Recognition and enforcement of foreign judgments in Brazil
We represent companies and individuals in recognition proceedings before Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) and, where applicable, in the subsequent enforcement of the judgment’s effects.
5,0 · 18 Google reviewsA foreign judgment does not automatically produce every enforcement effect in Brazil. As a rule, the Superior Court of Justice reviews the requirements for recognition; enforcement then proceeds before the competent Brazilian court. Statutory exceptions must be checked before selecting the route.
What the representation may cover.
- Recognition assessmentWe review the nature and effect of the decision, jurisdiction of the foreign authority, service of process, finality and compliance with Brazilian requirements.
- Foreign documentsWe organize certified copies, apostille or legalization, evidence of effectiveness and sworn translation according to the country and case.
- Proceedings before the STJWe prepare the recognition application or defence and handle service, submissions and decisions before the court.
- Interim reliefWithout promising an outcome, we assess whether the facts and documents support urgent relief within the applicable procedural limits.
- Enforcement in BrazilAfter recognition, we structure enforcement before the competent court, defining the obligation, adjustments and legally available enforcement measures.
- Asset and risk assessmentWe review lawful information about the debtor and assets in Brazil, expected costs, foreseeable defences and the economics of enforcement.
How it works.
- Triage the decisionWe confirm the foreign act, what it orders and whether recognition is required or an exception or cooperation mechanism is more appropriate.
- Prepare the documentsWe map certifications, apostille or legalization, sworn translation, power of attorney and proof of service and effectiveness.
- Recognition before the STJWe conduct the recognition proceeding and address objections raised.
- Enforcement in BrazilIf recognized and enforceable, we take the judgment to the competent court and pursue measures compatible with the title and located assets.
What helps the initial review.
- Certified full text of the foreign judgment
- Evidence of service or participation by the opposing party
- Evidence of finality, effectiveness or enforceability in the country of origin
- Apostille or consular legalization where applicable
- Brazilian sworn translation and information about assets in Brazil
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. · GoogleReal client reviews published on Google.
Who leads this area.
Partner in charge of the corporate practice (OAB/SP 344.334). Postgraduate in Business Law (FGV), acting in debt recovery, enforcement proceedings, contracts and corporate restructuring. Member of AASP and AIPLA. Fluent in English.
Meet Renato FalchetRelated guidance and services.
Common questions.
Must every foreign judgment be recognized by the STJ?
Recognition is generally required for foreign decisions to produce certain effects in Brazil, but statutory exceptions and other cooperation mechanisms exist. The nature of the act must be assessed before filing. One example is a simple consensual divorce limited to dissolving the marriage, which can be recorded directly at the Civil Registry, subject to documentary requirements.
Which requirements does the STJ examine?
Among other points, the STJ reviews jurisdiction of the foreign authority, proper service, effectiveness in the country of origin, absence of conflict with Brazilian res judicata, official translation and no manifest violation of public policy.
Are an apostille and sworn translation mandatory?
Foreign documents generally require proper authentication—often a Hague Apostille or legalization—and translation by a Brazilian sworn translator, subject to applicable treaty or case-specific rules.
Does the STJ reconsider the merits of the judgment?
Recognition is not a complete retrial on the merits. Review focuses on Brazilian recognition requirements, although objections concerning scope, procedural regularity and public policy may be considered.
Is payment automatic after recognition?
No. If an obligation remains to be performed, an enforcement stage normally begins before the competent court. Recovery depends on the title, defences and the existence of reachable assets or rights in Brazil. Enforcement of a recognized judgment proceeds before the first-instance Federal Court (CPC article 965).
Can a foreign arbitral award be recognized?
Foreign arbitral awards also require recognition in Brazil under their own statutory and treaty framework. The arbitration agreement, procedural regularity and supporting documents must be reviewed.
Do you need a foreign decision to take effect in Brazil?
Send the decision and state the country, procedural stage and intended effects. The initial review identifies the route and required documents.