Whether you’re buying a house, getting married or really doing anything in Brazil, you're bound to be asked for your personal documents - and lots of them. So, you ask, which documents? Easy question, right? Not so fast.

If you’re working with a law firm, expect them to help you through the process. You should be able to rely on them to provide you with a list of everything you need. If you can’t travel to Brazil, ask them to prepare a power of attorney for you to sign as well.

But what if you’re going it alone?

Some documents are basically required for every type transaction. A good example is your CPF. Getting a divorce? Selling a house? Opening a bank account? You’ll need a CPF.  Other documents are transaction specific. For example, to get married, you’ll need a document, such as a birth certificate, with your parents’ names on it.

But no matter the transaction, it’s the notary or other government office that’ll ultimately dictate what’s required. So if you plan to get married, you’ll want to confirm the list of documents with the specific notary office registering the marriage. If you’re buying a home, discuss the list of required documents with the notary who’ll be registering the deed.

And it wouldn’t be Brazil if there weren’t a few surprises along the way. No matter how much you prepare, expect the unexpected. Even the best plan, including a confirmed list of documents, might change tomorrow. It’s just part of the process.