Federative Republic of Brazil · family · Leads to settlement
Family reunion residence (VITEM XI)
By Sam Parks · Last reviewed:
Residence authorization for family members of Brazilian nationals or of immigrants who hold residence in Brazil, under Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018.
- Processing time
- The authority publishes current processing expectations for family-reunion requests on the official route page.
- Government fees
- The authority publishes current government and consular fees on the official route page.
- Typical duration
- Residence is generally aligned to the sponsoring relationship and the sponsor status, with renewal and a pathway toward indefinite residence; confirm current terms on the official page.
- Sponsorship required
- No
- Leads to permanent residency
- Yes
Overview
Family reunion residence is governed by Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018. It allows defined family members of a Brazilian national or of an immigrant who holds residence authorization to obtain residence in Brazil. Applicants abroad obtain a VITEM XI family-reunion temporary visa through a consulate; those already in Brazil request the authorization at a Federal Police unit. Beneficiaries may undertake any activity, including paid work, on equal terms with Brazilian nationals.
Eligibility
Typical criteria
- ✓The sponsor is a Brazilian national or an immigrant who holds residence authorization in Brazil.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ✓The applicant is a family member within the categories defined by Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ✓The qualifying family relationship is documented (marriage, civil union, birth, or dependence).Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ✓A valid travel document and a clean criminal-record certificate are presented.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
Common blockers
- !The relationship does not fall within the categories defined by the ordinance.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- !The sponsor residence in Brazil is not yet formalised.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- !Family relationship documents are missing or not properly legalised/apostilled.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
Typical evidence
- ·Marriage, civil-union, or birth certificate evidencing the relationship.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ·Sponsor proof of Brazilian nationality or residence authorization.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ·Evidence of economic dependence where the category requires it.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
- ·Valid passport and criminal-record certificate.Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) ↗
Application pathway
Check the route fit
Confirm the relationship qualifies under Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018 on the official portal.
Build the evidence pack
Gather legalised/apostilled relationship certificates, the sponsor nationality or residence proof, passport, and criminal-record certificate.
Submit through the official channel
Apply for the VITEM XI visa at a Brazilian consulate if abroad, or request the authorization at a Federal Police unit if already in Brazil.
After approval
Enter Brazil on the family-reunion visa where applicable and register with the Federal Police to receive the CRNM residence card.
Official application links
Where to actually go next
These are the official pages to use for this route. Open them before preparing documents: the forms, fees, appointment systems, and sponsor steps can change without warning.
- Official guidanceApplicantUse official Family reunion residence (VITEM XI) route page ↗
Use this official page to confirm requirements and follow the government filing route for Family reunion residence (VITEM XI).
Ministerio da Justica e Seguranca Publica (MJSP) · verified
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Treaty-based residence for nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states, with a path from temporary to indefinite residence.
Residence for retirees and pensioners
Residence authorization for retired immigrants and recipients of a pension who can transfer a qualifying monthly income to Brazil, under CNIg Resolution 40/2019.
Frequently asked questions
Who can sponsor a family-reunion residence in Brazil?+
A Brazilian national or an immigrant who already holds residence authorization in Brazil can sponsor qualifying family members under Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018. Confirm the exact eligible relationships on the official portal.
Can family-reunion residents work in Brazil?+
Yes. Immigrants granted family-reunion residence may carry out any activity, including paid employment, on equal terms with Brazilian nationals.
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