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Practising law in Brazil as a foreign lawyer

A route exists, with conditionsLimited home-law practice is possible

To practise Brazilian law, a foreign lawyer normally needs a law degree recognised in Brazil and a pass in the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB) exam. Foreign lawyers can, however, register as foreign-law consultants with the OAB, but only for advice on the law of their own country.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.

Rules change. This page describes the kinds of route that exist. The regulator listed under “Official sources” publishes the current requirements, fees and dates, so always confirm with them. This is general information, not legal advice.

The routes

Foreign legal consultant (consultor em direito estrangeiro)

For: Foreign lawyers who want to advise on the law of their own country from Brazil.

  1. Apply to the regional council (seccional) of the OAB where you will work, with proof of your qualification and good standing in your home country, and your residence status.
  2. Receive an authorisation that is limited to the law of your country of origin.

The authorisation is limited. It excludes Brazilian law and court work.

Becoming a Brazilian lawyer (advogado)

For: Foreign-qualified lawyers who want to practise Brazilian law.

  1. Have your foreign law degree recognised by a Brazilian public university through the official diploma-recognition process, or study law in Brazil.
  2. Pass the OAB exam and register with the OAB.

Diploma recognition rules are applied individually, so check the current conditions with the university and the OAB.

Practising only your home-country law

As a registered foreign legal consultant you may advise on the law of your own country only. You may not practise Brazilian law or appear in Brazilian courts, even together with Brazilian lawyers.

Understand the legal system first

Brazil belongs to the Civil law family. Knowing how its system works makes the admission route easier to follow.

Read the Brazil legal-system profile in the Legal Families Atlas →
Compare Brazil with another country →

Official sources

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TheLawToKnow Tools’s Bar Admission guide is an educational overview of general rules. It is not legal advice, and it does not replace the regulator’s own information. Report a mistake.