The 24-year-old was a regular for Brazil during their Confederations Cup campaign which culminated in a 3-0 win over Spain on Sunday. Neither the fee or length of contract has been disclosed by the club.
He told the club's official Twitter account, @SpursOfficial: "I am very happy and excited to have joined Spurs. It's a huge pleasure for my career to be at a club as big as Tottenham."
Paulinho has become Andre Villas-Boas' first summer recruit as he looks to reshape his squad ahead of a push for a top-four place in the Barclays Premier League next season.
The player revealed during the tournament in his native country that a bid from Spurs to seal his signature had been lodged and that north London was his most likely destination.
Inter Milan and Real Madrid were also believed to be interested in a move for the former Bragantino midfielder, who scored twice during the Confederations Cup, following on from his equalising goal in Brazil's 2-2 draw with England last month.
Source: PA
Source: PA