The “family reunification visa” or “residence permit for family reunification purposes” is a visa granted by Brazil to relatives of foreigners who legally reside in the country, or to relatives of Brazilian citizens (by birth or naturalization).
To apply, the person who will sponsor the family member must have permanent residence in Brazil and provide valid documents.
The immigrant applying for a family reunification visa must be related to the Brazilian citizen or foreign resident in one of the following ways:
- Spouse or partner (including same-sex unions).
- Child of a Brazilian citizen or of a foreign resident with authorization.
- Stepchild of a Brazilian citizen or of a foreign resident with authorization, if under 17 years old (or up to 24 years old if a student or financially dependent).
- Parent of a Brazilian child.
- Parent of a foreign child who holds a residence permit.
- Ascendant up to the second degree of a Brazilian citizen or a foreign resident with authorization (i.e., father, mother, grandfather, grandmother).
Required Documents
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Identification documents | Valid passport (or valid travel document), and ID of the Brazilian citizen or foreign resident sponsor. |
| Proof of family relationship | Birth certificate, marriage certificate, certificate of stable union, etc. For adult/financially dependent children or other relatives, proof of economic dependency or equivalent documents. |
| Criminal record certificates | Certificates from the past five years, or equivalent documents, from the countries where the applicant has lived — with apostille and sworn translation. |
| Proof of residence in Brazil | The sponsor (Brazilian citizen or foreign resident) must show evidence of residence in Brazil. |
| Economic dependency (when applicable) | Required in cases involving adult children, stepchildren, siblings, or other relatives. |
| Forms and fees | Fill out the official forms and pay the applicable visa or residence authorization fees to the Federal Police and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. |
Validity and Conditions
The “family reunification visa” or “residence permit for family reunification purposes” is valid for up to one year. Within 90 days of entering Brazil, the visa holder must apply for a residence permit.
This visa allows the holder to engage in any type of paid work in Brazil, under the same conditions as Brazilian citizens.
It is important to note that if the family relationship with the sponsor ends, the foreign national must inform the authorities in order to request another visa or residence permit, so as to avoid immigration issues.
If you need assistance with the documentation, contact an attorney specialized in immigration law or reach out to us.
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