Your Family Belongs Together in Brazil. The VITEM XI Visa Is How You Get There — Handled in English.
The VITEM XI visa brings spouses, partners, and dependents to live in Brazil, and we do one thing: handle Brazilian-law matters for foreigners, in their own language. ZS Advogados is led by the first American to pass Brazil's Bar — a lawyer who immigrated here himself, so he gets exactly where you're standing. With a power of attorney, much of your case moves forward while you stay home. Tell us your situation and you'll leave knowing exactly where you stand.
Message us and we'll answer your questions about your situation and next steps — and set up a consultation if it's the right fit.
Or book a paid 60-min consultation — US$300A full private video session with a Brazil-licensed lawyer (OAB/SP 351.356). Choose a time that works for you.
- 1st American admitted to the OAB
- 1,200+ cases handled
- 15+ years
- OAB/SP 351.356
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When the People You Love Are in Two Countries
You married a Brazilian, built a life with a partner here, or need your children beside you. The VITEM XI family visa is the legal path to living together in Brazil — and closing that distance is exactly what we do. It covers spouses and stable-union partners, minor and dependent children, parents, and other relatives recognized under Brazilian immigration rules. The stakes are personal, and we treat them that way.
Your lawyer has been the foreigner in Brazil. Our founding partner, Zac Zagol, immigrated here himself and is the first American to pass Brazil's Bar (OAB) — a lawyer working across two countries and two legal cultures. So when the paperwork feels overwhelming in a language that isn't yours, you're talking to someone who has stood exactly where you're standing, and who explains every step in plain English.
We prepare and file your application — at a Brazilian consulate abroad or with the Federal Police inside Brazil — and handle the apostilles, certified translations, supporting documents, and post-arrival registrations like your CPF and CRNM. With a power of attorney (procuração), much of this moves forward while you stay home. We'll tell you honestly what genuinely requires your presence and what doesn't.
Which Family Members the Visa Can Cover
Spouse / Partner
Married to, or in a stable union (união estável) with, a Brazilian citizen or legal resident.
Children
Bringing your minor or legally dependent children to live with you in Brazil.
Parents
Parents of a Brazilian citizen or legal resident, under conditions we will explain.
Other Qualifying Dependents
Other dependents who may qualify under Brazilian immigration rules — we will assess your specific situation.
How it works
A clear path from first call to follow-up. The exact steps depend on your family's situation — we confirm the current requirements with you before anything is filed.
- 1
Initial review
We talk through your relationship, where each family member is right now, and your goals — then flag the likely path and tell you honestly whether we can help.
- 2
Documents
We give you a checklist tailored to your case and help you gather, apostille, and arrange sworn translation of what's needed, including proof of the family relationship.
- 3
Filing
We prepare and submit the application to the relevant Brazilian authority — a consulate abroad or the Federal Police inside Brazil — and handle the paperwork, often remotely via procuração.
- 4
Government step
We track the process and respond to requests for information. Timelines vary by consulate and case, so we keep you updated as things move.
- 5
Arrival & follow-up
We guide the after-arrival steps — such as Federal Police registration and your CPF — and stay available for what comes next.
Not sure where your case fits?
Tell us your situation and we'll walk you through the path that applies to your family.
What you'll need
Most family cases draw on the same core documents. Think of this as a starting point — the exact list depends on your relationship and situation, and we confirm the current requirements with you.
- A valid passport
- A criminal background check from your home country
- Proof of the family relationship — e.g. a marriage or birth certificate, or stable-union (união estável) documentation
- Civil documents apostilled, with a sworn (juramentada) translation of your foreign documents
- The Brazilian sponsor's documents
- A CPF (Brazilian tax ID) — we can help you obtain one
- Proof of address
Your case may need more or fewer documents — requirements differ by relationship type. We give you a tailored checklist before you start gathering anything.
Where foreigners commonly get stuck
A few things trip families up more than others. Knowing them early makes the process smoother — here's what careful handling looks like.
Documents that aren't apostilled or sworn-translated
Foreign certificates often need an apostille and a sworn (juramentada) translation to be accepted. Sorting the right format up front avoids back-and-forth later.
Proving the relationship the right way
A marriage, birth, or stable-union relationship each calls for its own documentation. We tell you which evidence your case needs before you spend on translations.
Missing after-arrival steps
Steps like registering with the Federal Police and getting a CPF are easy to overlook in the first weeks. We flag the sequence so nothing slips.
Assuming every family case follows the same rules
Requirements vary by relationship and can change over time. We confirm the current ones for your case rather than relying on a generic checklist.
Meet Your Legal Team
Zachariah Zagol
Founding Partner — OAB/SP
The first American to pass Brazil's Bar Exam. LL.M. from USC. Over 15 years helping foreigners navigate Brazilian law.
Karina Peres Silverio
Partner — OAB/SP 331.050
Specialist in immigration, real estate, and international law. Fluent in English and Portuguese.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can sponsor a family-reunion visa?
Is a stable union recognized for this visa?
Can I apply from abroad, or do I need to fly to Brazil?
Does the family visa lead to permanent residency?
What documents are typically needed?
Can you handle our case if we're not in Brazil yet?
Do our documents need to be translated?
How long does the process take?
Which languages do you work in?
Talk to a Lawyer Who Has Been the Foreigner Too
Tell us about your family and where everyone is right now — in English. You'll leave the consultation with a clear view of your options, what the process looks like, and what it costs, step by step, before you commit to anything. When you're ready, we're here.