Welcoming a new baby into your family is an exciting time. One of the important steps after birth is registering your newborn. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the process smoothly. ⤵️
Important Information
Free of Charge: Registering your baby is free of charge.
Time Frame: You must complete the registration within the first 20 days after birth.
Required Documents
To register your baby in Portugal, you’ll need to gather the following documents:
Birth Certificate: Provided by the hospital if the birth took place there, or by your midwife in case of a home birth.
Identification Documents: Both parents must present their identification documents (e.g., passport, citizen card).
Names of Grandparents: You need to provide the full names of all four grandparents.
Name of the Child: Have the name of your baby ready. As a tip, print out a sheet with the names to ensure accuracy.
Extra Tips for Foreign Parents:
If you are a foreign parent, you are not required to adhere to the list of allowed baby names in Portugal.
Babies born in Portugal can have up to three nationalities, provided the other nationalities' regulations allow it.
Home-birth Baby Registration
Registering a baby born at home can sometimes be challenging. A midwife's attested birth certificate may cause confusion at the registry bureau, as it lacks a hospital stamp and may not be immediately recognized as an official document. However, with some explanation, you can successfully complete the registration process. To better understand potential scenarios, I recommend listening to the episode from the podcast "Parto Aparte" which covers various registry situations following a home birth. Please note that the online platform for baby registration currently does not support home births, so these registrations must be done in person.
Where to Register
You have several options for registering your baby:
Balcão Nascer Cidadão: This dedicated room in some hospitals allows you to register your baby while you are in the hospital after birht. Not all hospitals offer this service, and those that do might have specific opening times. It’s practical if you had a hospital birth, so inquire with your hospital about availability and schedule.
Online Registration: If at least one parent holds a Portuguese citizen card, you can register your baby online through the official platform. This option is convenient and saves you a trip.
Loja do Cidadão or IRN: You can also visit these locations to register your baby. These offices handle various citizen services, including birth registration.
By preparing the necessary documents and understanding your options, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free registration process for your newborn in Portugal.
⭐ For more detailed information about the practical side of having a baby in Portugal, including both hospital and home birth options, be sure to check out my ebook, Pregnancy and Birth in Portugal - A Comprehensive Guide for Expats. This resource offers a wealth of knowledge to help you navigate your journey to parenthood in Portugal with confidence and ease.
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