COUNTRIES WE SERVE

Adopting from Brazil

Hand in Hand International Adoptions

Hand in Hand International Adoptions has been the leading U.S. adoption provider in Brazil since 2015. The Brazil program serves families adopting older children (typically ages 8–15), sibling groups of all sizes, and children with special needs. The process takes approximately 1–2 years from application to finalization. Brazilian law requires adoptive parents to spend 45 days in-country before finalization. Hand in Hand guides families through application and home study through travel, finalization, and post-adoption support.

OUR STORY

Program Introduction

Since 2015, Hand in Hand has been the number-one U.S. adoption provider in Brazil. Our program has grown steadily each year, built on a foundation of transparency, ethical practice, and deep in-country relationships. Hand in Hand’s Brazil team — both in the U.S. and in Brazil — has worked together since the program’s inception, giving families an unparalleled level of consistency and expertise.

Brazil is an especially important option for families who feel called to keep siblings together. Large sibling groups are frequently available for international adoption, and the need for families willing to adopt two, three, four, or more children together is profound. Brazil also welcomes families seeking to adopt a relative — a child who is a member of your extended family still living in Brazil.

OUR STORY

Who Can Be Adopted?

School-aged children up to 15 years old; the majority are between 8–15 years of age
Both male and female children in essentially good health
Sibling groups of two, three, four, or more children with a strong sibling bond
Children younger than 8 with significant special needs
Relative children — a child who is a member of your extended family residing in Brazil

Who Can Adopt?

In addition to the U.S. requirements for prospective adoptive parents, Brazil also has the following eligibility requirements for prospective adoptive parents:

International adoption will only be considered after all possibilities of finding a national adoption match are exhausted.
Brazilian citizens living abroad will have priority to adopt over foreign citizens from other countries.

RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS: Brazilian law requires foreign prospective adoptive parents to live in Brazil with the prospective adoptive child for 30 days prior to the adoption.
AGE REQUIREMENTS: Persons over the age of 18 may adopt, regardless of marital status. The adopting party must be at least 16 years older than the potential adoptee.
MARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS: Adults over the age of 18 may adopt, regardless of marital status.
Joint adoption is granted if parents are legally married or have a stable union contract.
Divorced or legally separated couples may adopt together if they agree on the guardianship, schedule of visits, and have proof of relationship with the child.

Process

Travel Requirements

Brazil requires adoptive parents to spend 45 days in-country before finalization. This is a meaningful bonding period — during those 45 days, you will get to know your child, learn about their daily life, and begin building your family in the country they have called home. Finalization happens in Brazil. Your child will receive a U.S. visa and become a U.S. citizen upon arrival home.

Timeframe

From application to finalization, the Brazil process typically takes between 1 and 2 years. Sibling group placements and relative adoptions may vary.

Financial

What Does It Cost?

Adoption fees for Brazil vary depending on your state of residence. International adoptions through Hand in Hand generally range from $17,000 to $40,000, including agency fees, in-country costs, and travel. Hand in Hand uses a staggered billing system — fees are due as milestones are reached.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brazil

Why does Brazil require 45 days in-country?

Brazilian law requires a 45-day bonding and assessment period before finalization. This allows you to build a relationship with your child and gives the Brazilian court the opportunity to observe the family relationship before the adoption is finalized. Hand in Hand helps families plan and prepare for this extended stay.

Can I adopt a sibling group from Brazil?

Yes — and it is one of the most urgent needs in the Brazil program. Large sibling groups of two, three, four, or more children are frequently available. Brazil’s adoption system prioritizes keeping siblings together, and Hand in Hand actively seeks families willing and able to adopt sibling sets.

What is a children's shelter in Brazil?

In Brazil, orphanages are called abrigos, or children’s shelters. They are government-supervised facilities caring for children who have been placed in state custody. Children in shelters have been legally cleared for adoption by Brazilian authorities before they are available for international placement.

What is relative adoption in Brazil?

If you have a family member — a niece, nephew, grandchild, or other relative — who is a minor still living in Brazil, Hand in Hand can assist you in pursuing a relative adoption. This is a separate process from orphanage adoption with its own requirements. Contact us to discuss your specific situation.

What age are children typically available from Brazil?

The majority of children available for international adoption from Brazil are between 8 and 15 years old. Younger children with significant special needs may also be available. Families open to older children or sibling groups typically experience shorter wait times.

Can a single parent adopt from Brazil?

[### Confirm single-parent eligibility for Brazil with program director ###]

How does Hand in Hand support us during the 45 days in Brazil?

Your Hand in Hand caseworker coordinates closely with our in-country Brazil team throughout your stay. We assist with logistics, translation support, legal preparation, and guidance as you bond with your child. Families are not navigating this time alone.

What happens after we return home with our child?

Post-adoption requirements in Brazil include follow-up reports submitted to Brazilian authorities. Hand in Hand schedules required post-placement visits with a social worker and provides ongoing support through our post-adoption coaching services. You become part of the Hand in Hand community for life.

[### Family story — approx. 150–250 words. First-person preferred. Include child's age at adoption, a moment of connection, and life today. ###]

— The Sevillena Family

Countries We Serve

We partner with select international programs focused on ethical adoption and child-centered care.

Adopt from Bulgaria

A transparent, Hague-accredited process with shorter timelines for children over three and those with special needs.

Adopt from Haiti

A program with deep roots — Hand in Hand has guided Haitian adoptions since 1990, including relative adoptions.

Adopt from Hong Kong

Our newest program focuses on children with special placement needs. Finalization happens in the U.S. after you return home.

Adopt from Hungary

Hand in Hand’s newest country program. Contact us to learn about current openings and requirements.

Ready to Begin Your Journey?

We're here to answer your questions and help you take the next step with confidence.