Real Estate Law

Legal certainty for foreign nationals buying, renting or investing in property in Brazil

We combine immigration and real estate law so foreign nationals can buy, rent or regularize property in Brazil with legal predictability, from the first contract to the final registration.

Foto: Manoel Amaro (CC BY 3.0) — Altiplano/Miramar, João Pessoa (PB)

How property purchases work for foreign nationals

Foreign nationals can generally purchase property in Brazil freely, with specific restrictions in border areas and certain rural zones. The process involves obtaining a CPF (taxpayer ID) beforehand, reviewing the property's registration record at the real estate registry office, checking the seller's clearance certificates (civil, tax and labor), and calculating the transaction taxes — mainly the property transfer tax (ITBI) and, where applicable, capital gains tax. When funds come from abroad, the transaction must also be reported to the Central Bank of Brazil.

Residential and commercial leases

We handle residential and commercial lease agreements under Brazil's Tenancy Law, advising on the types of lease guarantees available — guarantor, security deposit or surety bond — the clauses that set commercial and residential contracts apart, and the procedures that apply to eviction or early termination.

Regularizing properties and land

We assist with regularizing properties that lack complete documentation, assessing the most suitable path: extraordinary, ordinary or special adverse possession (urban or rural), through the courts or directly at a notary office, as well as public land-regularization programs (Reurb) where applicable.

For developers and subdividers

We advise developers and land subdividers on environmental and zoning licensing, drafting development agreements, setting up condominiums, and complying with real estate consumer-protection rules, reducing legal risk throughout the project.

Asset structuring for foreign investors

For clients who hold or intend to acquire real estate in Brazil while living abroad, we structure family holding companies and special-purpose entities, always coordinated with succession planning for assets located in Brazil.

Vista aérea do skyline residencial de São Paulo, SP
São Paulo (SP)
Specific Services

How we can help with your real estate matter.

01

Property Purchase Advisory

Full support from negotiation through registration at the notary office.

02

Real Estate Due Diligence

Review of the property record, certificates and hidden risks before purchase.

03

Power of Attorney for Remote Closing

For clients who cannot be physically present in Brazil during the process.

04

Lease Agreements

Drafting and review of residential and commercial lease agreements.

05

CPF for Property Purchase

Obtaining the taxpayer ID foreign nationals need to purchase in Brazil.

06

Property Title Regularization

Adverse possession and other land-regularization pathways.

07

Real Estate Investment Structuring

Holding companies and entities for asset protection and organization.

08

Condominium Law

Setting up condominiums and advising developers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about property in Brazil.

Can foreign nationals buy property in Brazil?

Yes, in the vast majority of cases, with specific exceptions in border areas and certain rural zones that require special authorization.

What is real estate due diligence and why does it matter?

It's the review of the property's registration record and the seller's legal standing before the purchase, to avoid hidden debts, liens or disputes over the property.

What taxes apply when purchasing a property?

The main one is the municipal property transfer tax (ITBI). In some cases, capital gains tax on the seller's profit may also apply.

How does adverse possession work in practice?

It depends on the length of possession, whether there is opposition, and which category applies — it can be resolved at a notary office or require a court case.

Is it mandatory to report the purchase to the Central Bank?

When the funds come from abroad, yes — the foreign capital transaction must be registered under Central Bank of Brazil rules.

Ready to move forward safely with your real estate project in Brazil?