Buy a Property in Brazil
If you want to buy a house or apartment in Brazil, contact us. Our Brazilian law firm will be at your service during the purchase.
If you want to buy a property in Brazil as a foreigner, there are several procedures to respect. Discover them below, along with the services our lawyers provide.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Specific legislation applicable (YES/NO) | Civil Code |
Possibility to acquire properties by foreigners (YES/NO) | Yes, foreigners can buy properties in Brazil. |
Types of properties that can be purchased in Brazil | – apartments, – houses, – commercial buildings |
| Real estate due diligence required (YES/NO) | No, due diligence is not mandatory but advised. |
| Documents to draft for property acquisition | – pre-sale agreement, – sale-purchase contract, – individual taxpayer number for the foreign buyer, – identification papers for the buyer and seller |
| Financing options availability (YES/NO) | Yes, through mortgage |
| Special property acquisition programs for foreign citizens (YES/NO) | No |
| Timeframe to acquire a property in Brazil (approx.) | 1 to 2 months |
| Taxes to consider upon a property purchase | – notary fees, – transfer tax, – property registration fee |
| Land Registry registration requirement (YES/NO) | Yes, the deed must be registered with the Real Estate Registry Office (Cartório de Registro de Imóveis). |
| Best cities to buy properties in Brazil | – Brasilia, – Rio de Janeiro, – Sao Paolo |
| Residency requirements for foreign citizens buying real estate | No, the foreign buyer must only obtain the tax identification number |
| Possibility to appoint a Brazilian representative during the transaction (YES/NO) | Yes, our lawyers in Brazil can help in this sense. |
| Property tax rates | Municipal IPTU, set by each city (typically about 0.3% to 1.5% of the assessed value) |
| Support in buying a property in Brazil (YES/NO) | Yes, our lawyers in Brazil can assist with real estate purchases. |
| Possibility to purchase properties for companies (YES/NO) | Yes, companies can also acquire real estate. |
Approval for foreigners to acquire real estate (if any) | No, there is no specific approval to be obtained. |
Property reservation requirement (YES/NO) | No, however, the buyer can make such arrangements. |
| Steps to acquire real estate | – choosing the property, – conducting real estate due diligence, – preparing the purchase documents, – signing the transaction. |
| Advance payment to secure property (if any) | Yes, a 10% to 15% advance payment is customary. |
| Costs associated with buying a property in Brazil | – real estate agent fee (if applicable), – notary fees, – advance payment (if applicable), – document drafting costs. |
| Special VAT rate for real estate transactions (YES/NO) | No. |
| Legal representation required (YES/NO) | No, however, it is recommended especially to foreign buyers. |
| Capital gains tax rate for the disposal of property | 15% to 22.5% of the net capital gain (progressive rates for individuals; 25% for residents of tax havens). |
| Possibility to rent the property after purchase (YES/NO) | Yes, the new owner can rent the property. |
| Currency in which the transaction can be completed | Real estate acquisition is available in the local currency (Brazilian Real) or in international currency, especially US dollars. |
| Special requirements for foreign investors (if any) | No, there are no special requirements applicable to overseas investors. |
| Possibility to buy land in Brazil for foreigners (YES/NO) | Yes. |
| Additional steps for foreigners buying properties in Brazil (if any) | Yes, obtaining a CPF (a tax identification code). |
| Requirement to maintain purchased property for foreigners (YES/NO) | No, foreigners can sell the property at any time. |
Are there any restrictions applicable to foreigners who want to buy properties in Brazil?
Yes, as a foreigner, you can buy rural land and land in the 150 km border strip only within legal limits and with prior authorisation (INCRA under Law 5,709/1971; the National Defence Council under Law 6,634/1979). This means that you CAN buy land that is located in urban areas.
What are the steps to buy a property in Brazil?
If you want to buy a house in Brazil, you must first know the steps you need to complete:
- looking for houses for sale in Brazil can be done by checking local newspapers, the internet, or using a real estate agent;
- after finding the right property, you need to complete a verification of the respective place of living;
- setting up a bank account is also necessary for depositing the amount to be paid and from which the transfer to the seller’s account will occur;
- the transaction will take place in front of a public notary;
- then, the new property title must be registered with the Land Register.
Do I need to be a Brazilian resident to buy a property?
No, you can purchase a property as a non-resident. Moreover, if you do not want to travel, you can use a power of attorney for a local representative, such as one of our Brazilian lawyers.
We also have an infographic on this subject:
Can the property purchase procedure be completed remotely? Are there any special requirements to be aware of?
Yes, remote purchase is available; however, it implies hiring a real estate lawyer and obtaining a tax identification code. Our Brazilian lawyers have extensive experience in representing clients in real estate transactions. We can also assist with the tax ID application for a smooth procedure.
NOTE: The tax ID is necessary as you will need a clearance certificate indicating you have no debts with the Brazilian authorities.
What documents do I need to supply for representation in Brazilian real estate acquisition?
We will need a copy of your valid passport and a power of attorney. All communication can be made via email.
Are advance payments customary when buying a property in Brazil?
Yes, a 10% down payment from the price must usually be made.
What types of properties can I buy in Brazil?
Foreigners can buy a wide range of real estate properties for residential or investment use, such as:
- apartments;
- houses;
- villas;
- commercial properties.
Real estate investments are common in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia.
If you want to immigrate to Brazil, buying a property here can prove a good decision. You can rely on our lawyers for support in choosing the appropriate type of real estate.
Do I need to pay any taxes when I purchase a property in Brazil?
Yes, as a buyer you must pay a municipal transfer tax (ITBI), usually 2% to 3% (3% in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro), depending on the city the property is located in. The tax must be paid BEFORE closing the transaction, so you may want to set aside the additional amount from the beginning.
Is it possible to buy a Brazilian property through a mortgage as a foreigner?
Foreigners in Brazil may be able to obtain a mortgage; however, it should be noted that banks set their own requirements for eligibility.
Please watch our video on this subject:
How long does it take to buy a property in Brazil?
The procedure takes about 3 months.
If you need support in buying a house or apartment in Rio de Janeiro, contact us. Our lawyers can also help you obtain citizenship in Brazil. Our team can also help you open a business in Brazil.
Dr. Jamil Abdo, Attorney at Law · 2 October 2026Dr. Jamil Abdo is one of the partners of Abdo Advogados.