Get Birth Certificates in Portugal

A birth certificate (assento de nascimento or certidão de nascimento) in Portugal is an essential civil document required for obtaining a citizen’s identity card (Cartão de Cidadão), enrolling in school, applying for a passport, and many other official purposes. This guide explains how to get birth certificates in Portugal, with details for Lisbon and Porto.

How Birth Registration Works in Portugal

In Portugal, birth registration is handled by the Conservatória do Registo Civil (Civil Registry Office) in the municipality where the birth occurred. Births must be registered within 20 days of delivery. When a baby is born in a hospital, the hospital typically assists parents with the birth declaration process, and in many hospitals the registration can be completed on-site at a dedicated civil registry desk.

Portugal has a modern integrated system called Nascer Cidadão (Born a Citizen), available in many hospitals, which allows parents to complete birth registration, obtain the child’s tax number (NIF), social security number (NISS), health user number (NUS), and register for the Citizen Card all in one process at the hospital before discharge.

Documents Required for Birth Certificate in Portugal

Hospital birth declaration (via Nascer Cidadão service or formal declaration)
Both parents’ Citizen Cards (Cartão de Cidadão) or passports
Parents’ marriage certificate (if married)
For unmarried parents: paternity can be acknowledged at the hospital or registry office at the time of registration

For foreign nationals, additional documents such as residence permits may be required. The local Conservatória do Registo Civil can advise on specific requirements.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Lisbon

Lisbon is the capital of Portugal and has multiple Conservatórias do Registo Civil serving different areas of the city. Parents who give birth at Lisbon hospitals such as Hospital de Santa Maria, Maternidade Alfredo da Costa, or Hospital CUF can use the Nascer Cidadão service available at many of these facilities. This allows all registrations to be completed before leaving the hospital.

For parents who did not use the hospital service, the local Conservatória handles the birth registration. Certified copies of birth certificates (certidões de nascimento) in Lisbon can be requested in person at the Conservatória or online through the IRN (Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado) portal at irn.justica.gov.pt.

Getting a Birth Certificate in Porto

Porto is Portugal’s second-largest city and the capital of the Norte region. Many Porto hospitals including Hospital de São João and Maternidade Júlio Dinis participate in the Nascer Cidadão service, allowing complete birth registration at the hospital. Parents in Porto who need to register at a Conservatória can visit the Porto civil registry offices.

Certified copies of Porto birth certificates can also be requested online through the IRN portal. Portugal’s digital government services have made it very convenient to obtain civil documents without multiple in-person visits.

Getting a Portuguese Birth Certificate from Abroad

Portuguese citizens born abroad can register the birth at the nearest Portuguese consulate or embassy. The registration is recorded by the Consular Registry and linked to the Portuguese civil registry. Copies of consularly registered birth certificates can be requested from the consulate or through the IRN online portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Portugal?

Through the Nascer Cidadão hospital service, the birth certificate and other registrations can be completed before the mother leaves the hospital. Certidões requested through the IRN portal are typically processed within a few working days.

Can I get a Portuguese birth certificate online?

Yes. Certified copies (certidões de nascimento) can be requested online through the IRN portal (irn.justica.gov.pt). Authentication via Autenticação.gov (using Citizen Card or Digital Mobile Key) is required to access the service.

What is the Nascer Cidadão service?

Nascer Cidadão (Born a Citizen) is Portugal’s integrated hospital birth registration service. It allows parents to complete civil registration, obtain the tax number, social security number, health number, and register for the Citizen Card all in one step at participating hospitals before discharge.

Can a Portuguese birth certificate be apostilled?

Yes. Portugal is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention. Portuguese birth certificates can be apostilled by the Instituto dos Registos e do Notariado (IRN) for use in Hague Convention member countries.

Conclusion

Getting a birth certificate in Portugal is one of the most streamlined processes in Europe, especially through the Nascer Cidadão hospital service available in Lisbon, Porto, and many other cities. Registering within 20 days and using the available digital services will make the process fast and convenient. A Portuguese birth certificate is the foundation of your child’s legal identity and their access to all public services in Portugal.