Family Reunion (VITEM XI)
VI. Important information regarding the visa process
VII. Visa frequently asked questions - FAQ
VIII. Residence permit based on family reunion requested while in Brazil
I. General information
A visa for Family Reunion may be granted to legal dependants of a Brazilian national or of a foreign citizen with valid resident status in Brazil.
Applicants for other temporary visas are also eligible to be sponsors for family members who wish to join them in Brazil.
Note: Family members of Brazilian nationals may also request a residence permit, while in Brazil, directly to the Federal Police. Check section VIII below for more information.
Important:
This visa may be granted to the following foreigners:
I - spouse (Marriage) or legal partner (Civil Partnership) of a Brazilian or an immigrant who is a beneficiary of a residence permit;
II - child of a Brazilian or an immigrant who is a beneficiary of a residence permit;
III - stepson of a Brazilian or immigrant beneficiary of a residence permit, as long as they are under eighteen years of age, or up to twenty-four years of age, if proven to be a student, or of any age, if proven economic dependence in relation to the caller;
IV - who has a Brazilian child;
V - who has an immigrant child who has a residence permit;
VI – ascendant up to the second degree of Brazilian or immigrant beneficiary of a residence permit;
VII - descendant up to the second degree of Brazilian or immigrant beneficiary of a residence permit;
VIII - brother of a Brazilian or an immigrant beneficiary of a residence permit, as long as he is under eighteen years of age, or up to twenty-four years of age, if proven to be a student, or of any age, if proven economic dependence in relation to the caller; or
IX - who has a Brazilian under his legal guardianship, curatorship or custody.
Notes:
The visa cannot be granted to cohabiting friends / boyfriends / girlfriends, ie, those without a proven legal family tie.
The visa may not be granted when there is a well-founded suspicion that the family tie (partnership / marriage bond) was established solely for migratory purposes, with collusion between the applicant and sponsor to conceal an attempt at irregular immigration.
II. How to apply for a visa
The visa application and all original documents (the same uploaded to the online application form) must be sent by mail (Posti) or deposited in our mailbox (only from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 13:00 h).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the application is lodged accordingly and with all original mandatory documents (in paper).
Important: The same documents must be uploaded to the online form and sent by mail (in paper).
Important for families: A separate application must be prepared for each individual sponsored person of the family. However, all family members' applications must be grouped and presented in one single envelope to the Embassy.
Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
III. Mandatory documents
Note: All the following listed documents are mandatory.
All documents must be presented in original (copies are not accepted).
Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
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I. From the applicant (each individual sponsored family member) |
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1) Online visa application form
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Fill in the electronic application form at https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/, upload all requested documents, submit, print out, sign. When filling in the application form it is very important to completely fill out all fields and upload all required documents. Important: Special attention to the field parents’ full names, that should be informed as stated in your extract from population (item 5). Note: If deceased, their full names will still be required. Attention: It is also very important to inform your (own) correct telephone number and your (own) correct e-mail address. a) The form should be signed inside the designated box in blue or black ink. Do not exceed the borders. b) Applicant must upload photo, signature and all mandatory documents. |
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2) Original valid passport |
a) Passport should be valid for the entirety of the intended stay. b) The Consular Section of the Embassy reserves the right not to endorse soiled, damaged or defaced passports. c) Passport must have at least 2 unused (blank) pages. Note that pages reserved for amendments cannot be used for visa purposes. |
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3) One recent (3 months maximum) 36mm x 47mm photograph |
The photo dimensions for the Brazilian visa are the same as the standard size for the Finnish passport. a) Photo must be in color, front view, white background, no shadows, ICAO standard (example here). b) Photo should be "developed" in photography paper, in ultra high quality. Photos in regular paper, with low quality or digital only versions are not accepted. c) Photos should be recent (3 months old maximum). The same photo cannot be used for more than one application. Note: To avoid your photo being rejected, we strongly recommend to use a professional photographer's service. |
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4) Original Extract from the Criminal Records (all applicants 18 years old or older)
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4.1 If living in Finland for one year or longer: Finnish Extract from the Criminal Records a) The Extract from the Criminal Records must show the applicant's city of birth . The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. b) The extract should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. c) The extract must be recent (3 months old maximum) d) The extract must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the foreign extract must receive an official translation to English. e) The extract must be notarized in Maistraatti (receive an Apostille) - https://dvv.fi/en/apostille-en-org |
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4.2 If living in Finland for less than one year: Certificate of criminal records from the country of origin / last residences a) The certificate of criminal records must show the applicant's city of birth . The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. b) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. c) The certificate must be recent (3 months old maximum) d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the certificate must receive an official translation to English. e) Certificates issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must receive an Apostille. Apostilles authorities, by country: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41 f) Certificates issued in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation (Brazilian Embassy or Consulate) in the country where the certificates were issued. |
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5) Original Extract from the Population information system or Birth certificate |
5.1. For Finnish nationals: a) The Extract from the Population Information System or Birth certificate must show the parents' full names b) The Extract from Population Information System or Birth certificate must show the applicant's city of birth . The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. c) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the certificate must receive an official translation to English. e) The Finnish extract must be notarized in Maistraatti (receive an Apostille) - https://dvv.fi/en/apostille-en-org |
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5.2. For other nationalities: a) Birth certificate which shows the parents' full names issued by the country of origin b) The birth certificate must show the applicant's city of birth . The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. c) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the certificate must receive an official translation to English. e) Certificates issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must receive an Apostille. Apostille authorities, by country: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41 f) Certificates issued in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation (Brazilian Embassy or Consulate) in the country where the certificates were issued. |
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6) For non-Finnish nationals: Proof of regular immigration status in Finland (original Finnish residence permit card) |
A certified copy of the Finnish residence permit card (done at Maistraatti) is also accepted. An apostille is not needed. |
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7) For applicants under 18 years old - Parental Consent Form for a Visa, for Traveling to Brazil and whitin Brazilian Territory in favor of a minor |
Click here to download the document - PDF a) This document must be signed by the minor's father and mother, or legal guardian, in person in front of the Finnish Notary (DVV/Maistraatti), have the signature(s) notarized (own hand in-person signature) and receive the Hague Apostille (“Apostille”) also in Maistraatti. (Check example of the accepted DVV notarization here). The document will be returned by the Embassy to the applicant and must brough to Brazil and stay in his/her possession, as it is a document requested by airline companies or bus companies for trips within Brazilian territory. - Notarization in DVV-Maistraatti - https://dvv.fi/en/notarisation-of-the-authenticity-of-a-signature-org - Hague Apostille in DVV-Maistraatti - https://dvv.fi/en/apostille-en-org |
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8) Buy 1 (one) prepaid postal label at Posti website |
Buy the postal label "maximum 250g" type, at the Posti website (choose express OR registered): (Express Letter) https://www.posti.fi/en/private/letters-and-mail/send-a-letter-or-postcard/valuable-or-urgent-items (Registered Letter) https://www.posti.fi/en/private/letters-and-mail/send-a-letter-or-postcard/valuable-or-urgent-items Note: Express letters are faster than registered letters. Instructions on how to correctly purchase the Posti postal label are available on our website at “Posti - Postal Label”. Terms and conditions for services by mail are available on our website at "Service by Mail ( Posti )" IMPORTANT: Applications sent to the Embassy without the postal label will NOT be processed. To avoid unnecessary delays, please follow our instructions an provide us the Posti postal label. |
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II. From the sponsor family member |
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1) Original passport (if the sponsor is Brazilian or Foreigner). The Brazilian Identity Card - RG is also accepted (if the sponsor is Brazilian). |
For sponsors already in Brazil, we also accept a photocopy legalized in the Brazilian Notary (cartório). This document is accepted only in original (digital versions and simple copies are not accepted). For sponsors in Finland, we also accept a photocopy legalized in Maistraatti. |
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2) Brazilian Tax Payer Number (CPF) card or identity document with the CPF number |
If the interested party has not yet requested their CPF, they should do so. |
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3) Declaration under penalties of law, that the sponsor lives or intends to live in Brazil |
a) The signature of the sponsor in this declaration must be notarized. If the sponsor is Brazilian: notarization can be done in person (by appointment) at the Consular Section (check instructions on our website at "reconhecimento de firma") OR by a Notary in Brazil (in a cartório, request a "reconhecimento de firma") OR in Maistratti - DVV. Apostille not needed. If the sponsor is a foreign citizen: notarization done by a Notary in Brazil (in a cartório, request a "reconhecimento de firma") OR in Maistratti - DVV. Apostille not needed. b) If the sponsor is a family member under 18 years of age, the data in the form must be that of the sponsor, but the signature will be that of the legal guardian (mother or father). |
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4) Original document proving the family tie, according to the situation: |
a) Parents of Brazilian a child: - Brazilian Birth Certificate (issued by a Brazilian Notary); or - Brazilian Consular Birth Certificate (issued by a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate). * If the child has not yet been registered at the Embassy, the parents must do so before they can apply for the visa. Instructions at: Birth Registration. b) Married to a Brazilian: - Brazilian Marriage certificate (issued by a Brazilian Notary); or - Brazilian Consular Marriage Certificate (issued by a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate). * If the marriage has not yet been registered at the Embassy, the couple must do so before they can apply for the visa. Instructions at: Marriage Registration.
c) Civil Partnership with a Brazilian: - Brazilian Certificate of Civil Partnership - "Escritura de União Estável" (issued by a Brazilian Notary). * Attention: Civil Partnerships are no longer celebrated in Finland. Finnish Civil Partnerships are not recognized by Brazil. More info at: Civil Partnership. d) Documents to prove legal guardianship, curatorship or custody of a Brazilian - Original of the Brazilian guardianship sentence; or - Original of the Finnish guardianship sentence, with a sworn translation (official registered translation) into English or Portuguese. - For Finnish sentences, also present the original of the document proving that the guardian is authorized to act on behalf of the minor, with a sworn translation into English or Portuguese (official registered translation). e) Documents to prove family tie with a foreign citizen applicant or holder of a temporary visa: - Original birth or marriage certificate. a) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. b) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the certificate must receive an official translation to English. c) Certificates issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must receive an Apostille. Apostille authorities, by country: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41 d) Certificates issued in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation (Brazilian Embassy or Consulate) in the country where the certificates were issued. f) For other situations according to Brazilian Migratory Law (read the possibilities for visa at General Information), please check the documents with the Consular Section, by e-mail. |
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III. From both (sponsor and sponsored family member) (in case of family reunion through marriage or civil partnership) |
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1) Notarized declaration, under penalties of law, that both sponsor and visa applicant have an effective marriage or civil partnership and live together. |
Attention: a) If the declarant-sponsor is Brazilian: notarization can be done in person (by appointment) at the Consular Section (check instructions on our website at "reconhecimento de firma") OR by a Notary in Brazil (in a cartório, request a "reconhecimento de firma") OR in Maistratti - DVV. Apostille not needed. If the declarant-sponsor is a foreign citizen: notarization done by a Notary in Brazil (in a cartório, request a "reconhecimento de firma") OR in Maistratti - DVV. Apostille not needed. b) The signature of the visa applicant (declarant-sponsored) in this declaration must be notarized in Maistratti (Apostille is not necessary). |
IV. Consular fee
Once the application is received, the Consular Section will check whether it has been duly prepared and that it contains all documents.
If the application is ready for processing, the Consular Section will forward the applicant, by e-mail, information for payment of the consular fee.
The consular fee for a temporary visa for family reunion is €120,00 for nationals of most countries, with some exceptions.
All consular fees must be lodged to the Embassy of Brazil’s account, by transfer originating from a Finnish bank account.
The Consular Section will only send payment information (by e-mail to the applicant) after the required documentation has been received and checked.
Payments in advance are not accepted.
V. Processing time
The estimated processing time for temporary visas is up to 5 working days after all the documentation has been received at the Embassy and fees are paid.
The Consular Section does not provide express or emergency visa services of any sort.
In times of heavy workload processing times may increase. Therefore, do not leave your application to the last minute and do not commit yourself to travel plans until your visa is granted.
Nationals from certain countries require consultation with the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations before a visa can be granted. In that case the processing time may be longer than usual.
Note: The Consular Section does not provide information on the status of visa applications that are already being analysed.
IMPORTANT:
The Consular Section does not offer urgent, express or faster services of any kind and does not issue urgent or emergency documents, including visas. Check the current processing times for consular services at "Processing Times".
Visa applicants must allow the Embassy the full processing time. If you have a trip to another country and cannot wait for the processing time DO NOT apply for a visa with us, as we cannot hurry up your process due to your private engagements.
More information on the visa process is available here.
VI. Important information regarding the visa process
- Visa requests that lack any of the documents listed will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
- The requirements listed above should not, in any way, be considered all inclusive.
- The Consular Section of the Brazilian Embassy in Helsinki reserves the right to request additional information and/or documentation when they are deemed necessary.
- A Consular interview may be requested by the Brazilian Consular Authority whenever necessary to clarify circumstances of the trip or identity / information provided by the applicant.
- Visa applications may be refused by lack of documents or for inconsistencies in the data provided (incomplete or mismatching information).
- A visa shall be denied to any foreign citizen who, when submitting his/her application, behaves in an aggressive, insulting or disrespectful way.
- Keep in mind that visas may be granted or denied by the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland in Finland, according to Brazilian migratory law and visa regulations.
- Please note that issuing or denying a visa is a sovereign act of Governments. It is a prerogative applied by every country and strengthened by international practice. The kind of visa - if granted - and the validity period of the visa are also a sovereign decision of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland.
- All temporary visa holders must register with the Federal Police within 90 days from first entry.
Upon registration, the individual will have to present all the following documents:
a) Passport with the Brazilian temporary visa;
b) Original Visa Application Form (with stamp and signature of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland);
c) Extract from Population Information System (or Birth Certificate) containing both parents’ full names and cirty of birth (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application); and
d) Extract from the Criminal Records (applicants over 18 years old) (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application).
IMPORTANT: The extract from population / birth certificate and the extract from criminal records must receive an apostille (for countries that are part of the Apostille Convention, for example, Finland) or legalized by a Brazilian Embassy (countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention) in the country of origin.
The documents must also be subsequently translated into Portuguese, in Brazil, by a sworn translator ("tradutor juramentado").
- It is strongly recommended that bearers of temporary visas to Brazil register themselves at the Tax Revenue Office (Receita Federal), before the trip, to acquire a Brazilian CPF number. The CPF is necessary for many daily activities in Brazil, for example opening a bank account, buying and activating telephone sim cards, renting appartments, signing contracts with service providers (internet, telephone, energy, water, gas), doing business in Brazil, etc.
The CPF for foreign citizens is requested at the Embassy, only in person (by appointment). Instructions on how to proceed are available on our website at CPF - Foreign citizens resident in Finland.
- General terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.
- Visa Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ
VIII. Residence permit based on family reunion requested while in Brazil
Attention:
This service is not responsibility of the Brazilian consular offices.
Therefore, it cannot be carried out at the Embassies of Brazil.
This following section contains information on how to forward your request directly to the competent Brazilian Authority.
If you are a family member of a Brazilian national (or of a holder of a Brazilian temporary visa) and are already in Brazil (for example, Finnish nationals in Brazil during a visa-exempt 90-day trip), the residence permit based on family reunion may be requested directly to the Federal Police, in Brazil.
A residence permit is granted to immigrants who intend to reside and settle temporarily or permanently in Brazil, based on family reunion, provided that they meet the special requirements set forth in the Migration Law and its regulations.
With the residence permit, the immigrant is registered (the registration consists of civil identification, by biographical and biometric data), to obtain a National Migration Registry number (RNM) and the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM).
Note that the residence permit is a matter of exclusive competence of the Federal Police, in Brazil.
The entire procedure is carried out with the competent authorities in Brazil, with no steps of any nature done at the Embassy.
Instructions, general information and answers to frequently asked questions are on the Federal Police website, through the direct link https://www.gov.br/pf/pt-br/assuntos/imigracao
Specific questions can be sent directly to the Federal Police, in Brazil, through the contact channels (by state of the Federation) available at https://www.gov.br/pf/pt-br/acesso-a-informacao/institucional/quem-e-quem/superintendencias-e-delegacias