Apostille of documents in Brazil
Hague Convention certification for documents used abroad — the notarial route, consular legalization for non-member countries and certified translation. Service in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
5,0 · 18 Google reviewsBrazil is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention: documents issued here are certified for use in member countries by a single apostille issued by a notary's office — no consular legalization needed. Non-member countries still require the consular route. Either way, a certified translation usually follows for the document to be accepted abroad.
What the apostille covers.
- Apostille at the notaryCivil-registry documents, notarial acts and authenticated copies — certified directly at a qualified notary's office.
- ConsularizationFor non-Hague countries — the consular route through the destination country's consulate in Brazil.
- Certified translationTradutor juramentado — the sworn translation required for the document to be accepted abroad, done after the apostille.
- Foreign documents for BrazilThe reverse direction — foreign documents apostilled abroad and sworn-translated for Brazilian use. See power of attorney.
- Document validity and timingSome documents expire — criminal records, certificates — the apostille must fit within their validity.
- Chain coordinationMultiple documents, multiple countries — the sequence of apostille, translation and consular legalization coordinated.
- Use in legal proceedingsDocuments for courts, registries and foreign authorities — the formal chain that makes them admissible.
The apostille replaced consular legalization for member countries.
Before the Convention, a Brazilian document bound abroad needed the destination country's consular stamp in Brazil — consular legalization. The apostille replaces it: a single certification by a qualified Brazilian notary, recognized directly in all member countries.
The notary certifies the signature and authority of whoever signed or issued the document — not its content. Civil-registry certificates, notarial acts, authenticated copies and public documents go directly; private documents first need signature authentication at the notary.
The apostille does not translate: the destination country usually requires a sworn translation (tradutor juramentado) attached. The sequence matters — apostille first, translation after, because the apostille certifies the original signature.
For non-member countries the consular route still applies: the destination country's consulate in Brazil legalizes the document, which then follows that country's own requirements. The destination country decides which route.
How we run the case.
- Confirm the destination countryHague member or not — that decides apostille or consular legalization.
- Prepare the documentOriginal or authenticated copy — private documents need signature authentication first.
- Obtain the apostilleAt a qualified notary's office — the single certification for member countries.
- Translate for useSworn translation attached after the apostille — the document is then ready abroad.
What to bring to the first conversation.
Documents that speed up the review
The original documents and the destination country define the chain.
- Original documents or authenticated copies
- The destination country's requirements
- Prior signature authentication, for private documents
- Applicant's ID document
- Validity-sensitive documents within their term
- Power of attorney, if a third party handles it
- The destination language, for the translation
- Any prior consular or foreign certifications
Case review and a written proposal before any step is taken. Informational content under Brazilian Bar Association Rule 205/2021 — it does not replace an assessment of your case.
What clients say on Google.
“From the very start I was looked after exceptionally. The team is attentive and explains every step.”
Amanda M. · Google“Excellent, highly qualified professionals. I highlight the professionalism, the service and the honesty.”
Rita G. · Google“Very polite, patient, always with precise, accurate answers. I recommend them with no reservations!”
Thais T. · GoogleTranslations of real client reviews published on Google.
Who leads this area.
Founding partner at Falchet e Marques (OAB/SP 428.777). Postgraduate in Real Estate Law (PUC/SP) and Succession Law (PUC-Campinas), she leads the real estate, family and probate practice. Straight to the point, no legalese.
Meet Letícia MarquesCommon questions.
Where is the apostille issued?
At qualified Brazilian notary offices — any state has them. The apostille certifies the signature and authority of whoever signed or issued the document, not its content.
Which countries accept the apostille?
All Hague Convention members — most of the world including the US, the EU member states, the UK, Japan and most of Latin America. Non-member countries still require consular legalization.
Do I still need a translation?
Usually — the destination country requires a sworn translation (tradutor juramentado) into its language. Apostille first, translation after.
How long does the apostille take?
Same day to a few days at the notary. What takes longer is preparing the document — authentication, obtaining originals — and the sworn translation.
Can a foreign document be used in Brazil?
Yes — apostilled in the issuing country (or legalized by a consulate for non-members) and then sworn-translated into Portuguese. The chain is the reverse of the Brazilian one.
Do all documents have the same apostille process?
Public documents and notarial acts go directly; private documents need signature authentication at the notary first. The notary certifies the signature, so the document's form matters.
Does the document need to work abroad?
Tell us the documents and the destination country: we map the chain — apostille or consular legalization plus translation — and handle it, with a written proposal.