Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Getting married is an exciting milestone that can become complex, especially when doing so in Brazil. This article identifies and demystifies the essential steps to follow to ensure this event goes smoothly in this beautiful South American country.
From mandatory administrative formalities to tips for gathering all the required documents, we guide you through each step of the process. Whether you’re already residents in Brazil or planning to celebrate your vows there as foreigners, knowing these legal requirements is crucial to ensure your ceremony proceeds without issues.
Get ready to discover all the indispensable practical aspects to make your Brazilian wedding a hassle-free reality.
Details of Administrative Formalities for Marriage in Brazil
Specific Steps to Legally Marry in Brazil
- Go together to the Cartório de Registro Civil in your place of residence, accompanied by two adult witnesses (usually Brazilian), with their identification documents.
- Submit an official marriage application; documents are verified and authenticated.
- Publication of banns (Proclamas) by the Cartório: public notice announcing the couple’s intention to marry, typically published in a local newspaper or posted for 15 to 30 days.
- Set the civil marriage date, which must occur between 30 and 90 days after document submission.
Required Documents
| Type of Spouse | Main Documents |
|---|---|
| Brazilian Citizen | Identity Card (RG) or passport; recent birth certificate |
Good to Know:
Remember to always request the full certificate (“Em Inteiro Teor”) upon final delivery so your union is recognized internationally. Ensure passports and birth certificates are translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator; administrative costs may vary by state, and foreigners are advised to check if they need to obtain a certificate of marital capacity.
Documents Needed for Civil Marriage in Brazil
To have a civil marriage in Brazil, it is imperative to present several documents at the cartório (local notary office), which may vary slightly by state, but the following list covers the main requirements for Brazilian nationals and foreigners.
| Document | Description / Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid ID | Passport or identity card (for Brazilians: RG and CPF) | Originals and copies, valid at time of submission |
| Recent Birth Certificate | Issued within the last 3 months | For foreigners: sworn translation, apostille or legalization depending on country of origin |
| Proof of Residence | Recent utility bill, lease, or sworn statement | If staying with someone, declaration from host with signature recognized at cartório |
| Certificate of Marital Capacity | Issued by competent authority in home country | For French citizens: request from consulate |
| Certificate of Custom | Specifies applicable legislation for foreign spouse | Issued by consulate or embassy |
| Certificate of Single Status or Family Situation Statement | Attests that future spouse is not already married | May be replaced by sworn statement in some situations |
| Documents Related to Previous Marital Status | Divorce decree, death certificate of former spouse | Sworn translation mandatory for foreign documents |
| Marriage Contract | If desired, to be established before ceremony | Can be done before notary in Brazil or home country |
For Foreign Citizens:
- All foreign documents must be translated by a sworn public translator in Brazil (tradutor público juramentado).
- Some documents must be legalized or apostilled in the country of origin before use in Brazil.
- The certificate of marital capacity is generally required and issued by the consulate or embassy of the home country.
Procedures for Obtaining and Registering Documents in Brazil:
- Sworn translations must be done exclusively by translators registered with Brazilian authorities.
- Translated documents must be registered at the Cartório de Títulos e Documentos.
- For proof of residence, if no bill in your name, a sworn statement from the host with signature recognition is accepted along with a bill in their name.
Timelines and Fees:
- Requesting a birth certificate from abroad can take 10 to 15 business days, plus time for translation and registration in Brazil.
- Fees vary by cartório and number of documents to process (translations, legalization, apostille, registration). Budget approximately 500 to 1,500 BRL for all administrative procedures.
Important to Know:
- All documents must be recent (generally less than 3 months old).
- The exact document list may vary by state or city. It’s recommended to consult the competent cartório for an updated list tailored to your situation.
- For the marriage to be recognized in France, you’ll need to request transcription of the Brazilian marriage certificate with the French consulate.
Documents to Prepare as a Checklist:
- Valid passport or identity card
- Recent birth certificate (less than 3 months old)
- Proof of residence
- Certificate of marital capacity
- Certificate of custom
- Family situation statement or certificate of single status
- Divorce decree or death certificate if previously married
- Sworn translations of foreign documents
- Marriage contract (optional)
Important Note:
All foreign documents must be translated by a sworn translator in Brazil and, if applicable, apostilled or legalized before submission to the cartório.
Good to Know:
Remember to have your foreign documents translated and apostilled for acceptance by Brazilian authorities, particularly the certificate of marital capacity for non-residents. Check with the Brazilian consulate in your home country for timelines and fees related to obtaining these documents.
Tips for Expatriates Wanting to Marry in Brazil
Practical Tips to Facilitate Marriage for Expatriates in Brazil
- Understand Local Marriage Laws
Familiarize yourself with Brazilian civil marriage legislation. The marriage must be celebrated at the cartório (civil registry) in the neighborhood where one spouse resides. Certain procedures, like publishing banns, are mandatory.
It’s essential to gather all required documents in advance, including translated and apostilled or legalized versions. - Portuguese Proficiency
A functional level of Portuguese greatly facilitates communication with local authorities, sworn translators, and during administrative procedures.
If your Portuguese is limited, consider intensive courses or bring an interpreter to official appointments. - Consult a Lawyer Specialized in Brazilian Family Law
Engage the services of a local specialized lawyer to:- Verify document compliance
- Explain legal implications of marriage in Brazil
- Prevent any disputes or complications related to nationality, residence, or asset management
- Learn About Local Customs
Brazilian marriage customs may differ significantly from those in your home country.- Learn about practices during civil and/or religious ceremonies
- Respect local traditions to facilitate integration and avoid misunderstandings
- Paperwork Management
- Gather all required documents: recent birth certificate, certificate of marital capacity or single status statement, proof of address, passport, possibly divorce decree or death certificate of previous spouse
- Have all foreign documents translated and legalized (apostille or consular legalization) by a sworn translator in Brazil
- Carefully keep certified copies of each document
- Allow time for obtaining and translating documents, as well as for banns publication
Summary Table of Essential Procedures
| Key Step | Action to Take |
|---|---|
| Gather Documents | Birth certificate, family situation statement, proof of residence, passport, etc. |
| Translation and Legalization | Apostille/legalization and sworn translation in Brazil |
| Submission to Cartório | Submit complete file and attend interview with witnesses |
| Publication of Banns | Mandatory in marriage jurisdiction |
| Legal Consultation | Family law attorney to secure procedure |
| Ceremony and Final Formalities | Presence of both spouses and witnesses for signing certificate |
Useful Local Resource
For personalized assistance and to verify your file’s compliance, you can contact a law firm specialized in family law in Brazil such as:
Alves Jacob Law Firm – Matrimonial Law and Immigration
You can also seek advice from your home country’s consulate in Brazil for additional guidance and transcription of your marriage in consular records.
Taking the time to properly prepare each step, surrounding yourself with competent professionals, and mastering communication with local authorities are the keys to a smooth marriage process in Brazil.
Good to Know:
Understanding local laws, mastering Portuguese, and consulting a specialized lawyer are essential for a successful marriage in Brazil; remember to contact your consulate for personalized advice.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
