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IntegramericaApostille · Legalization
Country guide

Documents for Procedures in Portugal

Core guide · Updated August 2026

Documents prepared for a procedure in Portugal
Illustrative image; does not represent an official document.

Portugal is one of the destinations we help clients prepare documents for most often, especially people moving there on a D7 visa or working remotely on a digital nomad visa. Beyond our two Portugal-specific guides for those visas, this page also links to our general guides on FBI background checks and birth certificates, which apply to Portugal-bound documents too, even though they weren't written exclusively for Portugal. Use them alongside the visa guides to put together your full document set.

D7 visa for retirees and passive-income holders

The D7 visa is the most common route for retirees and people living on pensions, rental income, or other passive income who want to settle in Portugal. Our guide walks through what the consulate typically asks for and how to prepare each document.

Digital nomad visa (category D8)

People working remotely for an employer or clients outside Portugal often apply for the digital nomad visa, which comes in two variants depending on how long you plan to stay. Our guide explains which one fits your case and what documents you'll need.

FBI background checks and birth certificates

We don't yet have a Portugal-specific guide for background checks or birth certificates: our general guides for these documents apply regardless of destination country, including Portugal. Use them to understand the apostille process for each.

Translation and apostille rules

Portugal is a Hague Convention member, so most U.S. documents are authenticated with an apostille rather than consular legalization. The receiving Portuguese authority frequently also requires an official Portuguese translation.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Have more questions about your specific procedure? Write to us and we'll review it with you.

Is Portugal part of the Hague Apostille Convention?+
Yes. Portugal is a member of the 1961 Hague Convention, so U.S. documents headed to Portugal are generally authenticated with an apostille rather than consular legalization.
What's the difference between the documents needed for the D7 visa and the digital nomad visa?+
The D7 visa is designed for people living on pensions, rental income, or other passive income, while the digital nomad visa (category D8) is designed for people working remotely for an employer or clients outside Portugal. Both commonly require a criminal background check and proof of income, but the specific documents and thresholds vary by category and consulate.
Do I need to translate my documents for Portugal?+
Often, yes. The receiving Portuguese authority commonly requires an official Portuguese translation in addition to the apostille. Confirm the exact requirement before proceeding.
Can I use the same apostille for more than one procedure in Portugal?+
No. Each apostille certifies a specific document for a specific use. If you need the document for more than one procedure, you generally need separate copies and apostilles.
Does my FBI background check need to be recent for a Portugal procedure?+
Generally, yes. Criminal background checks usually have a shorter validity window than other documents, and the relevant Portuguese authority or consulate sets the exact window they accept. Check the current requirements list before requesting the document.

Notice

Informational content. Integramerica is not a law firm and does not provide legal or immigration advice. Requirements and final acceptance depend on the receiving authority in Portugal.

Contact

Need to prepare documents for Portugal?

Tell us what document you have and what procedure you need it for in Portugal. We'll review your case and let you know the applicable authentication route.

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