Civil registration is the document which renders proof of the civil status of a person, that is, his/her legal status in the family and in society; it determines the capacity to exert certain rights and to acquire certain obligations; it is indivisible, inalienable and imprescriptible and its assignation is made according to the Law. Civil status of citizens derives from facts, actions and stipulations determining it and of its legal qualifications.

The only proof of civil status for citizens are the photocopies, copies and certifications of the civil registration issued by the relevant officials of the office of civil registrations (Decree-Law 1260, 1970).