Documents from Brazil
Brazil is a party to the Hague Apostille Convention (in force for Brazil since 14 August 2016). According to the HCCH status table Germany has not objected to Brazil's accession (HCCH). The apostille is therefore the way to authenticate Brazilian public documents for Germany; no legalisation by the Embassy is needed. Always check the HCCH table again before you start, since objections can be filed.
How it works
- Get the document (certidão, diploma, histórico) from the issuing body.
- Have it apostilled at a cartório authorised for apostilles. The fee is set by the state. Fees and the e-apostille option: not confirmed.
- Have it translated into German, if the receiving office requires it (see below).
- Do not pay intermediaries to "legalise" papers: Avoiding scams.
- The apostille proves the signature and capacity of the official, not that the content is true. Offices can still ask questions.
Documents you will usually need
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid beyond the planned stay. |
| Diplomas and transcripts (diploma, histórico escolar) | Apostille for public documents; copies of curricula for recognition: Recognition. |
| Birth and marriage certificates (certidão de nascimento, certidão de casamento) | Needed for family cases: Family. Whether the short or long form is required depends on the office. |
| Police record (antecedentes criminais) | Only if a German office asks; not checked. |
| Employment certificates, CV | Private papers: translation, usually no apostille. |
Translations
- German offices normally want German translations by a sworn translator. Whether a Brazilian tradutor público juramentado translation is accepted by each office is not confirmed; ask first.
- Recognition bodies can be stricter than the consulates. Ask first, then pay.
A question this page does not answer? Contact us. Free orientation only, no legal advice for individual cases.