Autorização de residência por Reunião Familiar - Family Reunification Residence Permit in Brazil

Family reunification is guaranteed by the Brazilian Migration Law (Law nº 13,445/2017) as one of the foundations for welcoming foreigners in Brazil. It is a residence permit granted to foreigners with family ties to Brazilian citizens or legal residents, in order to ensure the right to family life, without discrimination based on origin, nationality, gender, or prior migratory status.

The residence permit based on family reunification is a legal mechanism that allows foreigners with family ties to:

• a Brazilian citizen;

• a foreigner with regular residency in Brazil;

• a recognized refugee, asylum seeker, or stateless person residing in the country,

to regularize their immigration status. This right aims to protect the family unit, in accordance with article 30 of the Migration Law, respecting the principle of family unity and the dignity of the human person.

Who can apply?

The residence permit for family reunification can be requested by various categories of relatives, as provided in Interministerial Ordinance MJSP/MRE No. 12/2018, such as:

• spouse or partner of a Brazilian citizen or resident;

• children of a Brazilian or resident (including adopted children);

• parents or step-parents of a Brazilian or resident;

• siblings of a Brazilian citizen, if under 18 or dependent;

• legal guardians, in cases of judicially recognized custody or guardianship.

It is important to highlight that family reunification is not limited to blood relations: same-sex couples and blended families are also included, provided the familial relationship is properly documented.

Requirements and documents

To apply for a family reunification residence permit, the applicant must submit the following documents to the Federal Police:

• valid identification document (usually a passport);

• official document proving the family relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, custody decision, etc.);

• proof of residence in Brazil;

• criminal background certificates from Brazil and the country of origin;

• completed application form;

• proof of payment of the National Migratory Registry Card (CRNM) issuance fee, unless exempted.

Procedure with the Federal Police

The application process involves the following steps:

1. Prior appointment through the Federal Police website;

2. In-person submission of all required documents;

3. Document review and interview, if needed;

4. Decision and issuance of the residence permit, along with the CRNM.

Processing times may vary depending on location and case complexity. Generally, an initial residence is granted for up to 2 years, with the possibility of converting it into permanent residence if the family relationship is maintained.

Guaranteed rights

The residence permit for family reunification grants the foreign national the right to:

• live and work legally in Brazil;

• access public services such as healthcare, education, and social security;

• obtain a work and social security card (CTPS) and other civil documents;

• apply for naturalization after a minimum period of residence, as provided in article 12 of the Federal Constitution and the Migration Law.

In addition, foreigners holding this residence permit are protected against arbitrary deportation and enjoy equal labor and social security rights as Brazilian citizens, pursuant to article 4 of Law No. 13,445/2017.

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