Inheritance in Brazil (Probate): Legal Support for Foreign Heirs
If you’ve inherited assets in Brazil as a foreign citizen, you may be surprised by how different Brazilian inheritance law is from what you're used to. The process — known as inventário — requires legal procedures that must be carried out in Brazil, regardless of where the heirs live. We assist individuals from around the world in navigating Brazilian inheritance law, from court proceedings and tax compliance to the legal transfer of assets abroad. With fluency in English and deep experience in cross-border estate matters, we ensure your inheritance is handled efficiently and with full legal protection.
What Is Inventário in Brazil?
Inventário is the official legal procedure for transferring a deceased person’s assets to their heirs in Brazil. Even if all heirs live abroad, the process must be conducted in Brazil either through court or notary, depending on the case.
Inheritance in Brazil (Inventário): Legal Support for Foreign Heirs
If you’ve inherited assets in Brazil as a foreign citizen, you may be surprised by how different Brazilian inheritance law is from what you're used to. The process — known as inventário — requires legal procedures that must be carried out in Brazil, regardless of where the heirs live. We assist individuals from around the world in navigating Brazilian inheritance law, from court proceedings and tax compliance to the legal transfer of assets abroad. With fluency in English and deep experience in cross-border estate matters, we ensure your inheritance is handled efficiently and with full legal protection.

What Is Inventário in Brazil?

Inventário is the official legal procedure for transferring a deceased person’s assets to their heirs in Brazil. Even if all heirs live abroad, the process must be conducted in Brazil — either through court or notary, depending on the case.

Key Features of the Brazilian Inheritance Process

Mandatory Legal Procedure in Brazil

U.S., UK, EU, or other foreign court orders are not valid in Brazil without proper legal processing. If the deceased had assets in Brazil, a local inventário is required.

Deadlines and Tax Compliance

Each state sets its own deadline to open the inventário and pay the inheritance tax (ITCMD). Late filings can result in penalties and lost tax benefits.

ITCMD – Inheritance Tax in Brazil

Tax rates vary by state, generally from 4% to 8%.

Payment is typically due within 60–180 days after the date of death.

Some states offer discounts for early payment and allow installment plans.

Formal de Partilha: Asset Transfer Document

Once the process is finalized, a formal de partilha is issued to officially transfer ownership of real estate or other assets. This is mandatory for any sale, management, or registration.

International Transfers

After completion, we assist with the legal transfer of funds or assets from Brazil to your country of residence — ensuring full compliance with local and international banking and tax regulations.

Why You Shouldn’t Handle This Alone

Foreign heirs often assume that:

In reality, Brazilian law requires a licensed Brazilian lawyer to represent you in inventário. Without proper legal guidance, you risk:

Why Choose Us for Your Inheritance Case?

Our legal team offers:

testimonials

Posted on Google Google
Kurt Hentschel profile picture
Kurt Hentschel
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent service from start to finish. Very professional communication was above expectations. If needing an attorney in Brazil use this firm
Posted on Google Google
Stephen Blowfield profile picture
Stephen Blowfield
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Pedro is one of the most diligent Lawyers I have met ,he is honest very articulate and shows he really cares about his clients ,and he is more importantly very intelligent and knows exactly what to do to help his clients ..
Posted on Google Google
Brian Sherlock profile picture
Brian Sherlock
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Excellent experience from start to finish. The team was professional, responsive, and made the entire process seamless. Highly recommend their services!
Posted on Google Google
Carla Santos Lima profile picture
Carla Santos Lima
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Minha experiência com Mark Martin é indescritível. Eu vinha lidando com advogados muito competentes, mas também sobrecarregados por assédio e hostilidade. No meu caso envolvendo legislacao e cortes estrangeiras trabalhei com advogados capacitados, mas com pouca ou nenhuma compaixão. Havia uma sensação de cansaço no ar. Fiquei feliz por ter contatado o escritório de Mark Martin, gostaria de os ter encontrado antes. Eles desempenham com excelencia em todos os critérios. Expertise impressionante, credibilidade, compaixão e dedicacao, clareza. Sao acessíveis - mais do que eu poderia imaginar. Ficou claro desde o principio que tomaram meu caso com boa intencao e honestidade. Tem tanta luta feia e cansativa nesse mundo.... vale a pena contratar um advogado que atua com valores, etica e boa-vontade. Se eu pudesse daria 20 estrelas.
Posted on Google Google
Liliane Sousa profile picture
Liliane Sousa
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Profissionais prontos e capacitados ,me ajudaram quando pensei não haver mais portas ,muito obrigada a toda equipe,Deus abençoe grandemente vcs 🙏
Posted on Google Google
Lyle Goodman profile picture
Lyle Goodman
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Thank you very much, Mark, and to your entire team. Your assistance in helping us obtain our legal documents has been truly invaluable. We deeply appreciate your professionalism, dedication, and support throughout the process. We highly recommend your office to anyone in need of legal services.
Posted on Google Google
Tom Linnik profile picture
Tom Linnik
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I am thrilled with the experience I have had with Mark and his team. Myself being a US citizen with no knowledge of Brazilian Law, Mark made it so easy and helpful for me to get all my affairs and Brazilian citizenship in order. Thank you!
Posted on Google Google
Marinus Mourik profile picture
Marinus Mourik
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Very good service and attention. It's very convenient that the contact can go by WhatsApp, fast and direct. If necessary I certainly like to have this office working for me.
Posted on Google Google
Edilson Carvalho Ramos profile picture
Edilson Carvalho Ramos
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
São os melhores advogados que já conheci para resolver problemas americanos aqui no Brasil são responsáveis competentes e acima de tudo honestos. Para mim 5 estrelas sem dúvidas. Indico os dois para qualquer negócio entre Brasil e Estados Unidos
Posted on Google Google
Wender Fonseca profile picture
Wender Fonseca
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We are incredibly grateful to Dr. Guilherme and Dr. Mark, who helped us resolve our international family law case. From the very beginning, they guided us through each step with clarity and professionalism. They show deep compassion and sensitivity to the emotional complexities of the situation, especially given the international nature and personal stakes of the case. What stood out most was their commitment to uncovering the truth, resolving the matter of efficiently, and minimizing unnecessary legal cost wherever possible. Their integrity and focus never waiver, even as we faced unjust, legal challenges. If you’re navigating a complex child or adult support case, especially when the crosses international boundaries, this team is exactly who you want by your side. They were everything we hoped for in legal representation and more. We are forever grateful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Inheritance in Brazil

 No — we can represent you remotely and handle the entire process on your behalf.

 Foreign wills must be adapted and validated under Brazilian law. We manage this for you.

It’s Brazil’s inheritance tax, typically 4%–8%, calculated on the value of inherited assets.

You may face fines, interest, or lose discounts. Acting quickly avoids these issues.

 Yes, most Brazilian states allow it — we’ll confirm and set it up for your case.

 Absolutely. We ensure full legal and financial compliance when transferring assets abroad.

Secure Your Inheritance in Brazil — Without the Stress

Cross-border inheritance doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Let us guide you through every step of the Brazilian inventário process with confidence and clarity.

Schedule your free consultation today.

Get in Touch