Immigration
Brazil’s Golden Visa (VIPER): What Foreign Investors Need to Know in 2026
An overview of the VIPER program requirements, qualifying investment thresholds, and the legal steps involved.
Read Article →OAB-Licensed · Since 2012
International Law Firm in Brazil — Immigration, Real Estate, Corporate & Family Law
Founded by the first American licensed by the Ordem dos Advogados do Brasil. ZS Advogados Associados advises international clients on immigration, real estate, corporate, and family law — in English, under Brazilian law.
2012Founded
EN + PTFully Bilingual
Brazil-wideRemote Coverage
The Cultural Bridge
Zac understands Brazilian law from the inside — and the foreign experience from having lived it.
- American attorney, OAB-licensed
- All communications in English
- Full legal execution in Portuguese
- Advising international clients since 2012
About ZS
Built From the Inside Out, for Clients Who Come From the Outside In
Zachariah (Zac) Zagol moved to Brazil at 18. He learned the language, built a life, absorbed the culture, and then did something no American had done before: he sat for the Brazilian bar exam — in Portuguese, under Brazilian law — and passed. He was licensed by the OAB.
That credential matters because the clients ZS serves are people standing at exactly the same crossroads Zac once stood at. They are foreigners trying to navigate a country they find beautiful but legally complex. They need a lawyer who understands both sides of that experience.
“We translate the experience, not just the language.”
ZS Advogados Associados was co-founded in 2012 by Zac and Karina Peres Silverio. The firm handles everything that legally requires a licensed attorney: lawsuits and litigation, contract drafting and review, visa petitions and immigration filings, company formation, real estate transactions, family law matters, international agreements, and compliance.
First American Licensed by the OAB
Zac passed the Brazilian bar exam in Portuguese — a credential that cannot be replicated.
Dual Legal Education
Law degree, Universidade de Toledo (Brazil). LLM, University of Southern California.
Brazil-Wide, Remote-Capable
Clients served remotely from anywhere. All communications in English and Portuguese.
Advising Since 2012
Over a decade of dedicated practice serving the international community in Brazil.
Practice Areas
Legal Services for International Clients
ZS handles everything that legally requires a licensed attorney in Brazil. Every engagement is conducted in English, with full legal execution in Portuguese.
Visas & Residency
Full legal process for qualifying foreign nationals seeking Brazilian visas, residency, and the path to citizenship.
- VIPER (Investor Residency / Golden Visa)
- Digital Nomad Visa
- Spouse & Dependent Visas
- Naturalization Pathway
Real Estate Law
Legal due diligence, contract review, and representation for foreign nationals purchasing or selling real estate in Brazil.
- Purchase Due Diligence & Title Search
- Contract Review & Negotiation
- Closing Representation
- VIPER Property Eligibility
Corporate & Business Law
Entity formation, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and ongoing legal support for foreign companies operating in Brazil.
- LTDA & S/A Formation
- Foreign Branch Registration
- Employment & Commercial Contracts
- Ongoing Compliance
Family Law
Succession planning, divorce proceedings, and inventário (estate settlement) for international families navigating Brazilian family law.
- Succession & Inheritance Planning
- Divorce Proceedings
- Inventário (Estate Settlement)
- Foreign Judgment Recognition
How We Work
A Clear Process from Start to Finish
ZS begins each engagement with a complimentary discovery conversation. A written scope of work is provided before any legal work begins.
1
Discovery Conversation
A 20–30 minute conversation to understand your situation and confirm which ZS service applies.
2
Scope of Work
A written document defining what will be done, responsibilities, and the timeline. Signed before work begins.
3
Legal Engagement
ZS performs the defined legal work. All communication in English. Updates provided at defined milestones.
4
Completion & Follow-up
A summary of what was accomplished and what to expect next. You are never left wondering where things stand.
Insights & Legal Information
Understanding Brazilian Law
Educational articles on Brazilian immigration, real estate, corporate, and family law for international clients.
Real Estate
Buying Property in Brazil as a Foreigner: The Legal Due Diligence Checklist
What foreign buyers should verify before purchasing — from title searches to the role of the Cartório.
Read Article →Family Law
Forced Heirship in Brazil: What the Legítima Means for Foreign Nationals
In Brazil, you cannot disinherit your children or spouse. The legítima reserves 50% of any estate for necessary heirs.
Read Article →Corporate
LTDA vs. S/A: Choosing the Right Entity Structure for Your Brazilian Operation
A comparison of Brazil’s two main corporate entities and how foreign ownership rules apply to each.
Read Article →Immigration
Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa: Requirements, Duration, and the Path Forward
What remote workers need to know — eligibility, documentation, and how it differs from other visa tracks.
Read Article →Expat Life
What ‘Notarization’ Means in Brazil: Understanding the Cartório System
In Brazil, what Americans call ‘notarization’ is handled by a Cartório — here is how the system works.
Read Article →Get in Touch
Questions About Brazilian Law?
ZS Advogados Associados advises international clients on Brazilian immigration, real estate, corporate, and family law. Feel free to reach out with general questions.
Reach ZS Directly
Each client’s situation is unique. We recommend a conversation to evaluate your specific needs.
Send a Message
Describe your situation and we will follow up.