With the growth of multicultural families, many Brazilians married to foreigners seek the family reunification visa to reunite with their loved ones in Brazil. This concise article outlines the main aspects of this visa and provides clear guidance to help streamline the process.
👨👩👧👦 What is the Family Reunification Visa?
The family reunification visa is an entry authorization for Brazil granted to foreign nationals who have a family connection with Brazilian citizens or foreign residents holding a valid residence permit, allowing them to legally reside in the country.
This visa facilitates the entry of foreign relatives of a Brazilian or a legal immigrant resident in Brazil. The application is processed and decided by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Itamaraty (MRE).
This is a temporary visa, and its validity is subject to the maintenance of the condition that originally justified the request. For example, if the visa was granted based on marriage and the relationship ends, the visa becomes void.
✅ Who Can Apply?
According to Brazilian law, the temporary family reunification visa may be granted to a foreign national who is:
- The spouse or partner of a Brazilian citizen or a foreigner with legal residence in Brazil;
- The child of a Brazilian or of a foreign resident with a residence permit;
- The sibling or stepchild of a Brazilian or of a foreign resident, if under 18 years old, or up to 24 years old if a student, or of any age if economically dependent on the sponsor;
- The parent of a Brazilian child or of a foreign child with a residence permit;
- An ascendant or descendant up to the second degree of a Brazilian or a foreigner with a residence permit;
- A legal guardian, tutor, or custodian of a Brazilian citizen.
The Brazilian citizen or foreign resident is referred to as the “sponsor” (who already resides in Brazil), and the foreign family member is the “beneficiary”.
This visa may also be granted to family members of refugees, provided the sponsor has been officially recognized as such by the Brazilian government.
📝 Requirements and Essential Documents
The key documents required to apply for the family reunification visa include:
- Completed and signed application forms;
- A valid travel document or official identification document;
- ID document of the Brazilian citizen or legal resident the applicant wishes to join;
- A recent 3×4 color photo with white background and neutral expression;
- Proof of the family relationship, according to the case;
- A residence declaration confirming that the sponsor resides in Brazil;
- Criminal background certificates from the applicant’s country of origin and all countries of residence in the last five years;
- Financial proof, if required;
- Apostilles and sworn translations, where applicable;
- Proof of payment of the consular fee.
👉 Authorities may request additional proof or interviews to verify the family relationship.
⏳ Application Process
The first step is to complete and submit the visa application form to the competent Brazilian consular authority. Once the application has been submitted, the applicant must schedule a consular interview and present all required documents that prove the family relationship and compliance with legal criteria.
After the administrative review, the visa may be granted within 30 to 90 days. Once issued, the foreign national may enter Brazil legally, provided it is within the validity period of the visa.
Upon arrival in Brazil, the foreign family member must report to the Federal Police within 90 days to register, convert the visa into a residence permit, and obtain the National Migratory Registration Card (CRNM). This step is both necessary and mandatory.
From this point onward, the foreign national will be entitled to all rights of legal residents in Brazil, such as access to the public healthcare system, the right to study and work, and the ability to obtain Brazilian documents such as the Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF) and the Work and Social Security Card (CTPS).
🧾 Rights of the Foreign Family Member After Arrival
Once registered, the visa holder will have access to:
- Brazilian public healthcare (SUS);
- Brazilian education system;
- Legal employment opportunities;
- CPF and Work Card (CTPS) issuance.
⚖️ Why Legal Support is Crucial
Applying for a family reunification visa involves strict legal requirements and documentation. With the help of an international law attorney, applicants can ensure that all information is accurate, valid, and aligned with Brazilian immigration policies—reducing the risk of delays or rejections.
✅ Conclusion: Build Your Future Together in Brazil
The family reunification visa is a key legal instrument for Brazilians who wish to live in Brazil with their foreign family members. When supported by the correct documentation and compliance with all legal requirements, the process can be successful and efficient.
Seeking specialized legal assistance is highly recommended to ensure a secure and effective application.
I’m Dra. Lucia Lopes Ferreira, a Brazilian and international immigration lawyer. I assist clients around the world in reuniting with their families in Brazil—efficiently, legally, and with full transparency.
📩 DM me or reach out via:
🌐 llferreiradv.com.br
📧 luciacferreira@gmail.com
📱 +55 11 99643-5681