Digital certificate for foreigners in Brazil
The digital certificate for foreigners is a fundamental tool in the information and globalization era. Furthermore, it is a digital identification that plays an essential role in the authentication of individuals and legal entities on the internet.
Its usefulness goes beyond recognition, allowing the performance of electronic transactions, access to confidential information, and the validation of electronic documents through digital signatures.
In this text, we will explore the importance of the digital certificate, its accessibility for foreigners in Brazil, the steps necessary to obtain it, and how a lawyer can assist you if needed.
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What is a digital certificate?
A digital certificate is a form of identification. In other words, it is a digital way of identifying individuals and legal entities on the internet.
With the certificate, you can perform electronic transactions, have access to websites and confidential information, and use a digital signature to validate electronic documents.
How important is a digital certificate?
The importance of the digital certificate is security, since digital signatures have indisputable legal value. In addition, it is a quick and practical way to sign documents. In other words, the digital certificate for foreigners is an interesting option when signing documents and formalizing transactions.
Furthermore, any citizen or company can have a digital certificate.
Can a foreigner obtain a digital certificate in Brazil?
Yes. Foreigners can obtain a digital certificate in Brazil, the ICP-Brasil. However, you must have a valid CPF from the Federal Revenue Service, which you can obtain remotely.
When does a foreigner need a digital certificate?
Some investment situations may require the certificate, since they are transactions made internationally and involve contracts.
In the case of Migranteweb, the Brazilian Government’s website for foreigners, it no longer requires a digital signature after an update. Therefore, you are not required to have a digital certificate.
What are the steps to obtain a digital certificate if you are a foreigner and live in Brazil?
The steps to obtain a digital certificate if you are a foreigner and live in Brazil depend on an official certification authority, accredited by the Brazilian Public Key Infrastructure, the ICP-Brasil.
The ICP-Brasil is a group of service providers authorized to issue digital certificates in Brazil.
Some examples are:
- CAIXA ECONÔMICA FEDERAL (www.caixa.gov.br);
- CERTISIGN (www.certisign.com.br);
- PRESIDENCY OF THE REPUBLIC (https://ccd.serpro.gov.br/ACPR/);
- SECRETARIA DA REEITA FEDERAL (www.receita.fazenda.gov.br);
- SERASA (www.serasa.com.br);
- SERPRO (www.serpro.gov.br).
Therefore, after choosing your official certification authority in Brazil, gather the necessary documents, such as a valid passport or CPF.
After that, you can install the chosen digital signature software on your mobile device or computer.
What are the steps to obtain the certificate as a foreigner living abroad?
The steps to obtain the digital certificate as a foreigner living abroad are similar for those living in Brazil. Therefore, the digital certificate for foreigners may be a great option for you!
You need to find an authorized service provider (and the search can be done exclusively online).
One of the options is to issue it by videoconference at a registration authority linked to ICP-Brasil. In this case, in addition to the CPF, you must have the Brazilian CNH (National Driver’s License). If you do not have one, you must look for a physical office to issue the digital certificate in person.
Can I use the digital certificate of a Brazilian lawyer?
No. You cannot use the digital certificate of a Brazilian lawyer. After all, the digital signature is similar to a “physical” signature, that is, it cannot be transferred from person to person – it is non-transferable.
However, the lawyer can act as an attorney on your behalf. An electronic power of attorney with a digital certificate has the same legal validity as a physical power of attorney. However, all electronic powers of attorney must be digitally signed to be valid, in addition to the requirement to have a CPF.
How can a Brazilian lawyer help me?
A Brazilian lawyer can help you with the digital certificate because this professional knows Brazilian laws and how the rules for the certificate work. In this way, they can correctly help you obtain your exclusive certificate, so that you can sign international or Brazilian documents.
How can foreigners benefit?
As we have seen, the digital certificate for foreigners plays a fundamental role in the identification and authentication of individuals and legal entities in the digital age. Its importance translates into security, agility, and accessibility, providing the legal validation of digital signatures and facilitating electronic transactions.
In addition, the availability of this resource for foreigners, both in Brazil and abroad, expands its possibilities of use in various situations, such as investments and international transactions.
For those seeking to obtain a digital certificate, whether in Brazil or abroad, the process is accessible, with recognized certifying authorities and the possibility of obtaining it remotely.
Having the assistance of a local lawyer, however, can be of great value in understanding the specific requirements and procedures of each jurisdiction, ensuring that the digital certificate is acquired and used effectively and in accordance with the relevant laws.
If you would like legal assistance from our team, send us a message on WhatsApp.
