How to Obtain a Power of Attorney to Buy a Property in Brazil
Reviewed by Luciano Oliveira — Brazil–US attorney, LL.M., licensed in Brazil, Texas, and California. Last reviewed: July 2026.
Readers who have been in Brazil know nothing in Brazil is simple. The natural beauty of Brazil is amazing, and life can be extremely fulfilling in our country. Still, it is indisputable that you have to endure endless red tape when conducting your affairs in Brazil.
One example of such a challenge is to have someone representing you in a real estate closing in Brazil. Power of attorneys must be made according to very specific steps dictated by law and regulations in Brazil. Not only that, but the interpretation of such laws and regulations may also vary according to the registration office in charge of the locality where the real estate transaction is taking place. Foreign citizens underestimate the challenges involved in getting a POA drafted and executed in accordance with such rules until they try to do it themselves.
The catch is timing. Because each registry office is sovereign over what it will accept, a power of attorney prepared without local guidance tends to reveal its defects at the worst possible moment: a clause the cartório rejects on closing day, a missing apostille, or wording that does not cover a step the deal actually needs. From abroad, fixing it can cost you the closing date. None of this is hard to avoid; it simply has to be done right, and early.
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We do not guarantee that by following these steps your POA will be accepted with 100% certainty since each registration office is sovereign when it comes to accepting POAs. Still, these steps represent what we have seen as most effective when preparing Power of Attorneys.
You may not even need a power of attorney. Since Provimento 100/2020, a foreign buyer abroad can take part in the act remotely by videoconference through Brazil’s e-Notariado system, which is sometimes the better route. Either way, you will need a Brazilian CPF to acquire property.
The one thing that matters is starting early. Give us enough notice and we will make sure your power of attorney is drafted, executed, and accepted — or tell you when e-Notariado is the better path. If you would rather we handle the transaction end to end, see Real Estate Power of Attorney.
Power of Attorney in Brazil – The Definitive Guide
Check the extended version of this page at “Drafting and Authenticating a POA – Power of Attorney – Abroad for Use in Brazil”. Detailed step by step and individual videos addressing each of these steps!
Watch our YouTube Video “Power of Attorney for Property Purchase in Brazil”
A couple of minutes of watching this video can save you from wasting hundreds of thousands of dollars. Watch it now!
And, don’t forget to access our other videos on YouTube.
Become a Pro in Brazil Real Estate!
To learn all about purchasing real estate in Brazil, check our How to Buy Properties in Brazil guide.
Learn about the advantages of buying real estate in Brazil in our Why Buying Real Estate in Brazil guide. Find opportunities and decide where to buy using our Know Where to Buy Real Estate in Brazil guide.
Power of Attorney for Brazil?
We Can Help You
Contact us to schedule a consultation, or
Schedule a Consultation now.
LEGAL WARNING
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