Taking a DNA Test in Brazil: Legality, Costs, and Procedures
- Info Test ADN
- 1 day ago
- 4 min read
A DNA test compares DNA sequences between individuals to establish kinship. In practice, it involves collecting a sample (saliva, buccal swab, blood, etc.) from each person and sending it to a laboratory for genetic analysis. But what does Brazilian law say? Is it legal to perform a DNA test yourself or order a kit online from Brazil? Here, we review the legal framework, the most requested tests, typical costs, the “standard” procedure for DNA testing, and a quicker, confidential at-home solution.
Legal Framework and Data Protection
Brazilian legislation does not prohibit performing a DNA test for private purposes. On the contrary, laws clearly regulate its use for establishing parentage. For example, Law No. 8.560/1992 (Civil Code) governs paternity investigations outside of marriage, stipulating that if the alleged father refuses to undergo a DNA test, “this leads to a presumption of paternity.” Law No. 12.004/2009 created this rule of presumption (reversal of the burden of proof). More recently, Law No. 14.138/2021 authorizes DNA tests on relatives of the presumed father if the father is deceased or missing.
Importing or sending samples: Health-wise, ANVISA (Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency) regulates the importation of human biological samples for diagnostic purposes. Since late 2021, any importation of samples (e.g., ordering a DNA kit from abroad) requires authorization via the LPCO system. This requirement applies to official uses (clinical tests related to donations, public health programs, etc.). For individuals using an online kit, the regulations are less clear—but it’s wise to check with authorities when bringing samples from abroad.
Consent: Brazil protects genetic data as sensitive personal data. The LGPD (Law No. 13.709/2018) explicitly includes “genetic data” among categories requiring explicit consent and enhanced security measures. In practice, in a legal test (for official paternity, etc.), signed consent is always required from each participant (minors via their guardian), often with judicial oversight. However, nothing prevents a private individual from ordering a purely informational test, so long as these principles are maintained.
Common DNA Tests in Brazil & Costs
The most common private DNA tests in Brazil clarify family relationships, including:
Paternity test (father-child) – by far the most popular; it confirms or refutes a biological father–child relationship. Private paternity test: BRL 300 to 1,500
Sibling/grandparent test – useful if the direct parent isn’t available. DNA is compared between siblings, aunts/uncles, or grandparents to infer kinship. Private kinship test: BRL 900 to 2,500
Genealogical ancestry test – identifies ethnic origins and geographical affinities. These tests, popularized by labs like MyHeritage, have seen explosive demand—for instance, ancestry test searches increased by +1100% over three years. Ancestry test: BRL 180 to 400
Standard Procedure for DNA Testing
In the traditional “legal” mode, a DNA test involves several legal and administrative steps:
Choosing a provider: Either schedule a visit to an accredited lab (medical analysis lab) or order a homologated genetic kit online. For official use (e.g., lawyer-driven or legal proof), it’s best to go through an ANVISA-registered lab.
Identification and consent: Each person tested must present photo ID. For minors, the legal guardian’s written consent is required. For judicial cases, a judge’s order may be needed before sampling.
Sample collection: Most commonly via buccal swab—rubbing the inside of the cheek with a sterile swab to collect cells. Blood or other fluids can also be collected, depending on the lab.
Sending to the lab: Samples are sealed and sent to the DNA lab, either in person or by mail. For online kits, follow the kit instructions.
Analysis and result: The lab extracts and amplifies DNA (via PCR) and compares genetic profiles. The written result indicates the degree of kinship with very high reliability (often >99.9%). The average turnaround is 7 to 10 business days.
The process often resembles a medical investigation. If a parent refuses the test, the law may still presume paternity as established—but procedures can proceed with other relatives (grandparents, uncles) thanks to Law 14.138/2021.
Limitations of Legal DNA Tests
Often lengthy (judicial delays)
High costs if officially pursued
Requires multiple parties (and sometimes a judge)
Results are legally valid—but not always ideal for strictly personal needs
At-Home DNA Tests and Privacy
There is a faster, more private alternative: at-home self-collection kits. You order a kit online, collect your own samples (usually via included buccal swabs), and send them directly to the lab by mail. No appointment or travel needed.
This “remote” method is highly sought after: it offers privacy and speed. No third party (employer or insurer) learns of your test. The report is normally ready within 7–10 business days after sample receipt—without judicial delays.
Advantages
Discretion (neutral packaging)
Simplicity (clear instructions, no need to travel)
Speed (no judicial procedures)
Privacy (results emailed directly)
Warning: These “private” tests carry no legal weight. As one specialist site notes: “The secret DNA test is ideal for those who want to test without witnesses and in complete discretion, but it cannot be accepted in courts.” Without a documented chain of custody, you cannot formally prove donor identities. In short—it’s a tool for personal or family knowledge, not official procedures like paternity recognition or inheritance.
Our Remote DNA Test Solution
Our service offers exactly this self-collection method—simple and discreet. You order your kit online, receive a discreet box with everything needed (sterile swabs, tubes, prepaid return packaging), sample according to instructions, and send it to an accredited lab. Everything is 100% private—the package is unbranded, and only you receive the result via email. We emphasize speed: you avoid administrative delays (no court summons, no intermediaries) and receive reliable results quickly.
At infotestadn.com, we offer remote DNA kits:
Secure online order
No physical kit delivery—everything comes via email to make your own kit
Clear instructions for accurate buccal sample collection
Direct return to accredited lab
Confidential results via email
➡ A 100% private and reliable method—ideal for those who want answers quickly and without cumbersome procedures.
In summary, taking a DNA test from Brazil is entirely legal—no judicial requirement—so long as consent and sanitary regulations are followed. For those seeking family truths without heavy administrative burdens, the at-home method is ideal: it frees you from official constraints while offering the same genetic analysis reliability.