Frequently Asked Questions

This FAQ is for Brazil Safe Closing™ (brazilsafeclosing.com) and our three main guided workflows: CPF Assist, Title Record Snapshot (Deed Scanner), and Non-Resident Bank Assist. We provide administrative and informational services only. We do not provide legal, tax, financial, investment, or immigration advice or representation.

If you have a deadline (closing date, trip date, bank onboarding deadline), start early. Outcomes and timelines often depend on third parties (authorities, registries/cartórios, banks, payment providers, and vendors).

1. What is Brazil Safe Closing™?

Brazil Safe Closing™ is an online-first platform that helps international clients organize Brazil-related paperwork and workflows through structured forms, document uploads, and coordination steps. Our website (brazilsafeclosing.com) is the “main hub” for our Services.

2. What services do you offer on brazilsafeclosing.com?

Our core Services are: CPF Assist (CPF administrative support), Title Record Snapshot / Deed Scanner (structured snapshot from the property registry record and related documents), and Non-Resident Bank Assist (guided onboarding paperwork submitted to a third-party partner bank for review).

3. Are the “apps” separate from the website?

They may appear as separate flows (sometimes on subdomains or branded pages), but they are part of the Brazil Safe Closing™ platform and are covered by our website policies and terms.

4. Are you a law firm or a bank?

No. We are not a law firm, we are not a bank, and we do not provide legal representation or banking services. Banks, authorities, registries/cartórios, and other third parties make their own decisions and control their own timelines.

5. Do you provide legal advice or tax advice?

No. We provide administrative and informational services only. If you need legal/tax/financial advice, you should consult a licensed professional.

6. Who is Brazil Safe Closing™ for?

Our Services are designed for foreign citizens and international clients who want a structured process to handle Brazil-related documentation, checklists, and submissions.

7. Do you guarantee results (CPF approval, bank approval, “clean title”)?

No. We do not guarantee approvals, issuance, delivery times, or outcomes. Third parties control decisions and processing timelines, and each case is different.

8. What is the best order to use the three workflows?

A common order is: (1) CPF Assist (because CPFs are often requested by banks and many transaction steps), (2) Title Record Snapshot / Deed Scanner (early, before sending significant deposits), and (3) Non-Resident Bank Assist (if you need an account for ongoing BRL payments or transaction structure). The best order depends on your specific plan and deadlines.

9. How do I contact support?

We are online-first. Support is handled by email and WhatsApp (no phone support and no office walk-ins):

General inquiries: info@brazilsafeclosing.com
Support (existing orders & account help): support@brazilsafeclose.com
Data Protection Officer (DPO): privacy@brazilsafeclosing.com
WhatsApp: +55 11 4673-4400

10. What are your support hours?

Support hours are Monday to Friday, 09:00–18:00 Brasília Time (BRT), excluding public holidays. We aim to respond by the end of the next business day (BRT), though response times may vary during high demand.

11. Do I need to create an account?

Some workflows may require an account or email-based login so you can save progress, upload documents securely, and receive updates. If a Service requires an account, it will be shown in that flow.

12. What file types do you accept for uploads?

Most clients upload PDF files or clear photos (JPG/PNG). The best format is usually a single clear PDF per document. If your upload fails, try a smaller file, a different browser, or ask support for help.

13. Should I mail original documents to you?

In most cases, no. Unless we specifically request otherwise, do not mail original documents. Clear scanned copies or digital files uploaded through the Services are generally sufficient.

14. How long do you keep uploaded documents?

As a standard baseline, uploaded documents are retained for approximately six months (roughly 180 days) and then automatically deleted. We may retain limited records longer when needed for legitimate business purposes, compliance, dispute resolution, fraud prevention, or accounting.

15. Do you sell my data?

No. We do not sell your personal data.

16. Do you use AI or automation?

Some parts of our platform—especially Title Record Snapshot / Deed Scanner—may use automated tools (including AI) to help extract and structure information from documents. When used, outputs are intended as an informational snapshot and may be reviewed by humans for quality control.

17. Can I request access, correction, or deletion of my personal data (LGPD)?

Yes. You can contact our DPO at privacy@brazilsafeclosing.com to request access/correction/deletion or other LGPD-related requests. We may ask for verification to confirm identity before processing a request.

18. How do pricing and fees work?

Service pricing is shown before purchase (or inside the relevant workflow). Third-party charges (such as bank fees, registry/cartório fees, translation fees, taxes, FX/wire fees) are typically separate unless explicitly stated at checkout.

19. Do you offer refunds or cancellations?

Refund/cancellation eligibility depends on the Service, the stage of work, third-party costs already incurred, and applicable law. If a money-back guarantee is offered for a specific Service, the conditions will be shown in that Service flow. If you have questions, contact support with your order details.

20. What if I have a deadline (closing date, travel date, etc.)?

Start early. CPF issuance channels, registry/cartório requests, and bank onboarding all have third-party steps that can be unpredictable. We cannot guarantee third-party timelines.

21. What is a CPF?

A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is Brazil’s individual taxpayer identification number used to identify individuals in many administrative and commercial situations in Brazil.

22. Does getting a CPF make me a Brazilian resident or taxpayer?

No. A CPF is an identification number and does not automatically make you a Brazilian tax resident, give you a visa, or grant residency rights.

23. Why do foreigners often need a CPF?

Foreigners often need a CPF for common steps such as bank onboarding, signing or registering certain contracts, and certain real estate-related procedures (requirements vary by counterparties and situation).

24. What does CPF Assist do?

CPF Assist is a guided workflow that helps you organize the information and documents typically requested for CPF issuance and helps you follow a structured checklist for the process you are using. It is administrative support (not legal advice) and does not control approval decisions.

25. Do you guarantee CPF issuance?

No. CPF issuance is decided by the relevant authority and depends on correct documentation and third-party processing.

26. How long does CPF issuance take?

Timing varies significantly by the channel used and by third-party workload. Some channels can be fast, while others (especially appointment-based channels) can take weeks. We recommend starting as early as possible.

27. What documents are commonly requested for CPF issuance?

Requirements vary, but common items include a valid passport, proof of address, and consistent personal details (name/date of birth/parents’ names where requested). If your case is unique (name change, multiple passports, etc.), additional documents may be required.

28. What are common reasons CPF requests get delayed?

Delays commonly happen due to unclear scans, missing items, or inconsistent spelling of names across documents. Another common issue is incomplete parental information when it is requested in the relevant forms.

29. What if I already have a CPF but I lost it?

In many cases, a CPF number already exists in Brazil’s systems even if you don’t have the paper/card. The next step may be locating/reconfirming the number and ensuring your details are consistent. If you suspect you already have a CPF, tell support so the workflow can be handled appropriately.

30. Can minors get a CPF?

In many cases, yes, but minors typically require additional steps and parent/guardian documents. Exact requirements depend on the channel used and the authority’s rules for minors.

31. What is Title Record Snapshot / Deed Scanner?

Title Record Snapshot (also called Deed Scanner) is a workflow that helps you convert complex property documents into a structured, easy-to-read snapshot. It is designed to help you understand what the document says and to organize questions and next steps.

32. What is a matrícula?

A matrícula is the official property registration record held by the local Cartório de Registro de Imóveis (real estate registry office). It typically contains the ownership chain and registry notes about events affecting the property (such as certain liens or restrictions), depending on what was registered.

33. Is the matrícula the same as the deed (escritura)?

No. The escritura is a public deed signed at a notary, while the matrícula is the registry record that reflects the property’s official registry status over time.

34. What should I upload for Title Record Snapshot?

At minimum, upload the most recent matrícula you have (ideally as a clear PDF). If available, also upload related documents you have (recent certificates, deed copies, transaction documents). More context usually improves the snapshot.

35. What do I receive from a Title Record Snapshot?

You receive a structured summary based on the documents provided (for example: key property identifiers, registered ownership references, and notable registry entries). The output is meant to be practical and readable, especially for international clients.

36. Does Title Record Snapshot replace a lawyer or full due diligence?

No. It is an informational snapshot and not a legal opinion. If you need legal conclusions or full due diligence, you should consult a qualified professional.

37. What kinds of issues can show up in the registry record?

Depending on what is registered, the record may show items such as mortgages/financing registrations, usufruct rights, restrictions, annotations related to legal proceedings, or other entries. If something looks unfamiliar or important, you should seek professional guidance.

38. How fast will I receive my Title Record Snapshot?

Timing depends on document quality, volume, and whether clarifications are needed. If you have a deadline, submit documents early and ensure scans are clear and complete.

39. What if I do not have the matrícula?

If you do not have the matrícula, contact support with what you do have (property reference details, registry office name if known, or any document copies). Availability of obtaining documents and any third-party fees depend on the specific situation and source.

40. What is a Non-Resident (CDE) bank account?

A non-resident account (often referred to as a “CDE” structure) is a bank account framework used for individuals who live outside Brazil but need to transact locally. Exact features and eligibility depend on the bank.

41. Do I need a Brazilian bank account to buy property in Brazil?

Not always. Some transactions can be completed without opening an account first. Whether you need one depends on your transaction structure, payment method, and your long-term needs (rent collection, ongoing expenses, local bills).

42. What does Non-Resident Bank Assist do?

Non-Resident Bank Assist helps you prepare and submit onboarding paperwork to a third-party partner bank for review. We help keep the file organized and support follow-up requests, but the bank controls approval decisions and timelines.

43. Do you guarantee bank approval or features like Pix?

No. Partner banks determine account approval, limits, and features (including whether Pix or other services are available). Bank policies can change and may depend on eligibility and compliance requirements.

44. What documents do banks typically request for non-resident onboarding?

Each bank is different, but common requests include: passport, CPF (often required), proof of address, home-country tax ID, and proof of income and/or source of funds (such as statements or tax documents). Banks may request additional information depending on your profile.

45. How long does bank onboarding take?

Timelines vary widely by bank and by the completeness of the file. Banks may ask follow-up compliance questions. Any timelines shown in a workflow are targets, not guarantees.

46. Can I open the account fully remotely?

It depends on the bank and your profile. Some banks support remote onboarding; others may require an in-person step or additional verification. We will follow the partner bank’s process and requirements.

47. What should I know about sending money to Brazil?

International transfers and account funding often require a clear stated purpose and supporting documents. Banks and payment providers may request proof of source of funds and transaction context. We can help keep documents organized, but we cannot override third-party compliance decisions.

48. Can you coordinate with third parties (banks, registries/cartórios, authorities)?

When you order a Service, you authorize us to store, process, review, organize, and transmit your documents/information as needed to provide that Service (for example, sharing an onboarding package with a partner bank). The third party controls their own decisions and timelines.

49. Do you provide translation, notarization, or apostille services?

Requirements vary by situation. Some workflows may require translated or notarized documents depending on the receiving party. If a document format is required for your case, we will tell you what the third party is requesting, but we do not provide legal advice about document validity.

50. What if my documents have different spellings of my name?

Name inconsistencies are a common cause of delays. If your passport, proof of address, and other documents show different spellings or different last names, tell us upfront so we can guide you on how to present a consistent file for the workflow (subject to third-party rules).

51. Where are you located?

We operate online-first. Mailing location: São Paulo, Brazil (mailing address only; no walk-ins). Registered office for official correspondence: Rua Senador Paulo Egídio, 72 – Conjunto 1212, Sé – São Paulo, SP (State of São Paulo) – 01006-010, Brazil.

52. What should I do if I am not sure which Service I need?

Send us a brief message describing your goal and timeline. In many cases, we will recommend the most relevant starting point (CPF Assist, Title Record Snapshot, or Non-Resident Bank Assist) and explain what information is typically needed.