Signature Certification
First Legal Portugal provides professional services for the certification of signatures on documents (Reconhecimento de Assinatura) in Portugal. We assist both individuals and business clients, ensuring the prompt processing of documents in accordance with Portuguese law and the requirements of the receiving authorities.
Thanks to our many years of experience working with Portuguese government agencies, notaries, lawyers, banks, and immigration services, we help clients avoid common mistakes, save time, and obtain a properly formatted document on the first try.
Our specialists not only arrange for the signature to be certified by an experienced Portuguese lawyer but also provide advice or recommendations regarding the document’s format and, if necessary, assist with drafting the text, translation, apostille, and other related services.
* The initial service cost does not include the preparation and translation of the applicant’s documents whose signatures are to be certified.
List of documents for which Reconhecimento de Assinatura is most frequently required
Signature certification is most often requested for*:
- Preliminary real estate purchase and sale agreement(Contrato-promessa de compra e venda de imóvel (CPCV));
- Applications and documents for registries (Conservatória do Registo Predial; Conservatória do Registo Comercial; IRN);
- Documents for banks (powers of attorney, account instructions, etc.);
- Documents (applications and certificates) required for immigration cases;
- Documents for use abroad (in most cases, apostille certification of such documents is also required).
*This list is indicative, as the requirement for signature certification is not always mandated by law but often depends on the internal rules of the receiving institution or agreements between the parties.
The specialists at First Legal Portugal will be happy to advise you on the necessity of certifying a signature on a particular document and explain the procedure for each specific case.
First Legal Portugal also provides services related to apostille certification in Portugal, obtaining a loan in Portugal, and preparing documents for obtaining D2, D3, D4, and other visas.
FAQs
What is a Signature Certification (Reconhecimento de Assinatura)?
Signature Certification is a legal process in which a Portuguese lawyer or other authorised authority verifies that a signature on a document belongs to a specific individual. This enhances the document’s legal reliability and is often required by public authorities, banks, registries, and private institutions.
When is Signature Certification required?
Signature Certification is commonly required for:
- Powers of Attorney;
- Preliminary Real Estate Purchase and Sale Agreements (CPCV);
- Documents submitted to Portuguese registries (IRN, Land Registry, Commercial Registry);
- Banking documents and account instructions;
- Immigration and visa-related documents;
- Documents intended for use abroad;
- Commercial and corporate documents.
This requirement may result from Portuguese law, institutional policies, or contractual agreements.
Do I need to appear in person?
The individual must usually sign the document in the lawyer’s presence or competent institution.
Requirements vary based on the type of certification and the document involved.
What documents do I need to provide?
Typically, you will need:
- A valid passport or national ID card;
- The document to be signed or certified;
- Any supporting documentation relevant to the transaction.
Additional documents may be needed depending on the purpose of certification.
Can you prepare the document for me?
Yes. First Legal Portugal can assist with the following:
- Drafting powers of attorney;
- Preparing declarations and agreements;
- Reviewing existing documents;
- Translating documents;
- Advising on legal requirements before certification.
Can a document be certified if it is written in a foreign language?
Yes. However, some authorities may require a certified translation. We can assist with both translation and certification.
What is the difference between Signature Certification and Apostille?
Signature Certification confirms the authenticity of a signature.
An Apostille certifies the authenticity of the lawyer’s, notary’s, or public official’s certification for international use under the Hague Apostille Convention.
Many documents for use abroad require both signature certification and apostille.
Can you arrange Apostille certification after the signature is certified?
Yes. First Legal Portugal can manage the entire process, including the following:
- Signature Certification;
- Certified Translation;
- Apostille Certification;
- Delivery of the completed documents.
How long does the process take?
Standard processing begins at 3 business day.
Complex matters, translations, or apostille certification may take longer.
How much does Signature Certification cost?
The service starts at EUR 50.
The final cost depends on:
- The number of documents;
- The complexity of the matter;
- Whether drafting, translation, apostille, or other services are required.
Can I use the certified document outside Portugal?
Yes. If the destination country accepts Portuguese legal documents, the certified document can generally be used abroad. Apostille certification or legalisation is often also required.
Do you provide services for foreign clients?
Yes. We regularly assist foreign nationals, expatriates, investors, business owners, and international clients who need Portuguese legal documents or certifications.
How do I start the process?
Contact First Legal Portugal and provide the following:
- A copy of your identification document;
- The document requiring certification (if available);
- Information about the purpose and destination country.
Our team will advise you on the most efficient and appropriate procedure.
