International Law: Treaties, Conventions & Global Legal Cooperation
Understand how Brazil relates legally with the world — from Mercosur to the Hague Convention, from international arbitration to cross-border family law. Educational content verified by lawyers.
Consulates and Embassies in Brazil
389 foreign diplomatic missions across Brazil. Click a marker to view address, phone and contact details. Use the search to filter by country or city.
International Law in Numbers
Brazil is a signatory to hundreds of international treaties that directly affect citizens and businesses.
Key Areas of International Law
Understand the main areas of law that cross borders and may affect you.
International Trade
International contracts, Incoterms, foreign exchange, import/export, customs compliance and WTO rules.
Immigration Law
Visas, residence permits, naturalization, deportation, asylum and free movement agreements.
Hague Convention
Document apostille, international child abduction, intercountry adoption and cooperation in civil procedure.
International Litigation
International arbitration (ICC, UNCITRAL), enforcement of foreign judgments and transnational execution.
International Taxation
Double taxation, FATCA/CRS, international tax planning and reporting obligations to tax authorities.
International Family Law
Divorce with foreign spouse, cross-border child custody, international child support and transnational succession.
How to Resolve an International Legal Matter
Four essential steps for any case involving more than one jurisdiction.
Jurisdiction Identification
Determine which country's law applies: domicile, place of contract or act, nationality of the parties.
Treaty Analysis
Identify which conventions and bilateral agreements apply: Hague, Mercosur, legal cooperation agreements.
Documentation & Legalization
Apostille, sworn translation, consularization and validation as required by each country.
Case Resolution
International arbitration, litigation in the competent court or legal cooperation between national authorities.
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Frequently Asked Questions about International Law
Clear answers to the most common questions about international legal matters.
What is the Hague Convention and how does it affect Brazilians?
The Hague Convention is a series of international treaties that facilitate legal cooperation between member countries. For Brazilians, the most relevant are: (1) the Hague Apostille (1961 Convention), which simplifies document legalization among 160+ signatory countries; (2) the Convention on International Child Abduction (1980), governing parental abduction cases; and (3) the Convention on Intercountry Adoption (1993). Brazil has acceded to all three.
How is a foreign court judgment enforced in Brazil?
Enforcement requires homologation by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ), under Arts. 961–965 of the Brazilian Civil Procedure Code and STJ Resolution 9/2005. Requirements: the judgment must be final, issued by a competent court, duly authenticated, translated by a sworn translator, and must not violate Brazilian public policy or national sovereignty.
What is document apostille?
An apostille is a simplified form of authenticating public documents for use in another member country of the 1961 Hague Convention. It replaces the more burdensome consularization process. In Brazil, apostilles are issued by Notary Offices (Tabelionatos de Notas). Common documents: birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic diplomas, powers of attorney, court judgments. Mandatory for use in more than 120 countries.
What is Mercosur from a legal perspective?
Mercosur is a regional economic-legal bloc formed by Brazil, Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia and Venezuela (suspended). Associate members: Chile, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Guyana and Suriname. Legally, the Ouro Preto Protocol (1994) grants Mercosur international legal personality, and the Olivos Protocol (2002) establishes the Permanent Review Tribunal for dispute resolution.
How does international child custody work under the Hague Convention?
When parents of different nationalities separate or one takes the child abroad without consent, the 1980 Hague Convention on Child Abduction applies. The child's habitual residence is the determining factor. Return requests go to the Brazilian Central Authority (SNDCA). The case is heard by federal courts and should be resolved within 6 weeks under the Convention.
What is the difference between international arbitration and litigation?
International litigation takes place in national courts following jurisdictional rules (LINDB, CPC). International arbitration is private: parties choose specialized arbitrators and procedural rules (e.g., ICC, UNCITRAL, ICSID). It is faster, confidential and widely recognized under the New York Convention (1958), ratified by 160+ countries including Brazil. Foreign arbitral awards also require STJ homologation for enforcement in Brazil.
Does Brazil have double taxation treaties?
Yes. Brazil has double taxation agreements with 34 countries, including Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Chile, China, Denmark, Ecuador, Spain, Finland, France, Hungary, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Mexico, Norway, the Netherlands, Peru, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, Sweden, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine and Venezuela. Note: Brazil is not an OECD member, and its treaty network is smaller than many peer countries.
Which documents need apostille for use in Brazil or abroad?
Public documents that require apostille include: vital records (birth, marriage, death certificates), criminal background checks, academic diplomas and transcripts, notarized powers of attorney, court judgments and public medical certificates. Private documents (contracts, invoices, commercial letters) generally do not need apostille but may need notarized signatures and sworn translation. Always verify whether the destination country is a signatory to the 1961 Hague Convention.