Portugal Death Records Index

Death records in Portugal can be invaluable for genealogical research, offering crucial information about ancestors and their family connections. Prior to 1911, most death records were kept by the Catholic Church as parish records (óbitos). These often include details such as the deceased's name, age, parents' names, and place of origin. After 1911, civil registration became mandatory, providing more standardized information.

Portuguese tombstones can also offer unique insights, sometimes featuring elaborate inscriptions with family details and even birthplaces. Researchers should note that records before 1910 are typically found in district archives, while more recent records may be accessed through civil registry offices.

A distinctive feature of Portuguese genealogy is the inclusion of death records from former colonies, which can be particularly helpful for tracing ancestors who lived or died overseas.

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Collections available in Portugal


Portugal Deaths, 1640-1910 250,837 records available Portugal, Setúbal, Catholic Church Deaths 153,446 records available Portugal, Porto, Catholic Church Deaths 149,282 records available See the entire collection catalog of death records in Portugal

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