
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Jurisdiction and Regions for Apostille
The apostille process in Portugal is determined by the location of the signature on the document. Each geographical area has a specific location responsible for apostille services. For diplomas, certificates, and academic transcripts, the issuer’s signature must be registered and archived with the region’s competent authority.
Portugal has 18 districts on the mainland: Aveiro, Beja, Braga, Bragança, Castelo Branco, Coimbra, Évora, Faro, Guarda, Leiria, Lisbon, Portalegre, Porto, Santarém, Setúbal, Viana do Castelo, Vila Real, and Viseu, plus the autonomous regions of Azores and Madeira.
Pre-Scheduled Appointments and Wait Times
The apostille service in Portugal requires a pre-scheduled appointment. In high-demand cities, such as Lisbon, wait times can extend to two months, complicating the process for those needing urgent apostille services.
However, our office can help reduce the waiting period. Contact us for more information.
Cost of Diploma Apostille in Portugal
The cost of diploma apostille in Portugal is fixed at €10.20 per document, regardless of the number of pages. Thus, a multi-page document is still counted as a single document, keeping the cost consistent.
Conclusion
The apostille of diploma in Portugal is a process that can demand considerable time and expenses, particularly for those living outside the country. For successful apostille completion, the following steps are required:
- Presentation of the original document;
- Verification of the signature and registration location;
- Identification of the correct region for apostille;
- Pre-scheduled appointment;
- Appearance at the designated location for service.
Apostille Assistance Service
Adriano Martins Pinheiro, a lawyer in Portugal, is available to facilitate the apostille process and ensure that your document is legally certified and ready for use.
