What is the Official Document Recognition Map?

An interactive map showing each country's official requirements for recognising foreign documents, including when certified translations, apostilles, or legalisation are needed.

What is an apostille?

An apostille is a certificate that authenticates the origin of a public document for use in another country that is part of the Hague Apostille Convention.

When do I need a certified translation?

A certified translation is typically required when submitting foreign language documents to government agencies, courts, or official institutions. Requirements vary by country - use the map to check specific country requirements.

What's the difference between legalisation and an apostille?

Apostille is used between countries that are part of the Hague Convention (simplified process), while legalisation is the traditional process used between countries not part of the convention, often requiring multiple steps through foreign ministries and embassies.

Translation Requirements for Brazil

Brazil 🇧🇷

Requirement: Sworn

Requirements summary

Apostille required	Required for foreign public documents before sworn translation
Translation type required	Sworn translation (tradução juramentada)
Who can translate	Public sworn translator registered with a Brazilian Junta Comercial
Official translator registry	National Register of Public Sworn Translators (DREI / MDIC)
Accepted languages	Portuguese
Legalisation authority	Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty)
Official source	Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Sworn Translations

Important: Foreign public documents must be apostilled or consularly legalised before being translated by a sworn translator in Brazil.

Find a sworn translator in Brazil

Who can translate

In Brazil, legally valid translations (traduções juramentadas) must be performed by a tradutor público juramentado, officially registered with the Junta Comercial of a Brazilian state.

To become a sworn translator, individuals must pass a public examination (concurso público). Only natural persons—not companies—may be appointed.

What makes a translation official

A sworn translation must include:

The translator’s official stamp and registration number
Signature or initials on each page
A declaration of accuracy
Reference to the translator’s official record book maintained at the Junta Comercial

Although translators are registered at state level, sworn translations are valid nationwide across Brazil.

Documents from abroad

Public documents issued abroad must first be apostilled under the Hague Convention or consularly legalised before being translated in Brazil.

The apostille or legalisation does not replace the requirement for sworn translation.

Legal basis

Sworn translators in Brazil are regulated by federal commercial registration rules administered through the Department of Business Registration and Integration (DREI) under the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services. Registration is carried out at state level via the Juntas Comerciais.

Official Document Recognition Map - Translation, Apostille & Legalisation Rules by Country

Legalisation and translation requirements in Brazil