There are multiple definitions - click on the translation that matches your context.

carta de referência

substantivo

full

reference

noun

Definitions of reference

English

(also: letter of reference/reference letter) a letter containing information about you and written by someone who knows you well, especially one to be sent to a potential employer, university or landlord etc

A good character reference letter helped her get employment.

English

a mention of something in a speech, a piece of writing or an artistic work etc

We should normally avoid references to commercial products.

English

a letter in which an employer, former employer, teacher, professor, or other authority figure recommends an employee to a potential future employer for a new job

She asked her college tutor for a reference with regard to employment.