Official decree document with Brazilian government letterhead and stamp

Official decree document of the Brazilian government with letterhead and stamp, used to formalize administrative and legislative decisions.

About this subject

A decree is an administrative act exclusively issued by the head of the Executive branch, whether federal, state, or municipal. In Brazil, decrees are used to regulate laws, appoint officials, create commissions, establish norms, and other measures. The letterhead includes the Republic's coat of arms and the issuing agency's identification, while the stamp and signature confer authenticity. The drafting follows Decree No. 9,191/2017, which organizes the wording of normative acts. Presidential decrees are published in the Official Gazette of the Union to have national validity. The image captures a typical document, highlighting the coat of arms and signature, elements that ensure the legal security of the act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a decree, a law, and a provisional measure in Brazil?

A law is approved by the Legislature and sanctioned by the Executive. A provisional measure has the force of law, issued by the President in urgent cases. A decree is an Executive act to regulate laws or address internal administration matters.

Where are federal decrees published in Brazil?

Federal decrees are published in the Official Gazette of the Union (DOU), available online. Publication is mandatory for the act to have national validity.

Does the stamp on a decree have legal validity?

Yes, the official stamp (with the coat of arms and agency identification) is one of the elements that authenticate the document, along with the signature of the holder. It attests to the origin and authenticity of the act.