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Brazil Debt Collection Guide

Filing fees, claim limits, demand letter requirements, court process, service rules, and enforcement options for collecting money in Brazil. Verify local court rules before filing.

Verified
Source checked: 2026-04-29
Official source
Court
Juizado Especial Civel (Special Civil Court)
Filing Fee
Free for initial filing (~$0 USD); fees only on appeal
Claim Limit
40 minimum wages
Timeline
1-3 months

Filing Instructions

  1. 1File complaint at the nearest Juizado Especial Civel (can be oral - dictated to clerk)
  2. 2No filing fee for initial claim
  3. 3Court schedules conciliation hearing (usually within 15 days)
  4. 4If no settlement, case goes to trial before a judge
  5. 5Judgment usually within 30 days of trial

Required Forms

  • - Peticao inicial (Initial Petition) - can be oral or written

Service Rules

Court serves by registered mail or through court officer (oficial de justica).

Legal Basis

Lei 9.099/1995 (Small Claims Courts Law)

Enforcement Options

  • - Penhora online (electronic seizure of bank accounts via BacenJud)
  • - Wage garnishment
  • - Vehicle/property seizure
  • - SERASA/SPC listing (credit bureau negative listing)

Online Filing Portal

https://www.cnj.jus.br

Important Notes

Free to file and designed for self-represented claimants for claims up to 20 minimum wages. Brazil's Juizados Especiais are remarkably accessible. Electronic enforcement (penhora online) makes bank seizure very fast.

Start with a demand letter

Document the claim before escalating to a court or tribunal.

Start Your Case