Sworn translation for Portuguese citizenship: what you need to know
- aline4793
- Aug 18
- 3 min read
The pursuit of dual Portuguese citizenship has become increasingly common among Brazilians. There are many reasons for this: family ties, academic opportunities, the possibility of legal residence and work in the European Union, among others. However, to ensure that the entire process is valid and accepted by the Portuguese authorities, it is essential to understand one crucial point: the sworn translation of the documents required.
In this article, we will explain what Portuguese citizenship is, how the process works for Brazilians, the role of sworn translation in this journey, and what to do to avoid mistakes that could delay (or even prevent) you from obtaining your European nationality.
What is dual citizenship?
Dual citizenship (or multiple citizenship) is the legal recognition of an individual as a citizen of two countries at the same time. In the case of Brazil and Portugal, this possibility is fully accepted by both nations, allowing the applicant to enjoy the rights and duties in both countries, such as voting, working, studying, purchasing real estate, and moving more easily across borders.
How does the Portuguese citizenship process work for Brazilians?
The process of granting Portuguese citizenship to Brazilians can take place in several ways, but the most common include:
Direct descent (Portuguese parents, grandparents, or great-grandparents);
Marriage or stable union with a Portuguese citizen;
Extended legal residence in Portugal;
Adoption or naturalization in specific cases.
In all these cases, the applicant must submit a series of valid Brazilian documents, such as birth, marriage, death, and criminal record certificates. And this is where the importance of sworn translation comes in.
Why is sworn translation essential in this process?
A sworn translation is the official version of a foreign document, translated by a qualified professional registered with the Board of Trade in their state. This type of translation gives the translated document public faith, making it legally valid in international bodies, such as Portuguese Consulates and the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN).
Important to remember: no simple translations or translations done by apps will be accepted for citizenship purposes. The requirement is clear: all Brazilian documents presented in Portugal must be accompanied by a sworn translation.
In addition, the documents must be up to date and duly apostilled by the Hague Convention, which certifies their international authenticity.
Important tips to avoid problems
✅ Organize your documents in advance – Make sure they are legible, up to date, and that the names are consistent across records.
✅ Check the criteria of the responsible consulate – Each Portuguese consulate may have specific requirements regarding documents and deadlines.
✅ Invest in specialized translators – Translating documents for citizenship purposes requires technical knowledge, terminological consistency, and attention to detail.
✅ Pay attention to the order of apostille – First apostille the original document and only then do the sworn translation based on the apostilled version.
✅ Avoid rework – Simple errors in dates, spellings, or omissions in the translation can cause your process to be returned, leading to delays and additional costs.
How can Goal Translations help?
At Goal Translations, you will find sworn translators with extensive experience in Portuguese citizenship processes, ready to deliver quality, speed, and security. Our team keeps up with consular updates and ensures that your translations comply with the latest criteria required by Portuguese authorities.
In addition, we offer personalized guidance, optimized deadlines for those with urgent needs, and follow-up from the moment the documents are sent until the process is completed.
📩 Contact us and ensure an error-free, rework-free, hassle-free translation.
WhatsApp: (11) 95066-7175
Phone: (11) 2154-7964
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