Apostilles and Translations: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

The correct procedure is to obtain original documents from Russia (like Birth Certificates), apostille them in Russia, and have them sent to Brazil via a courier or personal connection to be translated by a certified (juramentado) translator.

Essential documents include a birth certificate with apostille, diploma with apostille, and criminal record certificate with apostille. If traveling with family, their birth certificates and marriage certificates, all with apostilles, are also needed. These documents must be translated by a sworn translator and submitted to the Ministry of Labor. The application must specify the country and city outside Brazil where the physical visa will be issued. The processing time for the decision is approximately 3-4 months. Following a positive decision, extensive online forms must be completed, and an appointment scheduled for document submission. In Moscow, visa processing took about a week. Upon arrival in Brazil, further steps involve the immigration police.

While Russian civil registry offices (ZAGS) might suggest apostilling only a certificate of marriage (Form No. 6), it's recommended to apostille the original marriage/divorce certificates as well. This applies especially if the documents are for official purposes like childbirth registration or other administrative processes in Brazil. Apostilling a police clearance certificate is also advised.

If a birth certificate was issued in 1998, it is advisable to verify if a 'new' version is needed or if the existing one, along with any supplemental inserts (like those required for travel), can be apostilled and translated. Consulting a legal professional or the relevant consulate is recommended for specific requirements.

A criminal record check issued by the RF Consulate in Brazil is often accepted by local police but may be rejected by the Ministry of Justice during the final processing stages. It is highly recommended to apostille original documents in the home country before travel.

All foreign documents must be translated locally in Brazil by a sworn public translator (tradutor juramentado). However, original certificates (birth, marriage, diplomas) must be apostilled in their country of origin. Note that police clearance certificates typically carry a strict 3-month validity window for immigration processes.

If the document is an old version, a new one must be requested first to obtain the apostille. Notarized copies are generally not accepted for the apostille itself, though they may be sufficient for some specific legal procedures in Brazil after the original has been properly apostilled.