Family reunion
Stable union (união estável) as a route to residence
You don't have to marry. Brazil treats a stable union between two partners, of any sex, as a family, and a partner can get family-reunion residence through it.
In short
Yes. Brazil treats a stable union (união estável) as a family, for couples of any sex, and the Migration Law gives family-reunion residence to a spouse or partner without discrimination. You prove the union with a certificate or court decision, or with a civil-registry certificate, two witnesses and one more piece of evidence.
- Basis
- Constitution art. 226; Civil Code art. 1.723
- Couples
- Of any sex
- Route
- Family reunion visa or residence
- Proof
- A union certificate or court decision, or other evidence
What counts as a stable union
- Living together publicly, continuously and lastingly, with the aim of forming a family.
- Couples of any sex: the Supreme Court recognised same-sex stable unions in 2011.
- Your partner must be a Brazilian or an immigrant with residence in Brazil, as in any family reunion.
- Someone still married and only separated in fact can't register a stable union at the civil registry.
How it works
- In Brazil, formalise the union by public deed (escritura pública) at a notary, or by a declaration signed at a civil registry office. The deed records each party's CPF, so the foreign partner needs one.
- If you like, register it in the civil registry's Livro E. Registration is optional and makes the union effective against third parties.
- A union certificate from the competent authority of your own country also counts.
- Apply for the family reunion visa at a consulate, or for residence at the Federal Police in Brazil, with a joint declaration that you still live together.
- Register with the Federal Police for your RNM and your CRNM card.
Find the Federal Police unit for where you live →
Documents
- Proof of the union: a union certificate from the competent authority, or a court decision from Brazil or abroad
- Without one: a civil-registry certificate, statements from two witnesses and one more piece of evidence, such as a joint bank account, a lease or deed, life insurance, a will or your child's birth certificate
- A joint declaration that you still live together
- A valid passport
- Your partner's Brazilian ID or CRNM
Documents from abroad need an apostille or legalization and a sworn translation. The consulate or the Federal Police can ask for more.
Have a lawyer handle your family reunion
An OAB-registered lawyer who works on immigration cases checks your proof of the union and files your application. You choose them from Emigro's directory of independent lawyers.
See lawyers who handle family reunion cases Or talk to a lawyer firstRather talk to an immigration lawyer first?
Send a short note to an independent immigration lawyer who uses Emigro. If they offer a paid call, you can pick a time on their calendar right away; otherwise they reply by email.
Official sources
Migration Law (Lei 13.445/2017), art. 37 ↗
Interministerial Ordinance 12/2018 (family reunion), Ministry of Justice ↗
How to prove a stable union, Federal Police ↗
Federal Constitution, art. 226 ↗
Civil Code (Lei 10.406/2002), art. 1.723 ↗
National Code of Rules for notaries and registries, arts. 537 to 546, CNJ ↗
Checked against official sources on October 25, 2026. Emigro gives preliminary guidance, not legal advice. Emigro is a private company, not affiliated with the Brazilian government, the Federal Police, Itamaraty, the Ministry of Justice or the Receita Federal. Emigro is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Lawyers listed are independent, registered with the OAB, and solely responsible for their advice.
Common questions
Do we have to marry for family reunion in Brazil?
No. The law covers a spouse or a partner, without discrimination, so a stable union counts.
Can we use a union certificate from our own country?
Yes. A certificate from the competent authority of your country counts, with an apostille or legalization and a sworn translation.
How do we formalise a stable union in Brazil?
By public deed at a notary, or by a declaration at a civil registry office. Registering it in Livro E is optional and makes it effective against third parties.
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