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INSS and abroad · SPD Advocacia

Worked outside Brazil? Time abroad can count toward your retirement

Brazilians who worked in countries with a social security agreement can add up the time there and here. See how it works and what to ask the INSS.

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How do I add up time worked in another country?

Brazil has international social security agreements that allow contribution periods in both countries to be added together to meet the requirements for retirement and other benefits. Each country pays the share proportional to the time contributed there. According to the INSS, there are bilateral agreements with Germany, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Korea, Spain, the United States, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mozambique, Portugal and Quebec, as well as Mercosur and the Ibero-American Multilateral Convention. The application can be filed at any INSS office or through the other country's social security agency.

Requirements

Key points in the application

Country with an agreement

Totalization only applies with countries that have an agreement with Brazil.

Proof of the time

Forms and certificates from the foreign social security agency.

Proportional payment

Each country pays the share of the time contributed there.

Each country's rules

Age and minimum contribution period may vary under each agreement.

Sources: INSS, International Social Security Agreements (gov.br/inss); Law 8.213/1991, art. 85-A.

What is your case?

Situations the firm handles

Time in Portugal or Spain

Bilateral and Ibero-American agreements

We add up the time to meet the minimum period and the requirements.

International agreement
Time in the U.S. or Japan

Brazilians who came back

Time worked there can help meet the requirements here.

International agreement
Living abroad and want the INSS

Brazilian retirement abroad

Application and follow-up from a distance, with a power of attorney.

Online service
Application denied

Foreign time not recognized

Appeal or lawsuit to include the period.

Case analysis
Country without an agreement

Other options

We assess voluntary contributions and other routes.

Case analysis
Survivor's pension

Dependent of someone who worked abroad

Time abroad can secure insured status.

International agreement
This page provides general information, does not replace an analysis of the case and does not guarantee results.

Step by step

How the firm works

  1. Analysis. We check the CNIS, the documents and the rules that apply to your case.
  2. Documents. We gather any missing evidence before the application, to avoid a denial.
  3. Application or appeal. INSS application, administrative appeal or lawsuit in the Federal Courts.
  4. Follow-up. Medical exams, deadlines and payment of back amounts, when due.
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Case analysis

Let's see if you are entitled

Answer the questions one at a time. At the end you can attach documents, which go straight to a folder in the firm's Drive, and send the summary on WhatsApp. Everything is protected by attorney-client confidentiality.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to be in Brazil to apply?

No. The application can be filed through the other country's social security agency or by an attorney-in-fact in Brazil.

Do I receive the full amount from the INSS?

No. Each country pays the share proportional to the contribution time there.

Does time in a country without an agreement count?

Not through totalization. But there may be other routes, such as contributions in Brazil.

How long does it take?

Applications under international agreements usually take longer, because they depend on information exchanged between the countries.

Do you serve clients outside Anápolis?

Yes. Service is in person at the office in Anápolis or online, across Brazil and for Brazilians abroad.

How much does it cost?

After the analysis, the firm sends a written fee proposal, before any engagement.

Lawyer for retirement with time worked abroad

SPD Advocacia serves Brazilians who worked outside the country, in Brazil and abroad, to add up foreign time and apply for retirement with the INSS.

Countries with an agreement

The INSS lists agreements with Germany, Belgium, Canada, Chile, Korea, Spain, the United States, France, Greece, India, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mozambique, Portugal and Quebec, as well as Mercosur and the Ibero-American Convention.

How payment works

The periods are added together to meet the requirements, and each country pays the share proportional to the time contributed there.

Informational content, in accordance with OAB Provision 205/2021. Each case depends on the analysis of the documents, and there is no promise of results.

Responsible lawyers

  • Sidnei Pedro Dias OAB/GO 48.603 · OAB/DF 68.207 · OAB/SP 501.693 · leads the firm’s cases
  • Adrielle Oliveira OAB/GO 76.298 · civil, family, business and international matters
  • Eduardo Prado OAB/GO 59.836 · criminal and electoral law

Online service throughout Brazil and for Brazilians abroad. Own office in Anápolis, Goiás, Brazil: Av. Juscelino Kubitschek, 500, Genesis Office, rooms 1506 and 1507. About the firm →