No, squatting in Brazil is illegal under the Penal Code (Article 181) and Civil Code, with eviction processes expedited by the 2023 Lei de Regularização Fundiária amendments. Unauthorized occupation of private or public land constitutes esbulho possessório, punishable by fines and imprisonment. The 2026 Plano Nacional de Regularização Fundiária further tightens enforcement, requiring judicial authorization for any occupancy claims.
Key Regulations for Squatting in Brazil
- Penal Code (Art. 181): Classifies squatting as a crime (esbulho possessório), with penalties of 1–5 years imprisonment or fines. Repeat offenses trigger aggravated sanctions under Art. 182.
- Civil Code (Art. 1.242): Void occupancy claims if the landowner demonstrates prior possession via usucapião or registered title. Courts prioritize reintegração de posse petitions over 60 days.
- 2023–2026 Regulatory Shifts: The Ministério da Justiça mandates digital land registry integration (SIGEF) to flag illegal occupations within 30 days. State-level Defensorias Públicas must file eviction motions within 48 hours of verified squatting.