Certidões

Certidões are official documents issued by public or private entities in Brazil that attest to the truth of certain facts or the existence of specific records. These documents serve as proof and are frequently required for various legal, administrative, and personal transactions. The term "certidão" itself translates to "certificate" or "attestation" in English.

There are numerous types of certidões, each serving a distinct purpose. Common examples include certidões de nascimento (birth certificates), certidões de casamento (marriage certificates), and certidões de óbito (death certificates), all of which are vital civil registration documents. Beyond personal life events, there are also certidões negativas (negative certificates), which attest that a person or entity does not have any outstanding debts, legal proceedings, or specific records with a particular institution. Conversely, certidões positivas confirm the existence of such records.

These documents are crucial for proving identity, legal status, and the absence or presence of specific legal or financial standing. They are often necessary when applying for jobs, loans, passports, real estate transactions, or participating in public tenders. The issuance of certidões is typically governed by specific laws and regulations, ensuring their authenticity and reliability as official records. Obtaining a certidão usually involves submitting a formal request to the relevant issuing authority, often with associated fees.