# Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976 > Brazilian law **Wikidata**: [Q10316972](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q10316972) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/law-no-6404-of-december-15-1976 ## Summary Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976, also known as the **Lei das Sociedades Anônimas** (Corporations Law), is a Brazilian statute that regulates the formation, operation, and governance of corporations in Brazil. Enacted during the presidency of Ernesto Geisel, it serves as the primary legal framework for corporate entities in the country, establishing rules for shareholder rights, corporate governance, and financial reporting. ## Key Facts - **Official Name:** Lei nº 6404, de 15 de dezembro de 1976 (Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976) - **Common Names:** Lei 6.404/76, Lei de Sociedades Anônimas, Lei das SA - **Type:** Statute (formal written document creating law) - **Country:** Brazil - **Enactment Date:** December 15, 1976 - **Approved By:** Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil (President Ernesto Geisel) - **Published In:** Diário Oficial da União (Official Gazette of the Union), December 17, 1976, Page 1 - **Language:** Brazilian Portuguese - **Jurisdiction:** Applies to all of Brazil - **Legal Citation:** Lei nº 6404/1976 - **Wikidata Description:** Brazilian law - **LexML Brazil ID:** urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1976-12-15;6404 - **Google Knowledge Graph ID:** /g/121fx4yd - **Work Available At:** [Official Text](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6404consol.htm) - **Wikipedia Sitelinks:** Portuguese (pt) - **Sitelink Count:** 1 - **WikiProject:** WikiProject Brazilian Laws ## FAQs **What is Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976?** Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976, is a Brazilian statute that establishes the legal framework for corporations (sociedades anônimas) in Brazil. It defines the rules for corporate governance, shareholder rights, financial reporting, and other critical aspects of corporate operations. **Who approved Law No. 6404?** The law was approved and promulgated by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil under President Ernesto Geisel on December 15, 1976. **Where was Law No. 6404 published?** The law was published in the *Diário Oficial da União* (Official Gazette of the Union) on December 17, 1976, on page 1. **What is the significance of Law No. 6404 in Brazilian corporate law?** Law No. 6404 is the foundational legal text governing corporations in Brazil. It provides the legal structure for corporate entities, ensuring transparency, accountability, and regulatory compliance in corporate operations. **Is Law No. 6404 available online?** Yes, the full text of Law No. 6404 is available online at the official Brazilian government website: [Lei nº 6404/1976](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6404consol.htm). **What is the LexML Brazil ID for Law No. 6404?** The LexML Brazil ID for Law No. 6404 is `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1976-12-15;6404`. ## Why It Matters Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976, is a cornerstone of Brazilian corporate law, providing the legal framework that governs the establishment, operation, and dissolution of corporations in Brazil. It ensures that corporations operate within a structured legal environment, promoting transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. The law is essential for businesses, investors, and legal professionals, as it defines the rights and obligations of shareholders, directors, and other stakeholders. By standardizing corporate governance practices, Law No. 6404 contributes to the stability and growth of Brazil's economy, facilitating both domestic and international business activities. ## Notable For - **Foundational Corporate Law:** Serves as the primary legal framework for corporations in Brazil. - **Comprehensive Governance Rules:** Establishes detailed rules for corporate governance, financial reporting, and shareholder rights. - **Presidential Approval:** Promulgated by President Ernesto Geisel, reflecting its importance during Brazil's military government period. - **Official Publication:** Published in the *Diário Oficial da União*, ensuring widespread dissemination and legal recognition. - **Online Availability:** The full text is accessible online, providing easy access for legal professionals, businesses, and the public. - **LexML Brazil ID:** Assigned a unique identifier in the LexML Brazil legal database, facilitating legal research and citation. ## Body ### Overview and Legal Framework Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976, commonly referred to as the **Lei de Sociedades Anônimas** or **Lei das SA**, is a Brazilian statute that regulates the formation, operation, and governance of corporations. It is a critical piece of legislation that defines the legal structure for corporate entities in Brazil, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and promoting transparency in corporate operations. ### Enactment and Approval The law was approved and promulgated by the Presidency of the Federative Republic of Brazil under President Ernesto Geisel on December 15, 1976. This period marked a significant phase in Brazil's legal and economic development, as the country sought to modernize its corporate governance framework. ### Publication and Dissemination Law No. 6404 was officially published in the *Diário Oficial da União* (Official Gazette of the Union) on December 17, 1976, on page 1. This publication ensured that the law was widely disseminated and accessible to the public, legal professionals, and corporate entities. ### Legal Citation and Identification The law is commonly cited as **Lei nº 6404/1976** and is identified in the LexML Brazil legal database with the ID `urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1976-12-15;6404`. This unique identifier facilitates legal research and citation, ensuring that the law can be easily referenced in legal documents and academic works. ### Language and Jurisdiction Law No. 6404 is written in Brazilian Portuguese and applies to all of Brazil. It is a federal law, meaning it has nationwide jurisdiction and is binding on all corporate entities operating within the country. ### Online Availability The full text of Law No. 6404 is available online at the official Brazilian government website: [Lei nº 6404/1976](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/l6404consol.htm). This online availability ensures that the law is accessible to a wide audience, including legal professionals, businesses, and the general public. ### Significance in Corporate Law Law No. 6404 is a foundational text in Brazilian corporate law, providing the legal framework for the establishment, operation, and dissolution of corporations. It defines the rights and obligations of shareholders, directors, and other stakeholders, ensuring that corporations operate within a structured legal environment. The law promotes transparency, accountability, and investor confidence, contributing to the stability and growth of Brazil's economy. ### Related Entities and References Law No. 6404 is part of the broader legal and regulatory framework governing corporations in Brazil. It is referenced in various legal databases, including LexML Brazil, and is included in the WikiProject Brazilian Laws, which aims to document and organize information about Brazilian legislation. ### Conclusion Law No. 6404 of December 15, 1976, is a critical piece of legislation that has shaped the corporate landscape in Brazil. Its comprehensive rules and regulations ensure that corporations operate within a structured legal environment, promoting transparency, accountability, and investor confidence. The law's significance extends beyond its legal text, contributing to the stability and growth of Brazil's economy and facilitating both domestic and international business activities. ## References 1. [Source](https://www.lexml.gov.br/urn/urn:lex:br:federal:lei:1976-12-15;6404) 2. [Source](https://legislacao.presidencia.gov.br/atos?tipo=LEI&numero=6404&ano=1976&data=15/12/1976&ato=a97UTUq50MnRVTa8d)