Lawyer vs doing it yourself
Do you need an immigration lawyer for Brazil?
You can file yourself: the official services are public, and Emigro's free tools are built on them. A licensed attorney confirms the requirements for your case and files it for you. Either way, it starts with knowing your route.
In short
Doing it yourself suits people whose route is clear and who are comfortable with Brazil's official services, which are public. A licensed attorney suits people who want the requirements confirmed for their case and the filing handled. Through Emigro, you choose the attorney, see their fee before you commit and pay them directly.
Side by side
| Doing it yourself | With a licensed attorney | |
|---|---|---|
| Who files | You, with the official service for your route | A licensed immigration attorney in Brazil, registered with the OAB |
| Checking the rules | You read the official pages yourself. Emigro's tools give general information, not legal advice | Emigro gives a preliminary read of your route, and the attorney confirms the requirements for your case |
| Your documents | You gather them from the official lists and keep them yourself | Stored with your case and shared with the attorney you choose, so nothing is asked twice |
| Fees | The official fees for your route | The attorney sets their filing fee, shown before you commit, and you pay them directly. Emigro never holds that payment |
| Account | None needed for the free tools | You sign in with an email code when you choose an attorney or upload documents |
Which one fits you
Doing it yourself
Choose this if your route is clear, you're comfortable with the official services, and you'd rather handle the paperwork yourself.
Check my route firstHow to get Brazil residency →With a licensed attorney
Choose this if you want a licensed attorney to confirm the requirements and file your case, with their fee shown up front.
Find my route and attorneyHow to get Brazil residency →
Rather talk to an immigration lawyer first?
Send a short note to an independent immigration lawyer who uses Emigro. If they offer a paid call, you can pick a time on their calendar right away; otherwise they reply by email.
Official sources
Residence by nationality, Federal Police ↗
Residence authorization and CRNM, gov.br ↗
Residence applications, Ministry of Justice ↗
Checked against official sources on October 25, 2026. Emigro gives preliminary guidance, not legal advice, and is not a law firm. Lawyers on Emigro are independent, registered with the OAB, and solely responsible for their advice. Emigro is a private company, not affiliated with the Brazilian government, the Federal Police, Itamaraty, the Ministry of Justice or the Receita Federal.
Common questions
Can I apply for a Brazilian visa or residence without a lawyer?
Yes. The official services are public, and Emigro's free tools are built on them. They give general information, not legal advice, so for anything unclear in your case, a licensed attorney can confirm the requirements.
How do attorney fees work through Emigro?
Your attorney sets their filing fee and you pay them directly. They confirm in your case once it arrives. Emigro never holds that payment.
Can I start on my own and choose an attorney later?
Yes. You can prepare your documents first and choose later. Your answers and documents go with you to the attorney you choose, so nothing is asked twice.
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