Fast, Secure, and Legally Recognized Notarial Support in Portugal

Access to reliable notary services in Lisbon is essential for individuals, expatriates, and businesses who must authenticate documents, certify translations, recognize signatures, or formalize legal acts under Portuguese law. Whether the need arises from immigration, real estate transactions, corporate formation, inheritance matters, or international documentation, notarial acts provide the legal certainty and evidentiary value required by public authorities and private institutions.

Portuguese legislation—particularly Decree-Law no. 76-A/2006 of 29 March—authorizes lawyers to perform a wide range of notarial acts. This allows clients to obtain legally valid notary services directly through a law office in Lisbon, combining legal advice with formal authentication in a single, efficient process.

Our practice offers comprehensive notary services in Lisbon, including online notary solutions, certified translations, apostille processing, and real estate notarization, with dedicated support for English-speaking international clients.

Clara De Costa, Lawyer admitted to the Portuguese Bar Association:
“Notarial acts are more than formalities. Proper authentication protects legal rights, prevents disputes, and ensures documents are accepted in Portugal and abroad.”

What Are Notary Services in Portugal?

Notary services involve the legal authentication, certification, and formalization of documents and signatures so they can be relied upon in administrative, judicial, or international contexts. In Portugal, authorized lawyers may perform many traditional notarial functions, ensuring that documents:

• Reflect the true identity and intent of the parties
• Comply with Portuguese legal requirements
• Are legally enforceable before public and private entities
• Can be recognized internationally when accompanied by apostille or legalization

Because errors in notarization can lead to rejection, delay, or legal invalidity, professional handling is essential.

Core Notary Services Available in Lisbon

Our Lisbon notary services cover the most frequently required legal authentications for residents, expatriates, and companies.

Recognition of Signature in Lisbon

Signature recognition confirms that a document was signed by the identified person, either:

• In person before the lawyer
• By similarity comparison with an existing signature
• With special legal mention where required

This service is commonly used for:

• Powers of attorney
• Real estate documents
• Commercial agreements
• Immigration or residency paperwork

Proper recognition ensures the document is legally binding and accepted by authorities.

Certification of Copies and Documents

Certified copies verify that a duplicate document is identical to the original, allowing the original to remain secure.
This is frequently required for:

• Passports and identification
• Academic diplomas
• Corporate records
• Legal contracts

Certification provides official evidentiary value in Portugal and abroad.

Notarized Translations in Lisbon

Many legal and administrative procedures require documents translated and formally certified.
Our notarized translation services include:

• Civil certificates (birth, marriage, death)
• Court decisions and legal contracts
• Diplomas and academic transcripts
• Identification documents and driving licences
• Financial and insurance records

Translations are performed by qualified sworn translators and certified for official acceptance.

Apostille and International Document Authentication

Documents intended for use outside Portugal often require apostille certification under the Hague Convention or embassy legalization for non-member countries.
We coordinate:

• Verification of the correct authentication method
• Apostille issuance in Portugal
• Consular legalization where necessary

This ensures documents are valid internationally without delay.

Online Notary Services in Lisbon

Modern legal practice increasingly requires remote and digital solutions, especially for expatriates and international clients who cannot attend appointments in person.

Our online notary services in Lisbon allow clients to:

• Schedule remote consultations
• Prepare documents digitally
• Complete certain authentication procedures efficiently
• Receive certified copies and translations by courier or secure email

Online accessibility provides speed, convenience, and continuity, particularly for cross-border matters.

Clara De Costa:
“Remote notary solutions are transforming access to legal services, especially for clients managing Portuguese matters from abroad.”

Specialized Notarial Acts for Expats, Businesses, and Families

Beyond standard authentication, we assist with complex notarial procedures requiring legal oversight.

Company Formation and Corporate Acts

Notarial support is often necessary for:

• Incorporation of companies
• Amendments to bylaws
• Mergers, transformations, or dissolution
• Corporate agreements and shareholder acts

Accurate notarization ensures commercial validity and registry acceptance.

Real Estate Notary Services in Lisbon

Property transactions in Portugal frequently involve formal notarization, including:

• Purchase and sale documentation
• Property transfers
• Mortgage-related acts
• Powers of attorney for real estate

Reliable notarial handling protects against future ownership disputes or registry issues.

Marriage, Family, and Inheritance Documentation

Notarial services are also essential for:

• Marriage-related documentation
• Wills and inheritance matters
• Family agreements and authorizations

These acts require strict legal formality to ensure enforceability.

Certified Translation Services in Lisbon

Legal Accuracy for International Use

Certified translations play a crucial role in immigration, academic recognition, court proceedings, and international transactions.
Our Lisbon translation services provide:

• Legally compliant sworn translations
• Linguistic accuracy with legal context
• Acceptance by Portuguese and foreign authorities
• Fast and cost-effective turnaround

Because mistranslation can create serious legal consequences, professional certification is indispensable.

Why Choose Our Notary Services in Lisbon?

Clients seeking an English-speaking notary in Lisbon benefit from:

• Clear bilingual legal communication
• Central Lisbon accessibility
• Online appointment availability
• Experience with expatriates and international documentation
• Efficient coordination of notarization, translation, and apostille
• Confidential and professional legal handling

This integrated approach simplifies complex administrative and legal procedures.

Legal Validity of Lawyer-Performed Notarial Acts in Portugal

Under Portuguese law, lawyers authorized by Decree-Law 76-A/2006 may perform many traditional notarial acts.
This provides clients with:

• One-stop legal and notarial service
• Faster processing compared to separate institutions
• Immediate legal advice alongside authentication
• Full compliance with Portuguese regulations

Such integration improves efficiency, accuracy, and legal certainty.

About Clara De Costa

Notary and Legal Support in Lisbon

Clara De Costa is a lawyer admitted to the Portuguese Bar Association with experience assisting:

• Expatriates relocating to Portugal
• International investors and entrepreneurs
• Families handling inheritance or civil documentation
• Individuals requiring certified translations and notarization

Her work combines legal advisory services with authorized notarial acts, ensuring documents are valid, enforceable, and internationally recognized.

Clients benefit from:

• Bilingual Portuguese-English communication
• Structured legal guidance
• Confidential and efficient processing
• Secure national and international document handling

Request Notary Services in Lisbon

You may require notary services in Lisbon if you need to:

• Recognize a signature or certify documents
• Translate and notarize legal records
• Obtain apostille for international use
• Formalize a real estate or corporate act
• Prepare documentation for immigration or residency

Professional assistance ensures your documents are legally valid, properly authenticated, and accepted without delay.

Confidential consultations and online appointments are available upon request.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is notarization required in Portugal?

Notarization is required whenever a document must be legally authenticated for administrative, judicial, real estate, corporate, or international purposes.

Can notarization be completed online?

Certain preparatory steps and consultations can be handled remotely, improving efficiency for international clients.

Are certified translations legally valid?

Yes. Certified translations performed by qualified professionals are accepted by courts, authorities, and institutions.

Do documents for use abroad require apostille?

In most cases, yes. Apostille or embassy legalization confirms international legal recognition.

Can English-speaking clients access notary services in Lisbon?

Yes. Services are available in Portuguese and English, ensuring clear communication for expatriates.