Sworn translator in Portugal (certified translation)

A lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association has notarial powers to certify the translation.

“Sworn translator” or “certified translation”?

In Portugal it is very common to use “certified translation”. The lawyer registered with the Portuguese Bar Association (OA) has notarial powers to certify the translation. This certification can be apostilled. With the apostille, the document can be used abroad. Therefore, there is no sworn translation or sworn translator in Portugal.

How is a certified translation made? Example

The client needs a criminal record certificate from Portugal, translated into English:

In this case, the lawyer:

a) arranges for the dispatch of the criminal record certificate;

b) makes the translation of said certificate;

c) certifies the translation; and

d) apostille the certification.

With these steps, the client will be ready to use the document abroad.

Similarly, it is common to certify the translation of the birth certificate, marriage certificate, death certificate, etc. The steps are the same.

Sending abroad

Once the translation has been certified and apostilled, the document must be sent abroad. Once you have the documents, you just need to calculate the weight and distance and get a quote from the courier company (we use DHL).

What is a sworn translator?

Even though Portugal does not have sworn translators, we will answer the question:

“Sworn translators” (tradutor juramentado) is a term used in Portuguese, particularly in Brazil and Portugal, to refer to a “sworn translator” in English. A sworn translator is a professional translator who is authorized and recognized by the government or a relevant authority to provide official and legally recognized translations of documents.

The term “juramentado” comes from the Latin word “juramentum,” which means oath. When a translator becomes “juramentado” or “sworn,” they take an oath before a competent authority, such as a court or a notary public, to faithfully and accurately translate documents from one language to another. This oath signifies their commitment to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and ethics in their translation work.

The services of a sworn translator are often required for the translation of legal documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic transcripts, contracts, and other official paperwork that needs to be presented to government agencies, courts, educational institutions, or other official entities.

The status of a “tradutor juramentado” varies from country to country, and the requirements for becoming one can also differ depending on the jurisdiction. However, in general, they are recognized as experts in their field and play a crucial role in facilitating communication across language barriers in legal and official matters.

Adriano Martins Pinheiro
Immigration lawyer in Portugal, with more than 12 years’ experience in the legal profession and consultant on visas and residence permit.

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