Competences - What We Can and Cannot Do

The competence powers of Embassies and Consular Offices abroad are defined by international treaties, Brazilian law and local law.

Some matters, especially those of a private, familiar or commercial nature cannot be dealt with by the Embassy, due to legal limitations.

Before contacting the Embassy, make sure that your matter is not of private nature and that it is effectively within our competence, as listed below:

Among the functions of a Consular Office are:

• protect and provide assistance to Brazilian citizens in its jurisdiction, respecting the international treaties in force and the legislation of the foreign country;
• issue passports and other travel documents;
• issue visas for entry into Brazilian territory for foreign citizens;
• act as a notary and civil registry official, carrying out birth, marriage and death records, issuing powers of attorney, certificates and other notarial acts;
• make the consular registration;
• perform some acts proper to the Military Service;
• allow the exercise of the citizen's right to vote and other services determined by electoral legislation;
• forward processes of loss and reacquisition of Brazilian nationality;
• offer small financial aid to Brazilians who are demonstrably underprivileged abroad;
• pay for repatriation tickets for Brazilians who want to return permanently to Brazil, provided that the legal requirements are met;
• defend Brazilian nationals from discrimination and ensure the guarantee of their human rights;
• verify the possibility of offering legal or psychological guidance to nationals;
• visiting Brazilians detained in other countries;
• failing to notify local authorities of any irregularity in the migratory status of Brazilian citizens
• prepare contingency plans for possible natural disasters or socio-political tensions.

Consulates and Embassies are prohibited from:

• issue any documents in disagreement with Brazilian or local legislation;
• issue an Identity Card (the responsibility of the Public Security Departments), National Foreigner Registration (Federal Police), National Driver's License (DETRAN or DENATRAM), certificate of good background (Federal Police or Public Security Departments);
• be a party or attorney-in-fact in legal proceedings involving Brazilian citizens;
• make Brazilian citizens immune to the immigration legislation of other countries;
• interfere in visa application processes with Embassies or Consulates in other countries;
• be responsible for contracts, debts or expenses of any nature of Brazilians abroad;
• interfere in private law matters, such as consumer rights or family matters;
• accelerate the processing of legal proceedings by Brazilians abroad;
• interfere in case of denial of entry into other countries;
• translate documents or act as an interpreter;
• reschedule flights or retrieve lost luggage;
• defray medical or legal expenses of nationals abroad;
• offer loans to Brazilians;
• investigate crimes or disappearances on their own;
• offer shelter or free lodging at the location of the Office, except in a situation of proven calamity;
• offer food, except in a situation of proven need;
• organize trips for Brazilian nationals to other countries;
• interfering to release detained Brazilian citizens;
• act in disagreement with local legislation or court decisions (Brazilian or foreign);
• be conniving with international abduction of minors, even in favor of a Brazilian parent;
• disclose unauthorized information on the whereabouts of a Brazilian of legal age without their express authorization or of a Brazilian who is a minor or incapable person without the authorization of their legal guardians.