VFS Global acquires majority stake in Brazil’s CiX
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — VFS Global, a provider of outsourcing and technology services for governments and diplomatic missions, has acquired a majority stake in CiX Citizen Experience, a Brazilian provider of digital and physical citizen services, for an undisclosed amount.
This acquisition marks VFS Global’s expansion across Latin America, aiming to create a center of excellence and promote Brazilian expertise in public service delivery.
Driving digital transformation in public services
The acquisition is focused on leveraging advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and data-driven platforms, to deliver next-generation, integrated solutions for public and private sector clients.
Both companies plan to establish a center of excellence in Brazil, developing scalable solutions for global markets and furthering the digital transformation of government services.
CiX’s Brazilian citizen services
CiX’s “phygital” approach—blending physical and digital solutions—has been central to reaching both urban and digitally underserved populations.
“Partnering with VFS Global will supercharge our growth. With access to their capital, technology, talent, and global reach, we can rapidly expand across Latin America, and beyond,” said Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Experience.
“This collaboration is about scaling CiX Citizen Experience, delivering even more intuitive, efficient, and accessible government services. Our goal is to simplify citizens’ lives with a combination of physical and digital solutions that also bring agility, and savings for governments worldwide.”
Founded in 2008, CiX Citizen Experience operates over 250 service centers across Brazil, offering more than 200 types of services to state and municipal governments.
The company has served over 150 million citizens, issuing more than 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licenses, with operations in key regions such as São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Minas Gerais, and Ceará.
VFS Global’s expanding global footprint
Zubin Karkaria, Founder & CEO of VFS Global, commented, “We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition, which will be value accretive for both companies. Our collaboration will transform citizen services worldwide, driving efficiency and inclusivity. It highlights VFS Global’s commitment to innovative solutions that enhance citizens’ quality of life and build renewed trust in governments.”
VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serving 69 client governments through over 3,500 application centers and employing nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities.
Since its inception in 2001, the company has processed more than 309 million applications. In 2023 alone, VFS Global secured seven major global contracts, including exclusive agreements with the UK government to manage visa and citizenship services across 142 countries, as well as contracts with Australia, Norway, Sweden, Latvia, Iceland, and Austria.
