Apostille + Sworn Translation: Making Foreign Documents Valid in Brazil (Without the Headache)
If you’re dealing with Brazil from abroad — buying property, signing a power of attorney, opening an account, handling inheritance — you’ll eventually hear two words:
Apostille. Sworn translation.
This guide explains what those mean, when you need them, and how to avoid the common mistakes that make documents unusable in Brazil.
The big picture: why Brazil asks for these steps
Brazilian authorities and cartórios need to trust that a document issued abroad is real and unaltered.
The apostille (or consular legalization in some cases) is about proving authenticity. The sworn translation is about making the content readable and legally usable in Portuguese.
What is an apostille?
An apostille is a certificate attached to a public document to confirm it’s genuine for use in another country that participates in the Hague Apostille Convention.
If your country is part of the Convention, you usually apostille the document in the country where it was issued. Brazil then accepts the document with the apostille (instead of older-style consular legalization).
If you want a plain-English explanation of apostilles and official translations for Brazil, this is a helpful reference: Are official translations/apostilles required in Brazil?
When you may NOT use an apostille
If the document comes from a country that is not covered by the Hague Apostille Convention, the process can be different (often involving consular legalization).
If you’re not sure which process applies, confirm before you pay for translation — because the sequence matters.
What is a sworn translation in Brazil?
A sworn translation (tradução juramentada) is not the same thing as a “certified translation” from a random translation company abroad.
Brazil typically requires a sworn translator who is officially registered in Brazil, and the translation comes with formal stamps/seals and a legal format.
Here’s a practical explanation focused on real estate transactions: How to have your documents legalized to buy property in Brazil
The usual order of operations (don’t mix this up)
In many cases, the safest order is:
- Get the original document (or a certified copy if the issuing authority requires it).
- Apostille the document in the country of origin (if applicable).
- Send the apostilled document to Brazil (or to your Brazil-based translator/lawyer).
- Get a sworn translation into Portuguese in Brazil.
- If needed, record the document at Registro de Títulos e Documentos (RTD).
Different cartórios may have slightly different requirements, so it’s smart to confirm with the cartório handling your transaction.
Documents that often need apostille + sworn translation
Here are common examples (not a full list):
- Birth certificate
- Marriage / divorce certificate
- Death certificate (inheritance cases)
- Power of attorney signed abroad
- Corporate documents (when buying via a company)
- Court documents for litigation or enforcement
What is RTD registration, and when does it matter?
RTD stands for Registro de Títulos e Documentos.
Think of it as an extra “public registry step” that can help establish date and authenticity in Brazil for certain documents.
It’s commonly used in contexts like representation (POA), litigation support, and some real estate situations.
Power of Attorney (POA): the most common document people mess up
If you need to sign remotely, a POA is often the tool.
But POAs fail in Brazil for very practical reasons: wrong wording, missing apostille, non-sworn translation, or signature rules that don’t match cartório expectations.
A POA overview is here: Power of Attorney – POA – Prepared Abroad for Use in Brazil
Common mistakes (save yourself weeks)
Using a “certified translation” from outside Brazil
Many cartórios and courts require a Brazilian sworn translation instead.
Apostilling the wrong thing
Sometimes you need the original document; sometimes you need a certified copy. Follow the issuing authority’s rule.
Translating before apostilling
Often you apostille first, then translate. If you translate first, you may have to redo work.
Waiting until the week of closing
Document logistics (apostille + shipping + translation) can easily take longer than expected.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need apostille for my passport?
Usually the passport itself is used as ID, but some offices may request a sworn translation of key pages or additional documents. Requirements vary by transaction.
2. How long does apostille + sworn translation take?
It depends on your country’s apostille process, shipping, and translator availability. Plan for weeks, not days, if timing is tight.
3. Can I do this without going to Brazil?
Often yes. Apostille is typically done in your country, and sworn translation can be done in Brazil once documents arrive.
4. Will every cartório accept digital copies?
Many still prefer originals or formal certified copies. Always confirm with the specific cartório handling your matter.
Recommended reading
- How to have your documents legalized to buy property in Brazil
- Are official translations/apostilles required in Brazil?
- Power of Attorney – POA – Prepared Abroad for Use in Brazil
Important note: Brazil Safe Closing provides administrative assistance only. We do not provide legal, tax, financial, or immigration advice. If you need legal advice, talk to a licensed professional.