Debt recovery in Brazil for foreign creditors
Is your company owed money by a Brazilian customer, partner or debtor? We help you understand your chances of recovery, locate the debtor’s assets and pursue collection in Brazil, with everything explained in English.
Routes to collect in Brazil
A foreign court judgment must be recognised by Brazil’s Superior Court of Justice (STJ) before it can be enforced in Brazil. The same applies to foreign arbitral awards, which are recognised under the New York Convention, to which Brazil is a party.
Contracts and debt instruments can often be enforced directly before Brazilian courts, without prior proceedings abroad. The right route depends on the documents you hold and on where the debtor’s assets are.
How we help
- Preliminary assessment of the claim and supporting documents
- Asset tracing on the debtor in Brazil
- Coordination with Brazilian law firms for recognition, collection and enforcement
- Regular reporting in English throughout the process
- Purchase of the claim, when the creditor prefers to close the matter and be paid now
Why local knowledge matters
Brazilian enforcement relies on court-run systems for freezing bank accounts and locating assets, and on procedures, such as piercing the corporate veil, that work differently from those in other jurisdictions. Knowing where to look and what to ask the judge for makes the difference between a claim that stalls and one that is paid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to sue in my own country before collecting in Brazil?
Not always. Depending on the documents, collection can start directly in Brazil. We assess the case and recommend the shortest route.
Do my documents need to be translated?
Documents in a foreign language filed with Brazilian courts require a sworn translation into Portuguese. We help you organise what is needed.
Which languages do you work in?
English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.
Owed money in Brazil?
Send us a short summary of the case in English.