The acquisition is expected to combine VFS Global’s global operational model, spanning 158 countries and 3,500 application centres, with CiX’s physical and digital citizen service platforms
The partnership will prioritise technology integration, particularly in artificial intelligence and data-driven service delivery models.
VFS Global has acquired a majority stake in Brazilian citizen services company CiX Citizen Experience, marking a significant move in its strategy to expand across Latin America. The deal, finalised this week, allows the global visa and consular services firm to deepen its presence in the region’s public service sector, integrating CiX’s local expertise with its own international infrastructure.
Founded in 2008, CiX has built a strong network of over 250 service centres across Brazil, delivering more than 200 types of public services, including the issuance of over 30 million identity cards and 20 million driver’s licenses. The company has served more than 150 million citizens to date, with operations concentrated in states like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Minas Gerais.
The acquisition is expected to combine VFS Global’s global operational model, spanning 158 countries and 3,500 application centres, with CiX’s physical and digital citizen service platforms. VFS Global, which serves 69 governments and has processed over 309 million applications since 2001, has recently secured major contracts with countries such as the UK, Australia, and several Nordic nations.
Industry analysts suggest that VFS’s move is part of a broader trend where technology service providers are seeking to digitise public-facing government functions, especially in regions with rapidly urbanising populations and high demand for streamlined citizen engagement tools.
Both companies have indicated that the partnership will prioritise technology integration, particularly in artificial intelligence and data-driven service delivery models. The goal is to modernise citizen services by blending local experience with scalable international systems.
Executives from both companies have stated that the collaboration is expected to improve public sector efficiency and expand access to government services across Latin America and potentially other emerging markets.
Sergio Rodrigues, CEO of CiX Citizen Services, said, “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. 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.”
Zubin Karkaria, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, VFS Global, added, “We are very pleased to have concluded this strategically important acquisition which will be value accretive for both companies – for CiX Citizen Experience and for VFS Global. VFS Global operates in 158 countries, serves 69 client governments and has a workforce of nearly 13,000 people from 153 nationalities. Access to all of this, and our technological capabilities, will provide the launchpad for CiX Citizen Experience in its next phase of growth to become a global powerhouse. Our collaboration will transform citizen services world-wide, 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.”
