Why is it necessary to legalize a document?

     In order to be legally valid in Brazil, a foreign document needs to have its authenticity validated by the Brazilian Consular Authority, otherwise it will not be legally recognized by Brazilian authorities.

How to legalize a document?

     Except for school transcripts, diplomas and official documents (i.e. documents issued by a local authority), before submission to the Consular Section Officer, documents to be authenticated must first be legalized by either a Notary Public of Hong Kong or Macau or any of the institutions listed below:

1)   Notaries Public (ex.: Power of Attorney, Company Letters and Declarations)

2)   The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (e.g.: Commercial Invoices, Price Lists and Packing Lists)
3)   The Chinese Manufacturer's Association of Hong Kong (e.g.: Commercial Invoices, Price Lists and  Packing Lists)
4)   The Chinese General Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong (e.g.: Commercial Invoices, Price Lists and  Packing Lists)
5)   Federation of Hong Kong Industries (e.g.: Commercial Invoices, Price Lists and  Packing Lists)
6)   The Indian Chamber of Commerce of Hong Kong (e.g.: Commercial Invoices, Price Lists and  Packing Lists)
7)   Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (e.g.: Pet Certificate)

     Only original documents issued in Hong Kong or Macau can be authenticated by the Consulate General in Hong Kong. Photocopies will be certified as a true copy of the original. Interested parties must present the documents in person to the Consular Section, as no requests will be processed by mail. Upon cash payment of a HK$200.00 consular fee per signature, consular legalizations are normally processed within two working days.

© 2009 Consulate General of Brazil in Hong Kong