Criminal Record Certidão: How to Request and Check It
The criminal record certificate (also called the certidão de antecedentes criminais) is requested through the Portal do Registo Criminal, but the online request is available only to Portuguese citizens. Other nationalities must apply in person.
This is the document requested by employers, for visa or nationality processes, or to confirm you have no registered criminal record. Anyone, of any nationality, aged 16 or over, can request their own certificate — but the channel changes depending on nationality.
How to Request or Check It
Online — Portuguese citizens only
- Go to registocriminal.justica.gov.pt
- Log in with your Cartão de Cidadão (with card reader) or Chave Móvel Digital
- Choose "Certificate Request"
- Fill in the form and submit the request
- Wait up to 3 business days for it to be issued
In Person — any nationality
- Go to a Criminal Identification Service office, a court, or an Espaço Cidadão with this service
- Bring your Cartão de Cidadão or residence permit
- Ask for the "certificado de registo criminal" at the counter
- You can also book an appointment or ask for information by phone: 300 003 990
Official Source
Request online (Portuguese citizens): registocriminal.justica.gov.pt
Service information: gov.pt — Request the Criminal Record
Check an already-issued certificate: gov.pt — Check certificate
Phone support: 300 003 990
Request online (Portuguese citizens): registocriminal.justica.gov.pt
Service information: gov.pt — Request the Criminal Record
Check an already-issued certificate: gov.pt — Check certificate
Phone support: 300 003 990
Frequently Asked Questions
Only Portuguese citizens can submit the request online. Other nationalities must apply in person, at Criminal Identification Services, courts, or Espaços Cidadão.
Requested online, up to 3 business days. In person, the timeframe can vary depending on the office — confirm when you apply.
As a general rule, you can only request your own certificate. Requests about third parties require specific legal authorization.