Last updated: 28 September 2026 · By Link in Portugal
Birth and marriage certificates, police certificates, degrees and similar documents from your country must be authenticated before Portuguese authorities (AIMA, registry offices, universities) accept them. For most countries, this is done with an apostille.
Apostille or legalisation?
Portugal is part of the Hague Apostille Convention. If your country is also a member, one apostille from your country’s competent authority is enough, and no embassy stamp is needed. If not, the document needs full legalisation: authentication in your country and then by the Portuguese embassy or consulate.
| Country | Apostille member? | Who issues it |
|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | Yes, since 9 March 2023 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), apostille.mofa.gov.pk |
| India | Yes, since 2005 | Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), through its authorised centres |
| Bangladesh | Yes, since 30 March 2025 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh |
| Nepal | No (at time of writing) | Legalisation: Nepal MOFA, then Portuguese embassy/consulate with jurisdiction |
Pakistan
- Documents are apostilled by MOFA. Many must first be verified by the issuing body (e.g. NADRA certificates, HEC for degrees, police for character certificates)
- The Portuguese embassy in Islamabad no longer legalises documents
- Check MOFA’s list of documents that can be apostilled
India
- Apostille by the MEA, after state-level or HRD attestation for some documents (e.g. degrees)
- Use only official or MEA-authorised service providers
Bangladesh
- Since March 2025, Bangladeshi documents can be apostilled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, instead of the old legalisation route
- Some documents need prior attestation by the issuing ministry
Translations
Documents not in Portuguese usually need a certified translation. In Portugal, translations can be certified by lawyers, solicitors, notaries or chambers of commerce. Some services accept English. Ask the authority first.
Want a professional to check your case?
For advice on your own situation, speak to a certified accountant (contabilista certificado), a lawyer, or the official service. Questions or corrections about this guide? Contact Link in Portugal.
Official sources
- HCCH / Wikipedia – Apostille Convention contracting states
- MOFA Pakistan – Apostille services
- MOFA Pakistan – Accession to the Apostille Convention
- Embassy of Portugal in Islamabad – Legalisation of documents
This guide is general information, checked against official sources on 28 September 2026. Rules and portals in Portugal change often, so confirm the current rules with the official source before you act. It is not legal advice.
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