Apostilled documents in Florence for use in Portugal

Florence apostille for Portugal — recognized under the Hague Convention since 1969, issued by the Prefettura with most documents requiring an official fee.

Florence → Portugal

Hague Members

Destination Portugal

Destination status Hague Convention member

Issued by Prefettura (Prefecture)

Standard turnaround 2–10 business days (varies by Prefettura)

Information validated 30 July 2026

Complete Guide

Apostille from Florence for use in Portugal

How to get your Italian documents certified with a Florence apostille for official use in Portugal.

In this guide

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Portugal
Portugal's Hague status & what it means
The Florence → Portugal route step by step
Cost & timing for this route
Destination-specific requirements

Apostille vs. Embassy legalisation for Portugal

If you need to use an Italian document in Portugal, the apostille from Italy to Portugal is the right path. This certificate proves the document is genuine under the Hague Apostille Convention. Since both countries follow this treaty, you do not need the longer embassy legalisation route. The apostille alone makes your paper valid in Portugal.

The Florence apostille Portugal needs comes from the Prefettura, the local government office. They check your document and attach the apostille certificate. This stamp is the only thing required for Portugal. You will not have to visit the Portuguese consulate or get more stamps after the apostille is done.

Portugal's Hague status & what it means

Portugal joined the Hague Apostille Convention in 1969. This long membership matters for your document legalisation for Portugal. The rules are stable and well understood by officials there. When your paper has the apostille, any office in Portugal must accept it as fully legal.

Because of this status, the apostille for Portugal works the same whether you use it in Lisbon, Porto, or Faro. The courts, schools, and government desks all recognise the apostille stamp. You do not need to check with local offices first, as the rules apply across the whole country.

The Florence → Portugal route step by step

First, gather your original Italian document and a valid ID. The apostille requirements for Portugal are the same as for other Hague countries. Make sure your name matches exactly on both papers. If any details differ, sort that out before you go to the Prefettura.

Take your papers to the Prefettura in Florence. The clerk will check them and ask you to buy a €16 tax stamp for each document. Some papers like court orders might be exempt from this fee. The office attaches the stamp and puts the apostille right on your document or a tied-on page.

Cost & timing for this route

The official fee is €16 per document unless your paper is exempt. The Prefettura does not charge extra for the apostille itself. You pay only for the tax stamp at a tobacconist before your visit. Bring exact change to make the stamp purchase quick and easy.

Most apostilles are ready the same day if you go in person. The office will tell you if they need more time to check something. There is no standard wait, so plan to be there when they open. If you mail your papers, it takes much longer – often weeks.

Destination-specific requirements

Portuguese offices want the apostille and a fresh copy of your ID. They might ask for a sworn translation if your document is in Italian. The translator must be approved by the Portuguese consulate. Ask the office in Portugal if they need the translation before you order it.

Some places in Portugal want to see the original apostilled document plus two copies. The copies must be clear and complete. The receiving desk will stamp your copies and give them back to you. Keep the original apostilled paper safe, as getting a new one means starting over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Florence → Portugal apostille FAQ

How do I get a Florence apostille for Portugal?

The Prefettura in Florence issues apostilles for documents that will be used in Portugal. You bring the original paper and a valid ID to their office in person. The official fee for an apostille is €16, though some documents like court papers are exempt. Most applicants get the stamp the same day if they arrive early and have all their papers ready. After the apostille, your document is immediately valid for use in Portugal because both countries are Hague members.

What papers can get an apostille for use in Portugal?

Public documents like birth certificates, marriage records, and court orders from Florence can receive an apostille for Portugal. The office also accepts police clearance certificates and university diplomas that bear an official signature. If your paper comes from a public body in Italy, it likely qualifies. Private documents such as company contracts first need a notary stamp before the Prefettura will add the apostille. Check with the office if you are unsure about your specific case.

How long is an Italian apostille valid in Portugal?

The apostille itself does not expire once it is properly attached to your document. Portuguese authorities will accept it regardless of when you obtained the stamp. The underlying document, like a police check or medical report, may have its own time limits set by the receiving office in Portugal. Always confirm the acceptance period with the agency that will review your file. For vital records, the apostille remains valid for the life of the document.

Do I need to translate my apostilled document for Portugal?

Portuguese law requires all foreign documents to be in Portuguese or accompanied by a certified translation. After getting the apostille in Florence, have the entire document bundle translated by an official translator. The translator must swear the accuracy of their work before a court in Italy, a step called asseverazione. Some offices in Portugal also accept translations done by certified professionals in Portugal. Check with the specific authority that will receive your papers to confirm their rules.

Can I send someone else to get the apostille for me?

Yes, another person can take your document to the Prefettura in Florence on your behalf. They must bring a signed letter of authorization from you, a copy of your ID, and their own valid photo ID. The office keeps the authorization letter with your file. The person you choose should be prepared to answer basic questions about the document if asked. This service is helpful if you cannot travel to Florence in person.

How It Works

Four steps to your Portugal-ready apostille

No office visits, no queues. The entire process is handled remotely and you track every step in real time.

Prepare your document

Obtain the original document (or a certified copy) you need to use abroad, and check whether it must be notarised first.

Confirm the requirements

Verify the document is eligible for an apostille and is not exempt under EU rules for use inside the EU/EEA.

Submit to the Prefettura

The apostille is issued by the Prefettura, the competent authority. The government fee is €16 / document (tax stamp); some documents exempt.

Receive your apostille

The authority attaches the apostille certificate, making the document valid abroad with no further embassy legalisation.

Where to go

Where to get your apostille in Florence

Documents issued in Florence are apostilled at these offices before use in Portugal. The apostille is the final certification — no embassy step is needed. Bring the original (or a certified copy) and check current appointment rules.

Prefettura di Firenze – Ufficio Legalizzazioni

Administrative & civil documents

Via Cavour 1, 50129 Firenze

Directions →

Procura della Repubblica presso il Tribunale di Firenze

Judicial documents & notarial acts

Viale Alessandro Guidoni 61, 50127 Firenze

Directions →

Document Types