Permanent Resident Question

Post new topic

archlab Active member

Member since 22 September 2017

archlabActive member18 June 2018 21:01:55

Hi. I got my Permanent Residence (Brasilian Green Card) in the Fall of 2014 & left Nov 2014, but did so on my still valid Tourist Visa (good until 2023, I believe). I did not have any recollection of limits on the time which you could be out of Brasil, but apparently (from seeing other posts on this forum) one must travel into or out of Brasil every 2 years.

So:
1) Did I mess up by leaving on my Tourist Visa?

2) Is there actually a 2 year time limit?
a) Since my Green Card did not get used to leave Brasil, it has never started any 'time clock'.
If I (or should I say, the green Card) am theoretically still in Brasil, have I theoretically
overstayed my Permanent Residence?
b) If I have overstayed, what is the consequence? A fine? Cancellation of Green Card? etc?

3) When I return to Brasil, should I just return on my Tourist Visa (before its expiration date of 2023)?
a) Then, while in Brasil, deal with any possible Green Card overstay.

Anyway, to complicate matters (maybe, maybe not?) further, I jsut got divorced from my Brasilian Wife...does that have any bearing on my Permanent Residence....or maybe we just hold off on that for a separate Post.

Uggghh, Ajuda-me!

abthree Brazil expert

Member since 28 December 2017

abthreeBrazil expert18 June 2018 23:34:55

6046

Wow - a lot to unpack here.

First, are you sure that the only visa you have is a tourist visa, which probably would have been marked "VITUR" at the time? When your permanent residency was approved, that should have been canceled and replaced with a permanent visa, marked VIPER.

If the Federal Police let you leave the country without any questions, then no, you didn't screw up, whatever valid visa you had. But the visa type will make a difference on your return.

Articles to help you in your expat project in Brazil

Using phones in Brazil
It's much easier these days to get a cell phone in Brazil, and phones and calling plans are inexpensive. ...
Accommodation in Brasilia
Brasilia, the country's federal capital, is home to many highly-paid government employees and foreign ...
Dating in Brazil
If you're single and ready to mingle, then you might want to try your hand at dating after you've settled ...
Leisure activities in Brazil
Have you always dreamed of dancing to the rhythm of a Brazilian carnival? Do you wish to enjoy the sand and the ...
Accommodation in Rio de Janeiro
With an official population of about seven million people, and almost twice that number in the metro area, Rio de ...
Marriage in Brazil
Brazil can be a romantic country, and you may want to marry here. Perhaps you even want to remain in Brazil ...
Childcare in Brazil
As more and more women have joined the workforce in Brazil, childcare has become very important. There are a few ...
Driving in Brazil
If you‘re moving to Brazil for a short time, then you can use your national driving license. However, if you ...