Buying and Selling Property in Brazil While Overseas

Brazilians living overseas can buy, sell or manage property in Brazil without being physically present — provided they have the correct documents and proper legal representation.

The role of a Power of Attorney

The most common tool for managing property in Brazil from overseas is a Power of Attorney. This document authorises a trusted person in Brazil to sign contracts, attend the notary, pay taxes and complete the transaction on your behalf.

The Power of Attorney must be specific to the property transaction and will generally need to be prepared at the Brazilian consulate or apostilled to be valid in Brazil.

Documents typically required

• Valid Brazilian passport or national ID
• CPF (Brazilian tax registration number) — required for property transactions in Brazil
• Proof of overseas address
• Power of Attorney specific to the transaction
• Brazilian income tax declaration (if applicable)
• Property documents: registration certificate, clearance certificates, property tax records

Taxes and fiscal obligations

Selling property in Brazil may trigger tax obligations, including income tax on capital gains. Overseas residents are subject to specific rates. It is important to consult a lawyer and an accountant before completing any transaction.