Immigration Law
Immigration lawyer in Brazil
I guide foreign nationals and companies through Brazilian visas, residence and naturalization, explaining every step in English.
Moving to a new country is demanding enough without guessing which permit you need. I help foreign nationals choose the visa or residence permit that fits their goal, whether that’s work, study, investment, retirement or joining family, under Brazil’s Migration Law (Lei 13.445/2017) and its implementing regulation, Decreto 9.199/2017.
I also handle family reunification, naturalization, renewals and regularization for people whose status has lapsed, as well as corporate immigration for companies bringing professionals to Brazil. I hold a specialization in Immigration Law and meet clients in English, Portuguese or Spanish, by video or in person.
Practical guides for moving to Brazil on the Souza & Santos Immigration blog →
How I can help
Immigration Law
Visas
Advice and application support for work, study, investment and other visa categories.
Residence permits
Temporary and permanent residence, including applications filed from within Brazil.
Family reunification
Residence for spouses, partners, children and other relatives of Brazilians or residents.
Naturalization
Eligibility review and support throughout the Brazilian citizenship application.
Status regularization
Options for people with expired stays, missing documents or irregular status.
Corporate immigration
Visas and permits for foreign employees hired or transferred by companies.
Who it is for
- Foreign nationals planning to live or work in Brazil
- Spouses and families of Brazilian citizens
- Expats who need to renew or fix their immigration status
- Employers relocating staff to Brazil
How I work
- IntakeI learn about your goals, nationality, ties to Brazil and timeline.
- Choosing the routeI identify the visa or residence category that best fits and list the documents you’ll need.
- FilingI review your paperwork, prepare the application and follow it with the authorities.
- After approvalI explain registration, your Brazilian ID card for foreigners, renewals and what comes next.
FAQ
Common questions
What’s the difference between a visa and a residence permit in Brazil?
A visa is usually requested at a Brazilian consulate abroad and allows entry for a specific purpose. A residence permit governs your stay in Brazil and, in many cases, can be requested from inside the country. Which one you need depends on your goals and circumstances.
My authorized stay has expired. Can I still regularize?
Often there are options, but they depend on how long you’ve been in Brazil, your ties here and your immigration history. Acting sooner helps avoid fines and other consequences. A consultation is the best way to review what’s available to you.
Where can I find step-by-step guides on Brazilian visas?
Practical, regularly updated guides for individuals are published on the Souza & Santos Immigration blog. They’re a good starting point before we discuss your specific situation.
Shall we talk about your case?
Free 60-minute initial consultation, by video or in person, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.
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