‎Family Reunion Visa Lawyer in Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande Do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe and Bahia

Family Reunion Visa Services in Northeast Brazil

In the states of Maranhão, Piauí, Ceará, Rio Grande do Norte, Paraíba, Pernambuco, Alagoas, Sergipe, and Bahia, thousands of families pursue family reunion visas to reunite with loved ones legally residing in Brazil. These visas support humanitarian values and legal stability, encouraging lawful migration and family unity.

Brazilian law under the Migration Law (Law No. 13.445/2017) allows for foreign family members of Brazilians and permanent residents to apply for residency under the family reunification clause. Each state has its own logistical and procedural features that a lawyer can help navigate efficiently.

Eligible Family Members and Requirements

Spouses (including same-sex), minor children, dependent adult children, parents, and legal dependents are eligible. Applicants must submit a dossier including certified and apostilled documentation proving familial ties, such as birth and marriage certificates, and proof of financial dependency or guardianship.

Documents must be translated into Portuguese by sworn translators. All paperwork must be valid and issued by competent authorities in the applicant’s country of origin.

Application Steps and Regional Practices

Applications can be submitted abroad via Brazilian consulates or locally at the Federal Police units in capital cities like Salvador, Fortaleza, Recife, and Natal. Each Federal Police unit has different queues and appointment systems, making professional legal planning essential.

The steps include: (1) gathering and legalizing documentation, (2) translation, (3) online submission or local filing, (4) background checks, (5) approval and CRNM registration (migration ID card).

Why Legal Support is Critical in the Northeast

Regional infrastructure disparities across the Northeast can delay or complicate applications. Having a lawyer ensures full compliance with all national and regional requirements, timely submissions, and proactive follow-up with immigration offices.

Lawyers also help resolve challenges like missing documents, expired visas, and complex family structures, as well as scheduling appointments and navigating online systems in remote areas.

Post-Visa Legal Support

Upon approval, new residents must complete CRNM registration and can begin accessing education, banking, healthcare, and employment. A lawyer provides assistance in registering children for school, applying for CPF numbers, and adjusting to civic life in Brazil.

Legal professionals are especially important for renewing visas, updating immigration records after family changes, or applying for permanent residency and Brazilian citizenship in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Who is eligible for the family reunion visa?
br Spouses, children, parents, and legal dependents of Brazilian citizens or permanent residents.

2. Can I apply for the visa in Brazil?
Yes. You may apply at the local Federal Police if already in the country.

3. Are same-sex partners accepted?
Yes. Same-sex unions are fully recognized by Brazilian immigration law.

4. What documents are required?
Birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of residence, apostilles, and translations.

5. How long does the process take?
On average, the review process takes 3 to 6 months.

6. Do I need a clean criminal record?
Yes. A background check from your country of origin is mandatory.

7. What is the CRNM?
It is the National Migrant Registry Card issued by the Federal Police.

8. Can children be included in the application?
Yes. Minor children and dependents must have individual applications.

9. Can I apply while holding a tourist visa?
Yes, but it must be done before the tourist visa expires.

10. Will I be able to work with this visa?
Yes. Legal work is allowed once residency is granted.

11. Is an apostille needed?
Yes. Foreign documents must be apostilled before submission.

12. Where do I translate documents?
Translations must be done by a sworn translator in Brazil.

13. What if I am missing a document?
A lawyer can help you retrieve and validate alternative documentation.

14. Can I sponsor my parents?
Yes, if you are a legal adult with financial capacity.

15. Is legal help necessary?
While not mandatory, it significantly increases the chances of approval.

16. Will I get healthcare access?
Yes. Once registered, you can access SUS (public healthcare).

17. Can I bring multiple family members?
Yes. Each must apply separately with complete documentation.

18. What if my visa is denied?
A lawyer can help you appeal the decision or reapply.

19. Can I later apply for permanent residence?
Yes. After lawful residence, you may qualify for permanent status.

20. How can I get legal assistance?
Please send an email to [email protected]