Founded by an American. Licensed in Brazil.
The First American
to Pass Brazil's Bar Exam
ZS Advogados helps expats, investors, and companies with immigration, real estate, business formation, and legal matters in Brazil — with the perspective of someone who has walked the same path.
We respond within 24 hours · All timezones · English & Portuguese
Practice Areas
Complete legal coverage for foreigners in Brazil
Real Estate Lawyer for Foreigners in Brazil
Expert legal guidance for buying property in Brazil. Real estate due diligence, contracts, land titles for expats & foreigners.
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Start a Business in Brazil — Corporate Lawyer for Foreigners
Open business in Brazil as foreigner. Legal structuring, company formation, contracts & compliance for international entrepreneurs.
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Civil Litigation Lawyer in Brazil — English-Speaking Representation
Civil dispute resolution in Brazil. Commercial litigation, debt collection, enforcement, property disputes & mediation by English-speaking lawyers.
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International Law Firm Brazil — Cross-Border Legal Counsel
International law firm Brazil. Cross-border contracts, foreign investment, arbitration & compliance for multinational businesses.
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Immigration Lawyer Brazil — Visa & Residency for Foreigners
Brazil visa lawyer & immigration attorney. Work visas, investor visas, family reunification & permanent residency for foreigners.
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Family Lawyer Brazil — Divorce, Custody & Estate Planning
Family law attorney in Brazil. Divorce, custody agreements, child support, estate planning & succession for international families.
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International Estate Planning — Succession Law for Foreigners in Brazil
Cross-border estate planning, ITCMD tax guidance, probate services, wills, holding companies, and succession law for Americans and foreigners in Brazil.
Explore →Our Story
He didn't just study international law. He lived it.
At 18, Zachariah Zagol left the United States for Brazil with nothing but a decision: to build his life here. He learned Portuguese, earned a Brazilian law degree, and became the first American citizen to pass the OAB bar exam.
Then he went further — completing an LL.M. at USC, building multiple businesses, investing in real estate, starting a family. After 15+ years, he founded ZS Advogados to help others do the same.
When your lawyer has personally experienced every challenge you're facing — immigration paperwork, cultural barriers, bureaucratic complexity — you get a fundamentally different kind of guidance.
Legal Guides
Most requested by international clients
In-depth guides written for foreigners working through the Brazilian legal system.
VIPER Brazil: Permanent Residency Through Investment (Real Estate vs. Business)
Complete guide to Brazil's VIPER investor visa program: R$500K real estate vs R$150K productive business paths, CNIg approval process, Central Bank capital registration, realistic 9-18 month timelines, common rejection reasons, and anonymized case walkthroughs.
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Can Foreigners Buy Property in Brazil? Complete Legal Guide
Complete guide to purchasing real estate in Brazil as a foreigner: legal requirements, CPF, Central Bank registration, due diligence, costs, rural restrictions, and step-by-step process.
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Starting a Business in Brazil as a Foreigner: Complete 2026 Guide
Register CNPJ, form Limitada or SLU, open bank account, get digital certificate. Step-by-step guide with realistic timelines, costs, and compliance requirements for foreign entrepreneurs.
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Investing in Brazil as a Foreigner — Legal Guide
Register with Central Bank, choose entity structure, manage taxes & remittance rules. Complete legal roadmap for foreign investors.
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Brazilian Citizenship for Americans: Ordinary, Special & Extraordinary Pathways
Complete guide to Brazilian naturalization, citizenship by descent, Portuguese requirements, dual nationality, and benefits. Timeline and requirements.
Read guide → Estate Planning for Foreigners with Brazilian Assets: Wills, Trusts & Cross-Border Issues
Comprehensive guide to estate planning for foreigners in Brazil: forced heirship (legítima 50%), testamento validity, why US trusts fail in Brazil, holding company strategies, life insurance as estate tool, ITCMD state tax, dual-jurisdiction frameworks, and LC 227/2026 reform impact.
Read guide →Start Here
Not sure where to begin?
Choose your situation. We'll walk you through it step by step.
FAQ
Common questions from international clients
Can a foreigner buy property in Brazil?
Yes — Brazil welcomes foreign real estate investment with minimal restrictions. You'll need a CPF (Brazilian tax ID), and we strongly recommend a complete due diligence process before any purchase.
Read full guide →How can I get a visa to live in Brazil?
Brazil offers several visa categories: investor visa (min. R$500K), work visa, family reunion, student visa, and digital nomad visa. Our founder personally went through this process.
How do I start a business in Brazil as a foreigner?
You'll need a CPF, a CNPJ (company tax ID), state and municipal registrations, a digital certificate, and a Brazilian bank account. The process takes 30-60 days with proper guidance.
Read full guide →Do you offer consultations in English?
Yes. Our founding partner is American, and all client communications happen in English. We handle all Portuguese-language legal documents, court filings, and government submissions on your behalf.
Ready to talk?
Whether you're moving to Brazil, investing, starting a business, or need legal guidance as a foreigner — the first step is a conversation.
+55 18 3908-1653 · [email protected]