Family Reunion Visa in Brazil: How to Get It Done

Understanding the Family Reunion Visa

The family reunion visa is a type of temporary visa that is issued to foreign nationals who have Brazilian family members.

This visa allows foreign nationals to stay in Brazil and reunite with their family members who are Brazilian citizens, permanent residents, or holders of valid work or study visas.

Who Can Apply for a Family Reunion Visa?

The family reunion visa is available to the following family members of Brazilian citizens or residents:

• Spouse or common-law partner
• Children under 18 years old, including adopted children
• Parents or grandparents
• Siblings

To apply for a family reunion visa, the Brazilian citizen or resident must provide proof of their relationship with the applicant, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.

Requirements for a Family Reunion Visa

To apply for a family reunion visa, you must meet the following requirements:

• A valid passport with a minimum validity of six months
• A completed visa application form
• Proof of relationship with the Brazilian family member
• A clean criminal record, apostilled
• Birth certificate or any official document with the parent’s names in it, apostilled
• Visa fees paid (with proof of payment)

In addition to these requirements, you may be asked to provide additional documents depending on your specific situation.

How to Apply for a Family Reunion Visa

To apply for a family reunion visa, you must submit your application to the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your home country.

You can also apply directly in Brazil, as residence permit, once you have the whole documentation, included criminal records certificates in Brazil, proof of payment of permit’s fees, appointment set at the Federal Police.

The application process typically takes two to four weeks, although it can take longer during peak travel seasons.

What to Expect During the Application Process

During the application process, you may be required to attend an interview at the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your home country. During the interview, you will be asked about the purpose of your visit, your relationship with the Brazilian family member, and your plans while in Brazil.

If your application is approved, you will be issued a family reunion visa. You must enter Brazil within 90 days of the visa issuance date. Once you enter Brazil, you must register with the Federal Police within 30 days of your arrival.

If you apply for residence permit while in Brazil, you leave the premises of the Federal Police Immigration Precinct with a Permit Protocol. The final card should take about 45 to 60 days to be issued.

Extending Your Family Reunion Visa

If you wish to stay in Brazil for a longer period, you can apply to extend your family reunion visa for up to two years. To do so, you must submit your application to the Federal Police at least 30 days before your current visa expires.

To be eligible for an extension, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must have a valid family reunion visa
• You must submit the whole list of documents presented at the first visa application 
• You must update the criminal records including the records of Brazil

Conclusion

Getting a family reunion visa in Brazil may seem like a daunting task, but it is a straightforward process as long as you meet the requirements and follow the application process.

By following the guidelines provided in this guide, you can ensure a smooth and successful application process, and soon be reunited with your family members in Brazil.