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Documents from abroad · SPD Advocacia

Living abroad and need to sign something in Brazil? See how to grant a power of attorney without traveling

Selling property, probate, divorce, banking or a court case: almost everything in Brazil can be handled through a power of attorney. The firm advises on the right type and checks the text before you sign.

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How can I grant a power of attorney while living outside Brazil?

There are three routes. The first is a public power of attorney online through e-Notariado: you hold a video call with a Brazilian notary and sign with a digital certificate. The e-Notariado certificate is free and can also be issued remotely, by video call.

The second is the Brazilian consulate, which can execute a public power of attorney just like a notary office. The third is to sign before a notary in the country where you live; in that case, the document usually needs a Hague apostille and a sworn translation in Brazil.

The form depends on the act. A power of attorney follows the form required for the act it authorizes (Civil Code, art. 657). That is why, to sell property above the legal threshold, it must be public (art. 108). A power of attorney for a lawyer to act in court can be signed digitally (Code of Civil Procedure, art. 105, § 1).

What the law says

Key points

e-Notariado

Powers of attorney, deeds, divorce and probate can be done by video call with the notary, with a digital signature.

Consulate

Brazilian consular offices can perform notarial acts for Brazilians abroad.

Hague apostille

A document signed before a foreign notary generally needs an apostille in the country of origin and a sworn translation in Brazil.

The right form

The power of attorney follows the form of the act. Selling property above the legal threshold requires a public power of attorney.

Sources: Civil Code, arts. 108 and 657; Code of Civil Procedure, art. 105, § 1; Law of Introduction to the Norms of Brazilian Law, art. 18; Decree 8.660/2016 (Hague Apostille); Brazilian Notarial College (e-Notariado).

What is your case?

Situations the firm handles

Property

Selling or buying property in Brazil

A power of attorney with the right powers to sign the deed and receive payment.

Civil Code, art. 108
Inheritance

Probate with an heir abroad

Each heir signs in the country where they live and probate moves forward in Brazil.

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Family

Divorce without traveling

Power of attorney for a notary or court divorce.

See page
Banks and INSS

Banks, INSS and Federal Revenue

Representation for accounts, benefits, CPF and tax returns.

Case analysis
Court case

Court case in Brazil

Power of attorney for the lawyer, signed electronically.

CPC, art. 105
Companies

Partner living abroad

Power of attorney to represent the partner and receive service of process in Brazil.

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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 understand what the power of attorney will be used for and which form the law requires.
  2. Draft. We draft the text with the exact powers, to avoid objections from the notary or the bank.
  3. Signing. We point out the route: e-Notariado, consulate or notary with apostille.
  4. Use in Brazil. We check the document and handle the act here, with updates on WhatsApp.
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Case analysis

Let's analyze your case

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 come to Brazil to grant the power of attorney?

No. The power of attorney can be done by video call through e-Notariado, at the consulate or before a notary in the country where you live.

Is a power of attorney signed before a foreign notary valid in Brazil?

Yes, provided it meets the formalities. As a rule, it needs a Hague apostille in the country of origin and a sworn translation in Brazil.

What is the difference between a public and a private power of attorney?

A public one is executed by a notary or consulate and is required for some acts, such as selling property above the legal threshold. A private one is signed only by you and works for many other acts.

Does a power of attorney expire?

The law sets no general deadline, but some banks and notary offices ask for a recent power of attorney or an updated certificate of it. We check this before you sign.

Do you draft the power of attorney?

Yes. We draft the text with the necessary powers and check it before you sign.

How much does it cost?

After the analysis, the firm sends a written fee proposal, before any engagement. Notary, consulate and translation fees are paid separately, to whoever provides the service.

Lawyer for powers of attorney granted abroad

SPD Advocacia helps Brazilians and foreigners living abroad grant the right power of attorney for use in Brazil, through e-Notariado, the consulate or a notary with a Hague apostille, and handles the act here: property sales, probate, divorce, banks, INSS and court cases.

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 →