A resident legal representative in Brazil, with or without a company
Many foreign individuals and companies need someone in Brazil with legal authority to act for them, even though they are not opening a new business. ABDO Advogados provides ongoing representation by licensed Brazilian attorneys, with clearly limited powers and English reporting.
Typical situations
Brazilian law and Brazilian institutions frequently require a representative domiciled in the country. These are the cases we handle most often.
Non-resident shareholders of existing companies
Foreign partners in a Brazilian company that is already open and needs a resident attorney-in-fact for service of process, corporate acts and tax matters.
Foreign companies with a Brazilian CNPJ only
Entities registered in Brazil to hold shares, property or investments, which must keep a resident representative before the Federal Revenue and the Central Bank.
Owners of Brazilian property
Non-residents who own or are buying real estate and need representation for registration, taxes, utilities, condominium matters and sale.
Investors in Brazilian assets
Holders of equity stakes, funds, bonds or agricultural assets who need a representative for registrations, remittances and reporting.
Heirs and families
Foreign heirs of Brazilian estates and families with Brazilian assets who need representation in probate, inventories and asset transfers.
Individuals leaving Brazil
People becoming non-resident who must appoint a representative before the Federal Revenue and keep accounts, properties and obligations in order.
Non-resident administrators
Foreign officers of Brazilian companies who, by law, must appoint a resident attorney-in-fact to receive service of process.
Trademark and IP holders
Foreign owners of Brazilian trademarks and patents who need an attorney-in-fact before the Brazilian PTO (INPI).
Parties to Brazilian contracts or disputes
Foreign companies and individuals with Brazilian counterparties who need local representation for notices, negotiations and proceedings.
What the representation covers
The powers are defined in a power of attorney you approve, with limits on value and a duty to report. Nothing is done in your name without your written instruction.
Where the representation needs to be registered with a public body, we handle the registration and keep it current.
- Resident attorney-in-fact for individuals and legal entities
- Receipt of service of process and official notices, with immediate escalation
- Representation before the Federal Revenue, Central Bank, Board of Trade, state and municipal authorities
- CPF/CNPJ registrations, updates and annual compliance for non-residents
- Representation before banks, notaries, registries and the Brazilian PTO
- Signature of specific acts on your instruction: corporate approvals, deeds, filings
- Coordination with your accountants, banks and foreign advisers
- Court and administrative representation by the firm's litigation team when needed
Representation by licensed attorneys
Bound by professional rules
Our representatives are members of the Brazilian Bar, bound by the OAB Code of Ethics and professional secrecy and subject to its disciplinary jurisdiction.
Limited, documented powers
Enumerated powers, value limits, expiry dates and a revocation and hand-over procedure, all in the instrument you sign.
Continuity
A firm in practice since 1983, with a named coordinator and partner supervision, so the representation does not depend on one individual.
Fees
Ongoing representation is charged as a fixed monthly fee, from USD 400 per month for a standard mandate, stated in a written proposal. Specific acts outside the standing mandate (for example a property sale or court proceeding) are quoted separately.
Legal representation FAQ
Do I need to open a company to have a legal representative in Brazil?
No. Individuals and foreign companies can appoint a resident attorney-in-fact for their own affairs in Brazil, whether or not they own a Brazilian company.
Can the representative act without my approval?
Only within the powers written in the instrument you sign. Standing powers are usually limited to receiving notices and acting before public bodies; any other act requires your written instruction.
How do I end the representation?
By revoking the power of attorney at any time. We file the revocation where the appointment was registered and hand over to your new representative.
Can you take over from my current representative?
Yes. We review the existing mandate and registrations, prepare the new instrument and update the Federal Revenue, Central Bank and any other registry.
Tell us what needs representing in Brazil
A short description is enough. We reply within one business day with the scope and a fixed-fee proposal.