Usucapião (Adverse Possession Under Brazilian Law)
This page is a translation of the original Portuguese text, provided for convenience. It deals with Brazilian law. If there is any discrepancy, the Portuguese version prevails. Read the original in Portuguese
Usucapião (a form of acquiring ownership through long-term possession, similar to adverse possession) is a way of acquiring ownership of property, usually real estate, through peaceful, uninterrupted, and uncontested possession for a period set by law. It requires that you act as the owner, without opposition from the previous titleholder. The required time varies depending on the type of usucapião and on whether the possessor lives on the property or uses it productively. It can be recognized through the courts or, in certain cases, directly at the notary’s office (cartório).