Which certificate is the right one?
Anyone who needs a Brazilian birth, marriage, or death certificate is often faced with the question: Which version do I actually need to order?
In Brazil, there are different forms of vital records. Which one is required depends on what the certificate is to be used for and what requirements the receiving authority has.
Certidão em breve relato - the "standard" version
The Certidão em breve relato contains the essential information from the respective register in a summarized form.
It is particularly suitable when only the current marital status needs to be proven and complete historical register data are not required.
Typical use cases can be:
- general proof for authorities
- simple proof of marital status
- certain administrative procedures
- private documentation
However, for procedures abroad, this form is not always sufficient.
Certidão em inteiro teor - The comprehensive version
The Certidão em inteiro teor provides the content of the register entry in a much more comprehensive manner.
It usually also contains additional details, marginal notes, and subsequent changes that may not be fully visible in a simple certificate.
A certificate in inteiro teor is often required for:
- naturalization and citizenship procedures
- recognition of divorces or adoptions
- genealogical research
- procedures where the complete register history is relevant
If the certificate is to be used by a German or other foreign authority, the inteiro teor version is often the safer choice.
Digital or printed certificate?
Brazilian registry offices now often issue certificates electronically as well.
Whether a digital certificate is sufficient depends on the authority where it is to be submitted later.
For international procedures, the following may also be required:
- issuance in a specific format
- apostille according to the Hague Convention
- certified translation
- submission of the paper original
We are therefore happy to check before you order which form is appropriate for your specific purpose.
Do I need an apostille?
When a Brazilian certificate is to be used abroad, a Hague Apostille is often required.
The apostille confirms the authenticity of the public document for international legal use.
It is usually necessary if the certificate is to be presented to foreign authorities.
Which version should I order?
If you are unsure, we recommend not choosing the certificate solely based on the name of the document.
The deciding factor is which documents are requested by the office where you intend to submit the certificate.
Simply let us know:
- which certificate you need,
- which country it is intended for,
- and what it will be used for.
We will then help you determine the appropriate version and, upon request, can also handle register searches, certificate issuance, apostille, and worldwide shipping.
Still unsure?
Then simply send us the requirements from the authority or a photo or screenshot of the letter.
We will check which Brazilian certificate you require.