Eligibility quiz
Do you have a child who is a Brazilian citizen?
Benefits
Benefits for youBenefits for you
Live in Brazil
You can live and move freely in Brazil for the period on your residence record or card.
Your permission may have an end date or be for an unlimited period.
Attend public education
You can access public education in Brazil.
Work in Brazil
You can work in Brazil, including for pay, under the same conditions as Brazilian citizens.
You are not limited to working for the family member through whom you gained residence.
You have workplace protections and can join a union.
Leave and return
You can leave and return to Brazil, including while a residence or renewal request is pending.
Travel with a valid passport and residence card or other valid immigration documents, and check the carrier’s and destination’s rules.
Exercise everyday rights
You can join associations, meet peacefully and go to court.
You have a right to information and to have your personal data kept private.
Free legal help is available if you cannot afford it.
Own and manage property
You have property rights, can open a bank account and can legally send money abroad.
Use public healthcare
You can use public healthcare in Brazil whatever your citizenship.
Access social support
You can access social assistance, housing and other public social services and benefits available to migrants.
You can also access social security under its rules.
How to apply
From outside BrazilFrom outside Brazil
Find your consulate
Find the Brazilian consulate responsible for the place where you live.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “Which Brazilian consulate covers your city for a family reunification visa?”
Gather your documents
Prepare the required documents for the consulate.
See required documentsFill in the form
Complete the electronic application for a family reunification visa, known as VITEM XI, and print the receipt.
Open the formSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I fill in the Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa application form?”
Register for consular service
Register for the visa service in your consulate’s e-Consular system and upload the requested scans for review.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register for Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa service in e-Consular at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for validation
Wait for the consulate to review your online submission. Correct it or provide more documents if the consulate asks you to.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I respond to a Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa e-Consular validation request at the consulate serving your city?”
Book an appointment
After your submission is validated, book an appointment with the consulate through e-Consular.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I book a Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa appointment at the consulate serving your city?”
Go to your appointment
Bring your printed receipt, original documents, passport and photographs to the consulate. Pay the consular fee in the way your consulate directs.
Searches DuckDuckGo for “How do I attend and pay for a Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa appointment at the consulate serving your city?”
Wait for the decision
Wait for the consulate’s decision. Attend an interview or provide more documents if the consulate asks you to.
See decision guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I follow a Brazil VITEM XI family reunification visa application after my consular appointment?”
Enter Brazil
Once your visa is granted, travel to Brazil with your VITEM XI visa. You can then register your residence with the Federal Police.
See entry guidanceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I enter Brazil with a VITEM XI family reunification visa?”
Once in BrazilOnce in Brazil
Register your residence
Register with the Federal Police within 90 days after entering Brazil. This gives you residence registration and lets you obtain your national migration registration card, known as the CRNM.
Register your residenceSearches DuckDuckGo for “How do I register with the Brazilian Federal Police after entering Brazil with a VITEM XI family reunification visa?”
Documents needed
Family certificates and recordsFamily certificates and records
Birth certificates
Get your Brazilian child's birth certificate showing that you are their parent, or another document that proves your relationship, such as an adoption decision. If you apply in Brazil and your passport or identity document does not show your parents' names, also provide your own birth, marriage or consular certificate showing their names.
Child's identity document
Provide your Brazilian child's valid Brazilian identity document. It shows that your child is Brazilian.
Child's residence declaration
Provide a declaration, made under penalty of law, that your Brazilian child lives in Brazil. For a visa application, the declaration may instead say that your child will live in Brazil.
Considerations
Things to think aboutThings to think about
Family sponsorship limit
In general, if you hold only this kind of residence, another person cannot use your residence as the basis for their own family residence.
Residence records and renewal
Keep your residence record and address up to date, and request renewal before your permission expires.
If its end date is tied to your family member’s, renewal requires proof that they renewed their residence and still live in Brazil.
Residence can be lost
Your permission can expire or be cancelled for reasons including fraud, a conviction or no longer meeting its conditions.
A family breakup does not end it automatically, but over two years abroad without an accepted reason can lead to cancellation.
You can be notified, defend yourself, seek an interpreter or legal help, and appeal.
Discuss
Online communitiesOnline communities
Foreigners in Brazil
English Facebook group for people living in Brazil interested in Brazilian visas
Join on FacebookExpats in Brazil Q&A
English Facebook group for people living in Brazil interested in Brazilian visas
Join on Facebookr/ForeignersInBrazil
English Reddit group for people living in Brazil interested in Brazilian visas
Join on RedditConsultation
Talk to a professionalTalk to a professional
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