The family reunionvisa in Brazil is an important tool for ensuring the family unity of Brazilians and foreigners who have spouses, children, parents, or other relatives in other countries.
This visa allows family members to come to Brazil and live together, keeping the family unit intact.
In this article, we’ll explore the family reunion visa process in Brazil, who qualifies, the main steps involved, and how Amorim Global can streamline the application process.
Whether you are looking to reunite with a spouse, child, or other family member, understanding the steps and requirements is essential for a successful visa application.
What is the family reunion visa?
The family reunion visa aims to restore family unity for foreigners who have direct family members or a spouse/partner inside Brazil.
The main function of this visa is to preserve family living together, allowing close relatives — such as spouses, children, parents, siblings — to reunite with their family members that are brazilian or other foreigners residing regularly (or who already have a valid residence permit) in Brazil.
If a foreign national has a close relative who is a Brazilian citizen or legal resident, they may apply for a visa to join them in Brazil. The application can be submitted at the Brazilian Consulate abroad or, if the foreign national is already in the country, directly with the Federal Police.
In both cases, documentary proof of the family relationship is required, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, or proof of stable union.The documentation and processes may vary according to the case, and it is essential to follow the legal requirements correctly.
The documentation and processes may vary according to the case, and it is essential to follow the legal requirements correctly.
Who qualifies for the family reunion visa?
The family reunion visa can be requested by a wide range of relatives of Brazilian citizens or regular in Brazil. The main groups of people who qualify for this residence permit include:
- Spouses and partners: those married to or in a stable union/civil partnership with Brazilians or foreign residents in Brazil have the right to apply for the visa. To do so, they must present documents proving the relationship, such as marriage certificates or proof of stable union.
- Children under 18: if the beneficiary has minor children, the request can be made for the child to reunite with the father or mother already residing in Brazil. The main document required is the birth certificate.
- Parents of Brazilian citizens or residents: parents can reunite with their children, as long as they are financially dependent. The applicant must prove the necessity of their coming to Brazil, including evidence of dependence.
- Other relatives: in some cases, siblings or grandparents may be eligible, depending on the economic or emotional dependence on the resident in Brazil, however, it doesn’t include, uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews or cousins
These are the main categories, but each case must be individually analyzed to ensure that all requirements are properly met.
Main steps in the family reunionvisa process
The process of applying for a family reunification visa in Brazil may seem complex, but by following the steps correctly, obtaining the visa becomes more efficient. The steps include:
Required documentation
The first step is to gather the required documents, such as birth certificates or marriage certificates and identity documents of the applicant and sponsor.
Additionally, it is necessary to prove the family relationship and provide documents like proof of residence and economic dependency.
Submitting the application
The applicant must go to the Brazilian Consulate in their country of origin or the Federal Police in Brazil to formalize the application. Original documents must be submitted along with apostilles and sworntranslations, when necessary.
Analysis and interview
After submission, the consular authorities or Federal Police will review the documents. An interview may be scheduled to confirm the details of the relationship and verify the information and documents provided.
Final decision
Once all documents and information are verified, the decision will be made. If approved, the visa will be granted, and the family member can enter Brazil to reunite with the resident family member.
This process may take a few months, depending on the speed of the consular authorities or the Federal Police. It is important to ensure that all documents are in order to avoid delays.
Necessary documentation for the family reunionvisa
To obtain the family reunification visa, a series of documents is required. The documentation must be accurate and complete, as this can influence the processing time. The main documents include:
- Birth or marriage certificate: to prove the family relationship between the applicant and the Brazilian citizen or resident.
- Proof of residence: the applicant must prove that the family member who is requesting reunification legally resides in Brazil. This can be done with identity documents and proof of residence.
- Proof of economic dependence: for some relatives, such as parents or siblings, it is necessary to prove financial dependence. Documents like pay stubs and tax returns may be required.
- Translation and apostille of documents: all documents issued abroad that are not in Portuguese must be officially translated and apostilled, although some MERCOSUR countries are exempt, according to international standards.
- Criminal background check: the applicant must provide a criminal background certificate from all countries where they have lived in the past five years.
These documents are essential to ensure that the visa application is processed correctly. Organization and accuracy in presentation are critical to avoid errors or delays.
How Amorim Global can simplify the process
The process of applying for a family reunification visa can be challenging, especially due to the complexity of legal requirements and the necessary documentation.
To make this process more efficient and streamlined, Amorim Global offers specialized legal assistance in Immigration Law. Our team of lawyers has extensive experience helping clients gather all the necessary documents, ensuring that they are complete and correct, which avoids delays or rejections.
Additionally, Amorim Global guides its clients through the proper filling of forms and compliance with all the requirements set by Brazilian authorities, which significantly increases the chances of visa approval.
One of the main benefits of working with our team is that we handle the entire process, from organizing the documentation to tracking the progress of the application, keeping clients informed at every step.
The firm also helps reduce the risk of common errors that can compromise the process, such as issues with document translation or apostille certification.
Furthermore, Amorim Global provides continuous support, answering questions and guiding clients through every stage of the process, ensuring that the applicant does not face difficulties.
With our assistance, the family reunionvisa application process becomes simpler, faster, and free from setbacks, allowing you and your family to reunite in Brazil without stress.
Common questions about the family reunification visa
When applying for the family reunification visa, many people have common questions. The answers to these questions can help clarify doubts and ensure a smooth process. Here are some frequent questions:
- “How long does it take to obtain the visa?”: the process can take between three to six months, depending on external factors. However, Amorim Global works to ensure that all documents are efficiently delivered and error-free, reducing waiting times.
- “Can I apply if I am in Brazil as a tourist?”: Yes, if you are already in Brazil, you can apply for the Family Reunion Residence Permitfor directly with the Federal Police, as Visas are issued only abroad by the Consulates.
Ensuring that all information is accurate and complete can speed up the process, increasing the chances of approval.
Challenges and obstacles in the family reunification process
Although the family reunification visa process is essential for many, it may present some challenges:
- Incomplete documentation: one of the biggest obstacles is the lack of essential documents or difficulties in obtaining the criminal background certificate from certain countries.
- Changes in legislation: the rules may change with new laws or decrees, directly impacting timelines and requirements.
- Suspicions of fraud: cases of fraud in stable unions or falsified documents can delay or even result in the refusal of the application.
For this reason, it is essential to have the support of specialized lawyers to help overcome these challenges and ensure the application is completed correctly.
The family reunionvisa is an excellent opportunity for those who wish to be together with their loved ones in Brazil. Following the correct steps and ensuring that all documentation is in order can make a significant difference in the approval of the visa.
With Amorim Global’s help, this process becomes easier, faster, and error-free, providing a safer pathway for family reunion.
Contact Amorim Global to begin your family reunionvisa or residence permit process and ensure your family reunites in Brazil safely and efficiently.
