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Brazil Family Reunion Visa

The Brazil Family Reunion Visa, officially the Temporary Visa XI (VITEM XI), is issued by Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) to foreign nationals seeking to join a family member who is a Brazilian citizen or a foreign national with permanent or valid residence status in Brazil. According to official Itamaraty guidance, VITEM XI applications require civil documentation proving the family relationship — such as a marriage certificate, stable union declaration, birth certificate, or court-issued guardianship order — along with proof of the Brazilian-based family member’s status, such as a Brazilian birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) card, or valid residence authorisation. Applicants already in Brazil on a tourist entry or e-Visa may, in some cases, file directly for an Authorisation of Residence for Family Reunification rather than applying for VITEM XI abroad. As with all Brazil Visa categories, the final decision on approval rests solely with the competent Brazilian consular and immigration authorities.

Eligibility

Based on official Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Federal Police guidance, applicants for a Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI) must generally:

  • Be a foreign national with a qualifying family relationship to a Brazilian citizen or a foreign national holding permanent or valid residence status in Brazil.
  • Hold a passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages.
  • Provide legalised civil documentation proving the family relationship — marriage certificate, stable union declaration, birth certificate, or court-issued guardianship order — generally with an apostille and sworn Portuguese translation for foreign-issued documents.
  • Provide proof of the Brazilian-based family member’s status (Brazilian birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, CRNM card, or valid residence authorisation).

 

Government Visa Fees

Itamaraty does not publish a single universal fee for VITEM XI across all consulates; fees vary by the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate processing the application.

Fee TypeAmount
VITEM XI Family Reunification VisaVaries by Brazilian Embassy or Consulate; confirm with the relevant mission
Visa Application Center service fee (where applicable, e.g. BLS International in some jurisdictions)Approximately USD 14 (varies by market)
INR EquivalentInformation may vary depending on the visa category and individual circumstances

Fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome. Applicants should confirm the exact current fee with the relevant Brazilian Embassy, Consulate, or contracted visa application centre.

Brazil Visa Processing Time

According to recent guidance, VITEM XI applicants should generally expect to wait 30 to 90 days for visa issuance, depending on the specific consulate and the complexity of the case. Within 90 days of first entry into Brazil, holders of the visa must register with the Federal Police to receive their CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) identification card. Applicants already in Brazil on a tourist entry or e-Visa may, in some cases, apply directly for an Authorisation of Residence for Family Reunification rather than obtaining VITEM XI from abroad, which can offer an alternative timeline.

Required Documents Checklist

Passport valid for at least 6 months, with at least 2 blank pages
Completed online visa request form via the Itamaraty portal (formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br), printed and signed, with the receipt code attached
Recent passport-style photograph, meeting the consulate's specifications
Civil document proving the family relationship: marriage certificate, stable union declaration, birth certificate, or court-issued guardianship order (apostilled and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator, if foreign-issued)
Proof of the Brazilian-based family member's status: Brazilian birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, CRNM card, or valid residence authorisation
Additional supporting documents as requested by the specific Brazilian Embassy or Consulate

Step-by-Step Application Process

Confirm your qualifying family relationship to your Brazilian-based sponsor and gather the relevant civil documentation.
Have foreign-issued documents apostilled and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator.
Complete the online visa request form at formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br and save the receipt and barcode.
Gather proof of your sponsor's status in Brazil (Brazilian birth certificate, naturalisation certificate, CRNM card, or residence authorisation).
Book an appointment at the Brazilian Consulate, or in some countries, at the contracted visa application centre.
Attend the appointment, submit your documents, and pay the applicable consular fee.
Await issuance, typically 30 to 90 days depending on the consulate and case complexity.
Receive your passport with the VITEM XI visa sticker and enter Brazil within the validity window.
Register with the Federal Police within 90 days of first entry to receive your CRNM identification card.

Important Notes

Foreign-issued civil documents generally require both an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation to be accepted.
Applicants already in Brazil on a tourist entry or e-Visa may, in some cases, file directly for an Authorisation of Residence for Family Reunification instead of applying for VITEM XI from abroad.
Registration with the Federal Police for a CRNM identification card is mandatory within 90 days of first entry into Brazil.
Visa fees are non-refundable, even if the application is refused.
Processing timelines of 30 to 90 days are typical, but can vary depending on the specific consulate and case complexity.
Providing false or incomplete information in the application may result in refusal.

Why Choose Shivansh Consultants

Applying for a Brazil Family Reunion Visa requires accurate documentation, proof of your family relationship, and compliance with the visa requirements prescribed by the Brazilian authorities. At Shivansh Consultants, we provide personalized guidance and end-to-end support, assisting you with family reunion visa application forms, passport documentation, relationship proof, sponsor documents, accommodation details, financial documents, travel insurance (where applicable), and all required supporting paperwork. Our experienced consultants carefully review every application to help minimize errors, reduce delays, and ensure your documentation meets the applicable visa requirements. We are committed to delivering transparent, reliable, and client-focused assistance throughout your Brazil Family Reunion Visa application process. While the final decision on visa approval rests solely with the Brazilian immigration authorities, our goal is to help you submit a complete, accurate, and well-prepared Brazil Family Reunion Visa application with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What documents prove a family relationship for Brazil's Family Reunion Visa?
A marriage certificate, stable union declaration, birth certificate, or court-issued guardianship order is generally required, along with proof of your Brazilian-based family member's status (such as a CRNM card or residence authorisation).
2. How long does it take to process a Brazil Family Reunion Visa?
Applicants should generally expect to wait 30 to 90 days for visa issuance, depending on the specific consulate and the complexity of the case.
3. Do foreign documents need to be translated for a VITEM XI application?
Yes. Foreign-issued civil documents generally need an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation to be accepted by Brazilian consular authorities.
4. Can I apply for family reunification if I'm already in Brazil?
In some cases, yes. Applicants already in Brazil on a tourist entry or e-Visa may be able to file directly for an Authorisation of Residence for Family Reunification, rather than applying for VITEM XI from abroad.
5. What happens after I arrive in Brazil on a Family Reunion Visa?
You must register with the Federal Police within 90 days of your first entry into Brazil to receive your CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) identification card.