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Child Registration and Family Matters in Brazil: real experience from chats

Short answer
Marriage is the most straightforward path for residency, while 'união estável' requires more extensive documentation. To obtain citizenship, parents must hold a CRNM card for one year and pass a Portuguese language exam. Foreign birth certificates must be transcribed at a Cartório de Registro Civil before applying for a child's Brazilian identity card.

From real experience

For individuals seeking permanent residency (PMJ) in Brazil, both marriage and 'união estável' (stable union) are viable paths, each with distinct advantages.
Marriage offers a more straightforward, legally recognized process with generally fewer documentation inquiries. 'União estável', while not requiring formal marriage, necessitates more proof of a genuine, long-term relationship and can involve more extensive verification, potentially including court proceedings. Choosing between them depends on the applicant's preference for legal clarity versus flexibility in their relationship status.
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When seeking residency and citizenship in Brazil, especially for birth tourism, be aware of varying processing times for 'visto temporário' (temporary visa) and 'CRNM' (National Migratory Registry Card).
Florianópolis may have longer waits (6-8 months) but offers more Russian-speaking support. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have faster processing but less hand-holding. 'União estável' (stable union) is an alternative to marriage for common-law partnerships but requires more documentation. Marriage is the most straightforward path to permanent residency. Medical care quality may not directly correlate with clinic cost; inquire about specific procedures like C-sections and doctor qualifications well in advance.
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To apply for a Brazilian national identity card (RG or the new CIN) for a child born abroad, parents must first register the foreign birth certificate in Brazil.
Offices like Vapt Vupt or Poupatempo will reject foreign birth certificates even if they are apostilled. First, visit a Cartório de Registro Civil to perform the birth certificate transcription ('transcrição de certidão de nascimento' or 'traslado'). Once the Cartório issues a Brazilian birth certificate register, use this document to book and complete the identity card application.
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To apply for residency (Visto de Residência) in Brazil after giving birth, specifically for a couple with no prior children and having secured hospital arrangements, a comprehensive list of documents is required.
This typically includes birth certificates, marriage certificates (if applicable), passports, proof of financial means, medical records, and specific forms provided by the Brazilian immigration authorities. The exact list can vary, and it's recommended to obtain a detailed checklist from the Brazilian consulate or immigration services.
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Citizenship by birth is a common reason for 'birth tourism' in Brazil.
The general process involves arriving, giving birth, obtaining temporary residency (VNH), waiting a year, passing a language test, and then applying for citizenship. Major cities for this purpose include Rio de Janeiro, Florianopolis, Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Curitiba, Salvador, and Recife. Costs vary significantly based on the city and desired lifestyle. Brazil has become a more attractive option than Argentina due to recent legislative changes in Argentina.
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For naturalization based on a child's birth in Brazil, the one-year residency period (for parents) typically starts from the date indicated on the CRNM (National Migratory Registry Card) plastic card, not from the date of initial protocol or residency recognition.
For children older than 10, citizenship is only possible after 4 years of residency and reaching adulthood.
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Parents of a child born in Brazil who has received citizenship are required to pass a Portuguese language exam to obtain their own citizenship.
The procedure involves either a written test or an oral conversation.
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