Maryland apostille for Portugal
Moving, marrying, studying or doing business in Portugal? Your Maryland documents will need an apostille. Because Portugal belongs to the Hague Apostille Convention, that single certificate replaces embassy legalization.
What Portugal requires
Portugal has applied the Hague Apostille Convention since February 4, 1969, so its courts, ministries, universities and registries are used to receiving US documents with an apostille.
The official language of Portugal is Portuguese. If your document is in English, the office that receives it may ask for a certified translation. Translations are usually done after the apostille is attached, and some offices want the apostille translated too. Ask the receiving office what it requires.
The apostille confirms that the signature and seal on your document are genuine. It does not change what the document says, and the office in Portugal decides whether the document itself meets its rules, for example how recently it was issued.
How we get your apostille for Portugal
Order online
Fill in the order form. We confirm the price and send mailing instructions.
Send the original
Mail or drop off your certified copy or notarized document.
Court and state filing
Notarized documents go to the Circuit Court clerk first, then the Secretary of State issues the apostille.
Shipped back to you
Your apostilled document is shipped with tracking, anywhere in the world.
Documents we apostille for Portugal
Price for Portugal
| Document type | Per document |
|---|---|
| Maryland certified copy (vital, court, SDAT) | $50 |
| Notarized in Maryland | $50 + court fee |
| Federal document (FBI, FDA) | $57 |
Portugal apostille questions
Does Portugal accept apostilles from Maryland?
Yes. Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, so an apostille issued by the Maryland Secretary of State is recognized there.
Do I need to take my documents to the Portugal embassy?
No. The apostille replaces embassy or consular legalization for Portugal.
Do I need a translation for Portugal?
Often, yes, if the document is not in Portuguese. Translations are usually done after the apostille. Check with the office in Portugal that will receive the document.
How much does a Maryland apostille for Portugal cost?
$50 per document, including the $5 Maryland state fee, plus return shipping. Notarized documents also need a Circuit Court certification, billed at cost.