Yes — and this possibility is more common than it seems.
If you have a grandchild living in Brazil and wish to be more present in their life, there is a real and legally recognized path to make this happen: family reunion between grandparents and grandchild. Many people believe this benefit is restricted to spouses, parents or children, but Brazil’s immigration legislation goes further. Under Interministerial Ordinance No. 12/2018, ascendants up to the second degree — which includes grandparents — may request residency based on this direct family bond.
This means you can apply for residency authorization through your relationship with your grandchild, whether the child is a Brazilian citizen or a foreign resident in Brazil. It is a safe and structured path to build a close, permanent relationship without relying on short tourist stays.
Why is this path so important for grandparents?
Family life, especially when it involves children, is made of moments that cannot be repeated. Many grandparents pursue this type of residency in order to:
- follow their grandchild’s growth more closely;
- offer emotional, educational and family support;
- assist with the child’s daily care;
- strengthen bonds that distance often makes difficult;
- maintain continuous contact without relying on short-term visas.
Brazilian legislation acknowledges the relevance of these family ties, which is why the residency process is accessible as long as the relationship is properly documented.
Is the process complicated?
Generally, no. The process mainly requires:
- documents proving the family relationship (such as birth certificates);
- personal identification documents of both the grandparent and the grandchild;
- basic declarations required by the ordinance;
- proof of residence of the sponsor (“chamante”) in Brazil.
Once residency is granted, the grandparent can live legally in Brazil, access services, open a bank account, and even work, if they wish. The legislation ensures the same rights granted to other residents.
Can the grandchild act as the sponsor even if they are a minor?
Yes. Brazilian legislation allows the grandchild to be the sponsor, even if they are under 18.
However, this requires careful case-by-case assessment to ensure all requirements are properly met. For that reason, professional guidance is strongly recommended.
Does everyone receive the same duration of residency?
No — the duration of residency depends on two main factors:
- Where the application is filed:
- abroad (at a Brazilian consulate), as a temporary visa;
- or inside Brazil, directly with the Federal Police.
- The grandchild’s immigration status:
- if the grandchild is Brazilian, the residency is typically longer;
- if the grandchild is a foreign temporary resident, the grandparent’s residency usually matches the child’s validity period.
These distinctions directly affect the duration of your residency and should be evaluated before filing.
Why work with a professional team?
A family reunion between grandparents and grandchild involves specific nuances — especially when the sponsor is a minor or when the grandparent is already in Brazil at the time of the application. A correct technical assessment helps avoid delays, rejections and unnecessary complications.
At Conliance, we guide you through every step: case assessment, document preparation, drafting declarations, assembling the full application and following it until approval.
Our mission is simple: to bring families closer with clarity, safety and care.
Contact our team for a personalized assessment.
