The buying real estate in Brazil by foreigners has become increasingly common — and for good reason. After all, the appreciation of the real estate market, combined with favorable exchange rates and clear opportunities for wealth diversification, has made the country an attractive destination for international investors seeking to live or do business in Brazilian territory.
If you are a foreigner looking to acquire property in Brazil safely, avoiding common mistakes and ensuring a lawful transaction, keep reading to learn everything you need to know about buying real estate in Brazil as a foreigner.
Real State in Brazil: Why Should Foreigners Invest?
In 2024, approximately R$ 283 million was invested in the purchase of real estate in Brazil by foreigners. This figure highlights how attractive this market has become for international investors, and there are several reasons for that.
One of them is the appreciation of the real estate market, which surpassed inflation in 2025 with a 2% gain — the second-highest increase in the last 11 years. In addition, the devaluation of the Brazilian real compared to foreign currencies such as the euro or U.S. dollar has made Brazilian properties more affordable.
These factors, combined with the return potential offered by the Brazilian real estate market through rentals and passive income generation, make this type of investment highly attractive to foreigners.
Is It Legal for Foreigners to Buy Property in Brazil?
Yes. Brazilian legislation allows foreign individuals, whether residents or non-residents, to acquire urban real state in Brazil without major restrictions.
Whether it is a house, apartment, or land plot, the law permits foreigners to purchase properties in Brazilian territory and legally diversify their assets.
However, for this to happen, the buyer must have a regular legal status in the country, meaning no legal or tax issues, and must comply with specific requirements when the purchase involves border areas, rural land, coastal federal land, or companies linked to media activities.
Buying Real Estate in Brazil by Foreigners be Carried out Safely?
To ensure a safe and lawful transaction, foreigners buying property in Brazil should follow some basic steps, including:
Choosing the Right Property
When considering the purchase of real state in Brazil, foreign investors should prioritize properties with strong appreciation potential and located in high-demand areas, such as major capitals and tourist cities.
In addition, before completing the purchase, it is essential to verify the legal status of the property to check for liens, mortgages, unpaid property taxes, or any other encumbrances.
Required Documentation for Purchase
Generally, some documents are required during the process of acquiring real estate in Brazil, such as:
- Valid passport
- Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Number (CPF)
- Proof of marital status
It is also important to note that the foreign buyer’s civil documents must be apostilled to be considered valid in this process.
Costs and Taxes Involved
Another important point for foreigners interested in buying property in Brazil is understanding the costs involved in the transaction.
In general, Brazilian real estate purchases involve taxes such as the Real State Transfer Tax (ITBI), whose rate varies according to the municipality where the property is located.
In addition,buying real estate in Brazil by foreigners also involves notary and registration fees, as well as capital gains tax in the event of a future sale. These charges apply both to Brazilians and foreigners investing in the Brazilian real estate market.
Property Registration
To invest legally in real state in Brazil, foreigners must register the property at the Real Estate Registry Office. This is the only act that legally transfers ownership of the property in Brazil.
Without this registration, the buyer cannot legally be considered the owner of the property, even if full payment has already been made.
Specialized Legal Assistance
Having a lawyer specialized in Real Estate Law is essential when buying real estate in Brazil by foreigners. With professional support, it is possible to validate documents, review contracts, and ensure a safe and reliable transaction from a legal standpoint.
Contact
Need a real estate lawyer in Rio de Janeiro? Dr. Gabriela Mozer, specialist in real estate law, offers personalized solutions for your needs. Contact her today!
