Ministerial Order (Portaria) No. 452/2026/1 of 12 October introduces new rules governing the issuance and verification of apostilles by notaries in Portugal, establishing a framework for the use of an electronic platform managed by the Portuguese Notaries Association (Ordem dos Notários).
The new framework aims to simplify the authentication of Portuguese public documents intended for use abroad, while promoting the digitalisation of notarial procedures and strengthening security and verification mechanisms.
An apostille is a certification that confirms the authenticity of the signature on a public document, the capacity in which the signatory acted and, where applicable, the authenticity of the seal or stamp affixed to the document.
Under the 1961 Hague Convention, apostilles facilitate the international use of public documents between participating countries, eliminating the need for additional diplomatic or consular legalisation in cases covered by the Convention.
This mechanism is particularly relevant for individuals and businesses that need to present Portuguese public documents abroad, including certificates, notarial documents and other official records.
The Ministerial Order introduces several developments designed to make the apostille process more accessible, efficient and secure.
Under the new framework, apostilles may be requested either in person, at any notary office, or electronically through the Portuguese Notaries Association’s website.
This provides individuals and businesses with greater flexibility when requesting the authentication of documents intended for international use.
The new rules allow apostilles to be issued in both physical and electronic formats.
They also provide for the possibility of converting paper documents into digital format for the purpose of issuing an electronic apostille.
This represents an important development in the digitalisation of notarial services, potentially reducing administrative procedures and facilitating the management of documents across jurisdictions.
Each apostille will include a QR code and an alphanumeric code, allowing its authenticity to be verified electronically.
These verification mechanisms are intended to facilitate the confirmation of apostilles by the individuals, organisations and authorities receiving the documents.
By enabling online verification, the new system also aims to strengthen confidence in the authenticity and integrity of documents used internationally.
The electronic platform managed by the Portuguese Notaries Association will maintain a register of issued apostilles.
The system will be subject to specific requirements concerning:
These measures are designed to ensure the reliability of the certification process and reinforce the security of electronically issued apostilles.
Ministerial Order No. 452/2026/1 enters into force on the day following its publication.
However, the new framework will take effect from 1 January 2027.
Individuals, businesses and professionals who regularly require apostilles for documents intended for use abroad should therefore take these changes into account when preparing their documentation.
The introduction of electronic applications, digital apostilles and online authenticity verification represents a further step towards the modernisation of notarial services in Portugal.
For individuals, the new framework may simplify procedures involving Portuguese public documents that need to be presented to foreign authorities.
For businesses, it may facilitate the authentication and international circulation of corporate and other official documents, particularly in cross-border transactions and administrative procedures.
The creation of an electronic register and the introduction of additional verification mechanisms are also expected to contribute to greater transparency, efficiency and legal certainty.
The changes introduced by Ministerial Order No. 452/2026/1 reflect Portugal’s continued efforts to modernise administrative and notarial procedures through digital solutions.
By allowing apostilles to be requested electronically, issued in digital format and verified online, the new framework has the potential to reduce administrative burdens and simplify the use of Portuguese public documents abroad.
At the same time, the introduction of specific security, auditing and data protection requirements reinforces the reliability of the certification process.
EDGE International Lawyers advises individuals and businesses on Portuguese legal and administrative procedures, including matters involving the authentication and international use of documents.
For further information or legal assistance, contact EDGE International Lawyers.
