In this guide, we answer the most common questions about Buying Property in Brazil — such as “Can foreigners buy property in Brazil?”, “Do I need a CPF tax ID?”, “How do I transfer money?”, and “Can my lawyer represent me at closing?”
Brazil is one of the most attractive real estate markets for foreign investors. Whether you’re interested in stunning beachfront homes, high-yield urban apartments, or strategic commercial properties, the opportunities are abundant.
But how can a foreign citizen safely invest in Brazilian real estate without being physically present?
If you want to invest in Brazil securely, having local legal support is not optional — it’s essential.
Foreigners can buy property in Brazil, but legal support is critical!
Yes, foreign individuals and companies can legally purchase real estate in Brazil — residential, commercial, and certain rural properties.
However, the Brazilian legal system is complex and very different from common law systems like those in the U.S. or Europe.
Without a licensed Brazilian attorney, you risk contract errors, fraud, frozen funds, or losing your investment.
Hiring a local attorney ensures that your property acquisition is fully compliant with Brazilian law, minimizing risks and protecting your interests throughout the entire process.
At Martin Law, we specialize in assisting foreign investors, offering end-to-end legal services tailored to your needs.
Why you must hire a brazilian lawyer from day one:
When buying real estate in Brazil, a licensed attorney plays a key role by:
- Conducting full due diligence on the property and seller.
- Drafting and reviewing contracts to avoid hidden liabilities.
- Assisting with obtaining your CPF tax ID and opening a bank account.
- Representing you at closing and registering the property in your name.
- Advising on secure international fund transfers.
Without proper legal guidance, you expose yourself to major risks such as buying properties with hidden debts, losing deposits, invalid registrations, and even falling victim to scams targeting foreigners.
Our team at Martin Law ensures you have complete legal support from the first negotiation to the final property registration.
Common risks when buying property in brazil
Many foreign investors are excited by the opportunities in Brazilian real estate — but few fully understand the risks involved. Without the right legal guidance, you could unknowingly purchase a property burdened by hidden debts, unpaid taxes, or legal disputes.
Poorly drafted contracts might cause you to lose your deposit or face costly lawsuits. Worse yet, failing to correctly register your title means you could lose your ownership rights altogether.
Bureaucratic hurdles are another major challenge: international money transfers to Brazil are tightly regulated, and improper procedures can freeze your funds for months.
Adding to the complexity, Brazil’s real estate system traditionally does not offer the same title insurance protections available in the U.S. or Europe — leaving foreign buyers more exposed.
Scammers often target international investors unfamiliar with local practices, creating an urgent need for reliable legal support.
At Martin Law, we specialize in protecting foreign buyers from these risks. Our services include comprehensive due diligence, financial compliance support, contract negotiation, and full transaction management — all handled remotely if needed.
We ensure your investment is legally sound, secure, and fully protected at every stage.
Do you need more help with Buying property in Brazil?
Martin Law can help you! Contact us today clicking here!
Or you can contact our specialists directly:
Phone:
+1 (661) 336-9606
+55 (31) 3223-6588
Email:
What Is Due Diligence in Brazil?
Due diligence is the cornerstone of a safe property purchase. It involves:
- Verifying the seller’s legal ownership and authority to sell.
- Checking for lawsuits, debts, tax arrears, or hidden liens.
- Analyzing the property’s legal zoning, land use, and environmental compliance.
- Obtaining negative certificates from courts, tax authorities, and labor offices.
Due diligence uncovers any legal or financial risks associated with the property. Without it, your investment could be compromised — from financial loss to legal battles.
At Martin Law, we handle full due diligence investigations to give you complete peace of mind before you commit any funds.
Paying a deposit (“Sinal”) and why you need a lawyer
In Brazil, it’s standard practice to first sign a Preliminary Contract of Purchase and Sale (Contrato Particular de Compra e Venda) before the final deed.
This document formalizes the agreement and requires a down payment known as a “sinal,” typically between 10% and 20% of the property’s value.
The rules are strict: if the buyer withdraws without legal cause, they lose the deposit. If the seller cancels, they must refund double the deposit amount, as guaranteed by Article 418 of the Brazilian Civil Code.
Because this preliminary contract is legally binding and can have major financial consequences, it must be carefully drafted to fully protect your interests. Every detail matters — from payment terms to conditions for termination.
At Martin Law, we specialize in negotiating and drafting secure, enforceable contracts under Brazilian law, ensuring your real estate investment proceeds smoothly and safely from the very first step.
How to transfer money to Brazil safely?
Brazil has strict regulations for international remittances. Improper transfers may result in frozen or returned funds, delaying your purchase.
We help you by:
- Advising on the best remittance methods.
- Preparing all required tax and compliance documents.
- Ensuring full compliance with the Brazilian Central Bank (BACEN) regulations.
With Martin Law, your money transfer is safe, fast, and fully compliant.
Escritura pública and Registro de imóveis (Deed and Registration)
Completing the purchase involves two critical steps:
- Public Deed of Sale (Escritura Pública): Formalized at a Notary Office (Cartório de Notas), this document officially records the sale terms agreed upon by buyer and seller. It is mandatory for properties above a certain value and ensures the transaction is legally valid.
- Registration (Registro de Imóveis): After the public deed is executed, it must be registered at the Real Estate Registry Office (Cartório de Registro de Imóveis) corresponding to the property ‘s location. Only with this registration does the buyer become the legal owner, with full property rights enforceable against third parties.
Without these steps, your ownership isn’t legally recognized.
Martin Law can handle both the notarial and registration processes on your behalf, ensuring your property is legally and securely transferred to your name.
Why do you need a CPF to buy property in Brazil?
All foreign buyers must have a Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física).
You’ll need it to:
- Sign purchase agreements.
- Pay transaction taxes.
- Open a Brazilian bank account.
- Register your property ownership.
Martin Law simplifies the process of obtaining a CPF remotely — no need to travel to Brazil.
Do you need more information about Buying property in Brazil?
Martin Law can help you! Contact us today clicking here!
Or you can contact our specialists directly:
Phone:
+1 (661) 336-9606
+55 (31) 3223-6588
Email:
Power of Attorney: buying property in Brazil without traveling
If you can’t travel to Brazil, no problem. With a properly drafted Power of Attorney, our attorneys can fully represent you throughout the entire purchase process, including:
- Signing preliminary and final contracts.
- Executing the Public Deed of Sale at the Notary Office.
- Registering the property title at the Real Estate Registry.
- Opening a Brazilian bank account and managing all financial transactions.
This legal tool gives our team the authority to act on your behalf with complete security and transparency, ensuring every step complies with Brazilian law.
Martin Law guarantees that your real estate transaction is conducted efficiently and professionally — even if you are thousands of miles away.
Interested in Brazil’s Golden Visa?
Investing in Brazilian real estate can open the door to a Brazilian Golden Visa, providing:
- Residency rights for you and your immediate family.
- A clear pathway to permanent residency and eventual Brazilian citizenship.
- Full legal status and mobility within one of South America’s largest and most dynamic economies.
The Golden Visa program is an excellent opportunity for investors seeking not just financial returns, but also a new home base with global advantages.
At Martin Law, we guide you through every step — from selecting qualifying properties to handling all legal and immigration procedures — ensuring a smooth and successful application process.
Conclusion: Buying a property in Brazil with Martin Law
Buying property in Brazil offers excellent opportunities, but success depends on thorough legal planning and expert guidance.
Every step — from obtaining your CPF and conducting due diligence to drafting solid contracts and registering the property — must be handled with precision to protect your investment.
At Martin Law, we manage the entire process with the highest legal standards, minimizing risks and ensuring a smooth, secure transaction.
Whether you are investing remotely or in person, we are committed to safeguarding your interests at every stage.
Martin Law can help you! Contact us today clicking here!
Or you can contact our specialists directly:
Phone:
+1 (661) 336-9606
+55 (31) 3223-6588
Email:
FAQs about buying property in Brazil as a foreigner
- Can foreigners buy property?
Yes. Foreigners and companies can legally purchase real estate, including residential, commercial, and some rural properties (with restrictions). Legal guidance is crucial. - Is a CPF Tax ID required?
Yes. The CPF is mandatory for any real estate transaction. Lawyers can help you obtain it remotely. - How do I transfer money to Brazil?
International transfers must comply with financial regulations. Improper transfers risk delays or blocking. Legal assistance ensures compliance. - What is due diligence?
It involves verifying ownership, debts, legal disputes, and property zoning. Proper due diligence avoids hidden risks. - What is the ‘sinal’?
A deposit (10–20%) paid upon signing. If the buyer cancels, it’s forfeited; if the seller cancels, they refund double. - What is the legal purchase process?
Steps: sign contract, conduct due diligence, execute a public deed at a notary, and register ownership. - Can I buy property remotely?
Yes. Through a Power of Attorney, a lawyer can handle the entire process for you. - Is there title insurance or escrow?
Yes, though escrow works differently compared to the U.S. and Europe. - Can foreign companies buy property?
Yes, but additional documentation and tax registration are required. - Are there rural land restrictions?
Yes. Size, location, and government approvals may apply. - Can real estate investment qualify for a Golden Visa?
Yes. Investing from BRL 1 million can lead to residency and citizenship. - Is a real estate lawyer necessary?
Absolutely. Brazil’s system demands expert legal oversight. - Why are transfers delayed?
Due to incomplete documentation or regulatory issues. Proper preparation prevents problems. - What documents are needed?
Passport, CPF, proof of address, Power of Attorney (if acting remotely), marital status certificate, and corporate documents (if applicable).
