What exactly is a birth certificate?

A birth certificate is an official document that confirms a person’s birth. In Portugal, it’s an important document representing the civil registration of an individual as a Portuguese citizen. Fortunately, it’s now possible to apply for a Portuguese birth certificate online, making it easier and more efficient to receive

As it’s an important document, it can be required in official procedures and administrative procedures requiring proof of a person’s identity and existence, such as registering a marriage, applying for a passport, and gaining access to social security benefits. An example of a social security benefit that might be dependent on a birth certificate is receiving child benefits.

A birth certificate can also be necessary when engaging in some official transactions in Portugal. For instance, if you were born in Portugal but hold citizenship of a different country and want to apply for Portuguese nationality or a tax number (NIF), you’d have to present your birth certificate.

Meanwhile, non-citizens who were born in Portugal might need their Portuguese birth certificates for specific legal or administrative purposes such as claiming inheritance or applying for residence permits based on birthplace.

A Portuguese birth certificate includes the following essential elements: 

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Place of birth
• Book number
• Identification number of the national register (or registration number)
• Full names of both parents
• Date of birth and nationality of each parent

Can I use a Portuguese birth certificate abroad?

The recognition of your Portuguese birth certificate outside of Portugal depends on the destination and its specific requirements. Within the European Union, the certificate typically serves as sufficient identification for basic tasks.

For countries outside the EU, additional validation may be necessary.

Obtaining apostille and legalisation services from the Portuguese Ministry of Foreign Affairs can authenticate your certificate, making it acceptable for countries that are members of the Hague Convention.

For other nations, it is advisable to check their individual requirements, which may include translations or embassy legalization. If you need translation services, it’s best to ensure the company you work with provides certified translations. It is important to note that the international validity of your birth certificate may vary depending on the destination.

How can I replace a lost original birth certificate?

Whether you were born in Portugal or abroad, replacing a lost original birth certificate begins with determining which issuing entity you are to apply for. If you were born and still reside in Portugal, an online application with a Citizen Card is an option, or you can visit a civil registry office, Citizen Shop, or IRN Espaço Registos. If your birthplace is outside Portugal, contact the consulate general or embassy of that country for specific guidance.

Once you know where to apply, gathering the requested documents is crucial. Proof of identity such as a passport or ID, a completed application form, and sometimes a police report documenting the loss are common requirements. Depending on your circumstances, additional documents like proof of residency or citizenship might be necessary. With everything prepared, submit your application online (where available) or in person, paying any applicable processing fees. Finally, your replacement will arrive – a certified copy. This copy is a certified document that holds the same legal weight as your original birth certificate.

Is it possible to request a Portugal birth certificate online?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a Portugal birth certificate online. If you apply via our website, you will just need to fill out some simple personal information and contact details, and we will complete the process for you.

If you request a birth certificate online via the Civil Online website, you can log in through authentication with a digital mobile key or a Citizen Card and submit your application. If your application is approved, you’ll receive an access code that allows you to view the certificate. Note that the online birth certificate you receive this way will only be accessible for six months with the access code.

Where can you procure a birth certificate in Portugal?

In the past, obtaining a birth certificate required a physical visit to Portugal. However, now it is feasible to request a Portuguese birth certificate online, completely remotely.

There are companies that can handle applications for Portuguese birth certificates on your behalf. As a result, you can receive your birth certificate via email, in PDF format, without the need to be physically present in Portugal.

How much does it cost to obtain a Portuguese birth certificate online?

To apply for an online birth certificate, the fee is €10. In certain circumstances, such as adoption processes or legal support purposes, both online birth certificates and paper birth certificates are free.

If you apply for a Portuguese birth certificate through our website, we will take care of the entire process once you’ve provided your contact details as well as some basic information. The cost for this service is €99. For applications from EU countries, standard VAT rates are applicable.

Our service ensures that you will save time on the bureaucratic process, avoid time-consuming paperwork, and ensure that you don’t make mistakes or errors that could lead to delays or even a refusal of your birth certificate application.

How to request additional documents related to birth certificates

As well as a birth certificate, you may need additional documents such as a marriage certificate and a death certificate. These documents can be required for legal and administrative procedures.

How can I request a Portuguese marriage certificate?

You can apply for a Portuguese marriage certificate online through the Civil Online website or you can apply in person at a civil register, in a citizen’s shop, in a records space, or at a Portuguese consulate abroad. The online certificate is accessible for six months.

Paper marriage certificates issued for social security needs or family allowances are priced at €10, while those intended for other purposes incur a fee of €20 when obtained on paper. Alternatively, an online marriage certificate can be acquired for €10.

How can I request a Portuguese death certificate?

There are two different types of Portuguese death certificate. An online certificate can be requested online via Portugal’s justice portal. It costs €10, and it is permanently valid. A paper form may be requested in person at a citizen shop service desk, and it usually has no validity term.

For family allowance or social security purposes, the paper certificate costs €10; for other purposes, it costs €20. These charges can be waived if the certificate is used for adoption purposes, nationality purposes, legal support purposes, or in cases of economic hardship.