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Table of contents

What is a criminal record check?
Who needs a criminal record for visas?
How far back does the Portugal immigration background check go?
Can I move to Portugal if I have a criminal record?
Who can request a CRC?
What documents are needed for a criminal record?
How can you request a criminal record certificate of an individual?
How do I get my criminal record in Portugal?
What is the price to request a criminal record certificate?
How long does it take to get a criminal record?
When can you consult the criminal record certificate?
What is the best site to check criminal records?
Do we need to translate the no criminal record certificate?
Can foreigners apply for a Portuguese criminal record?
Types of Portugal criminal record certificates
Start your application now

Portugal

Criminal

07/01/2026

How to Obtain a Portugal Criminal Record Certificate Online

Looking to request a Portugal criminal record certificate? Whether you need a criminal record check for a visa application, employment, or residency process, you can now apply online through the Ministry of Justice portal. No need to visit a police department or consulate in person—the entire process can be completed in just a few business days.

In this step-by-step guide, we'll explain how to obtain a criminal record certificate in Portugal online, what documents are required, the procedures involved, and provide tips to help you along the way.

Whether you're a resident, a foreigner, or an American seeking to request a Portuguese criminal record from abroad, this guide will provide you with the information you need to get started.

What is a criminal record check?

A Portugal criminal record certificate (Certificado de Registo Criminal, or CRC) is an official document that provides police clearance and shows whether an individual has any criminal convictions registered in Portugal.

Also known as a background check or conduct certificate, it is issued by the Ministry of Justice through the Identification and Civil Registry Services (IRN). This certificate serves as proof of identity and criminal history—or lack thereof—in the country.

The Portugal criminal record is an essential document for establishing a person's legal background and trustworthiness.

It is required for a variety of purposes, including:

Visa applications (golden visa, D7 visa, and other residence permits)
Employment applications (background checks for jobs)
Obtaining Portuguese citizenship or nationality
Adoption procedures
Professional licensing requirements
Residency applications

Both residents and foreigners, including foreign nationals and citizens from other countries, may need to apply for this certificate.

Who needs a criminal record for visas?

Criminal records are required for most Portuguese visas for moving to Portugal. If you're thinking about moving to Portugal, you will likely need this document. This includes:

Golden visa applicants and investors
D7 visa applicants (passive income visa)
Foreigners applying for residence permits
Foreign nationals seeking Portuguese nationality
Citizens applying for citizenship through naturalization

A clean criminal record is typically a requirement for visa approval. The certificate must show that the individual has no criminal convictions or that any past convictions do not disqualify them from the application.

How far back does the Portugal immigration background check go?

The Portugal immigration background check typically covers your entire criminal history. There is no specific time limit—all convictions registered in your country of origin and in Portugal may be considered.

However, certain convictions may be "spent" or removed from your record depending on:

The nature of the offense
The sentence received
The time elapsed since the conviction
Portuguese rehabilitation laws

For immigration purposes, authorities generally focus on serious offenses such as violent crimes, fraud, or drug-related convictions. Minor offenses from many years ago may not affect your application, but this is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

Can I move to Portugal if I have a criminal record?

This is a common question, especially among Americans and other foreigners who have gone through the process with something on their record.

The short answer: It depends on the nature and severity of the conviction.

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from obtaining residency in Portugal. The immigration authorities will consider:

Type of offense: Serious crimes (violence, drug trafficking, fraud) are more likely to result in denial
When it occurred: Older convictions may carry less weight
Sentence served: Whether you completed your sentence and any rehabilitation
Your overall profile: Employment, family ties, financial stability

Has anyone here, especially other Americans, gone through the process with something on their record?

Yes, many individuals with minor offenses have successfully obtained Portuguese visas and residency. It's recommended to:

Be transparent in your application
Provide documentation showing rehabilitation
Consider consulting an immigration lawyer
Prepare a personal statement explaining the circumstances

Who can request a CRC?

The following individuals can request a Criminal Record Certificate (CRC):

The individual themselves: Any person can request their own criminal record
Legal representatives: Lawyers acting on behalf of a client
Employers: For specific job positions (with the individual's consent)
Government agencies: For administrative or judicial purposes
Parents or guardians: For minors under their care

Who can apply for a Portugal criminal record through your service?

Through AnchorLess, the following individuals can apply:

Portuguese citizens living abroad
Foreign nationals who have resided in Portugal
Anyone needing a Portuguese criminal record for visa, employment, or legal purposes
Individuals who cannot travel to Portugal in person

What documents are needed for a criminal record?

To apply for a Portugal criminal record certificate, you will need the following documents:

Proof of identity: Valid passport, citizen card, or ID document
Proof of address: Recent utility bill or official document showing where you resided
Application form: Completed online or submitted to the police department
Attestation: In some cases, an attestation or declaration of purpose
Access code: If using the Portuguese government portal

The documents required may vary depending on whether the certificate is requested by a resident, foreigner, or through a lawyer acting on behalf of an individual.

How can you request a criminal record certificate of an individual?

Where to request and what are the procedures?

There are several ways to request a Portugal criminal record certificate:

1. Online through the Ministry of Justice portal

Visit the official IRN website
Create an account or use your access code
Fill out the application form
Pay the fee online
Receive the certificate by email

2. In person at a Citizen Shop (Loja do Cidadão)

Visit your nearest Citizen Shop or Civil Registry Office
Bring proof of identity
Fill out the form and pay the fee
Receive the certificate on the same day

3. Through the Consulate

Portuguese citizens abroad can request through the Consulate General of Portugal (e.g., Consulate General of Portugal in Toronto)
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs provides this service
Select your language and follow the consulate's procedures

4. Through AnchorLess service

Click on the green button below
Enter your personal details
Submit required documents
Pay the fee
Receive the certificate by email

How do I get my criminal record in Portugal?

To obtain a Portugal criminal record certificate online, follow these steps:

Click on the green button below to start your application now
Enter your personal details (name, date of birth, identification number)
Provide any additional information required (e.g., purpose of the certificate)
Submit the required documents
Pay the fee for the certificate using a credit or debit card
Wait for the certificate to be issued and received by email

Most certificates are processed within 1-3 business days. Here's what you'll receive: an official digital certificate that can be used for visa applications, employment, and legal purposes.

What is the price to request a criminal record certificate?

The cost of a Portugal criminal record certificate varies depending on the method and purpose:

Type of Request	Price (approx.)
Standard online request	€5 - €10
In-person at Citizen Shop	€5 - €10
Through consulate	€10 - €20
With apostille/legalization	€20 - €50
Through AnchorLess service	Varies by service

Prices may vary. The fee is typically paid by credit or debit card for online requests.

How long does it take to get a criminal record?

The processing time depends on the method of request:

Online request: Usually 24–48 hours, certificate issued and received by email
In-person at IRN or Citizen Shop: Same day in most cases
Through consulate: 5-10 business days
With apostille/legalization: Typically 3 to 10 business days

Most certificates are processed within 1-3 business days when requested online.

When can you consult the criminal record certificate?

You can consult (view) your criminal record certificate:

Immediately after issuance: Once the certificate is issued, you can download and view it
Online: Through the Ministry of Justice portal using your access code
By email: The digital certificate is sent directly to your email address

What is the deadline to consult the criminal record certificate?

The certificate remains available for consultation:

Digital certificates: Can be downloaded multiple times within 6 months of issuance
Physical certificates: No consultation deadline, but validity may be limited for official use

What is the price to consult the criminal record certificate?

Consulting (viewing) your own criminal record certificate is typically free once you have paid for the initial request. You can download the document multiple times at no additional cost.

What is the best site to check criminal records?

For official Portugal criminal records, the best and most reliable sources are:

Official IRN Portal (registo.justica.gov.pt) - The government's official site
ePortugal - The Portuguese government's digital services portal
AnchorLess - For assisted applications, especially for foreigners

Avoid unofficial third-party sites that claim to provide criminal records. Always use official government portals or trusted services like AnchorLess.

Do we need to translate the no criminal record certificate?

Whether you need a translation depends on where you will use the certificate:

Within Portugal or the EU:

Generally, no translation is needed
The certificate is issued in Portuguese and recognized across EU countries

Outside the EU (international use):

You may need a certified translation into the language of the destination country
An apostille may also be required for the document to be recognized internationally

For visa applications:

Check the specific requirements of the embassy or consulate
Some countries require both translation and apostille

AnchorLess can assist with apostille and translation services if needed.

Can foreigners apply for a Portuguese criminal record?

Yes, foreign nationals can apply for a Portugal criminal record certificate. The process is similar for both residents and foreigners:

Foreign nationals who have resided in Portugal can request a certificate showing their criminal history in the country
Citizens of other countries may need this certificate for immigration or visa purposes
Foreigners can apply online or through a lawyer

The certificate will only show criminal convictions registered in Portugal. For international use, you may need to request an apostille or legalization.

Types of Portugal criminal record certificates

Portugal offers different formats of criminal record certificates depending on the purpose of use:

1. Standard Criminal Record Certificate (Certificado de Registo Criminal)

The most common type, showing any criminal convictions registered in Portugal. Used for employment, visa applications, and general administrative purposes.

2. Criminal Record for Specific Purposes

A certificate issued for a particular use, such as:

Working with minors (required for educators, coaches, childcare workers)
Adoption procedures
Professional licensing (lawyers, doctors, security personnel)

3. Certified / Legalized Certificate

A criminal record certificate with apostille or official legalization, required for international use, such as immigration procedures outside the EU or foreign employment.

Start your application now

Ready to obtain your Portugal criminal record certificate? Most certificates are processed within 1-3 business days.

What you'll receive:

Official digital certificate
Valid for visa, employment, and legal purposes
Delivered directly to your email

Whether you're in Portugal or anywhere in the world—from Western Sahara to Zimbabwe, from Wallis and Futuna to the Åland Islands—you can apply online. When do you want to move to Portugal? Start your application today.

Key Takeaways

Every part of getting your Portugal criminal record can be done online through the Ministry of Justice portal or through AnchorLess. You don't have to request it physically or even be in Portugal to apply.

Whether you're a resident of Portugal, a foreigner, an American, or any foreign national seeking to obtain a Portuguese criminal record certificate from abroad, this guide provides the steps, procedures, and requirements you need to get started.

Don't forget to take advantage of the tips and resources provided here at AnchorLess to ensure a smooth and successful online application process.

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