Don't sign a Brazilian property contract you can't read. We read it for you — line by line, in English.
From abroad, a title problem is almost impossible to spot — and almost impossible to undo once you've paid. We verify ownership, read every clause, and put every tax in writing before you commit a cent. Your lawyer is the first American to pass Brazil's Bar, an American who immigrated here himself. With a power of attorney, many clients close without ever flying to Brazil. Book a consultation and you'll know exactly where you stand.
Message us and we'll answer your questions about your situation and next steps — and set up a consultation if it's the right fit.
Or book a paid 60-min consultation — US$300A full private video session with a Brazil-licensed lawyer (OAB/SP 351.356). Choose a time that works for you.
- 1st American admitted to the OAB
- 700+ cases handled
- 15+ years
- OAB/SP 351.356
Tell us about the property
- We respond within 24 hours
- English & Portuguese
- Your data is protected under LGPD
What brings you to Brazilian property?
The work is different depending on where you are. Tell us your situation and we'll start in the right place.
Not sure where you fit? Tell us about the property and we'll map your next step.
Why buyers have us check the deal first
We read what you can't from abroad
Title, liens, unpaid debts, and the contract's fine print — all verified before a single real of yours moves.
We answer to the buyer
In a Brazilian sale the agent represents the seller. Your lawyer represents you, and only you.
Your money in — and back out
We register the funds you bring from abroad with the Central Bank so you can repatriate them later.
Closed in your language, from your country
Bilingual lawyers; with a power of attorney, many clients complete the purchase without flying to Brazil.
How it works
A clear path from first call to closing. The exact steps depend on the property and your situation — we confirm the current requirements with you before anything is signed or paid.
- 1
Initial review
We talk through the property and your goals, flag the likely path, and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.
- 2
Due diligence
We verify ownership and check the title, liens, and any unpaid debts tied to the property — and read the contract clause by clause, in English.
- 3
Documents
We give you a checklist tailored to your purchase and help you gather, apostille, and arrange sworn translation of what's needed, including obtaining a CPF.
- 4
Closing
We prepare and review the deed, handle the registry steps, and coordinate the transaction — remotely via procuração where possible. Registry and processing times vary by office and case.
- 5
After the purchase
We guide the follow-up steps — such as registering funds you brought from abroad with the Central Bank so you can repatriate them later — and stay available for what comes next.
Not sure where your purchase stands?
Tell us about the property and we'll walk you through the path that applies to you.
What you'll need
Most purchases draw on the same core documents. Think of this as a starting point — the exact list depends on the property and your situation, and we confirm the current requirements with you.
- A valid passport
- A CPF (Brazilian tax ID) — we can help you obtain one
- Civil documents (e.g. birth or marriage certificate), apostilled
- A sworn (juramentada) translation of your foreign documents
- Proof of address
- A power of attorney (procuração) if you want us to act on your behalf remotely
Your purchase may need more or fewer documents. We give you a tailored checklist before you start gathering anything.
Where foreign buyers commonly get stuck
A few things trip people up more than others. Knowing them early makes the purchase smoother — here's what careful handling looks like.
Signing before the title is checked
A title problem is hard to spot from abroad and hard to undo once you've paid. Verifying ownership, liens, and debts before anything is signed avoids costly surprises later.
Documents that aren't apostilled or sworn-translated
Foreign documents often need an apostille and a sworn (juramentada) translation to be accepted. Sorting the right format up front avoids back-and-forth at the registry.
Not registering funds brought from abroad
Money you bring in to buy is commonly registered with the Central Bank so it can be repatriated later. Handling this at the right moment keeps that option open.
Assuming every property follows the same rules
Requirements can vary by property type and location and can change over time. We confirm the current ones for your case rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Buyer’s Checklist
The Foreign Buyer's Brazil Property Checklist
Every check a careful buyer should run before wiring money — title, debts, taxes, contract, registration, and the Central Bank steps. Yours to keep.
How our fees work
We quote a clear, written scope and fee before you engage us — no hourly surprises. What moves the price is complexity: the number of documents, whether a matter is contested, how many parties or heirs are involved, and how much needs apostille and sworn translation.
These are indicative estimate ranges only — not a quote or a fixed fee. Every matter is scoped individually, and your actual fee is confirmed in a written proposal before you engage us. Government, notary, registration, and sworn-translation costs are separate.
Meet Your Legal Team
Zachariah Zagol
Founding Partner — OAB/SP
The first American to pass Brazil's Bar Exam. LL.M. from USC. Over 15 years helping foreigners navigate Brazilian law.
Karina Peres Silverio
Partner — OAB/SP 331.050
Specialist in immigration, real estate, and international law. Fluent in English and Portuguese.
"Buying in a country I'd never lived in, in a language I don't read, was the part that scared me. They went through the title and the contract with me in English and told me, in plain words, what every clause actually meant. I knew exactly what I was signing before I signed it — and what to walk away from."— Foreign Buyer | Real Estate
Frequently Asked Questions
Can foreigners own property in Brazil?
Are there hidden costs when buying property in Brazil?
How long does the purchase process take?
Do I need a CPF to buy property?
Are there restrictions on buying rural land?
Can you handle the purchase if I am not in Brazil?
Do my documents need to be translated?
Why have a lawyer check the deal if there is already a real estate agent?
Which languages do you work in?
Get the property checked before you commit a cent.
Tell us about the property and where you are in the process — in English. We'll tell you what to check, what it costs, and what genuinely requires you to be in Brazil. From wherever you are, we can begin. Book a consultation or message us and you'll leave with a clear view of where you stand.