Expert: Sandra - 10/5/2009

Question
Hi, I am having problems finding out what documents I need to take with me in order to apply for a permanent visa in Brazil. My partner is Brazilian and I am British. We are getting married in the UK in December and will then be going back to Brazil. I have been advised by the Brazilian consulate in London that the documents I need to produce in Brazil WILL NOT be the same as the ones I would need if applying for residency from here...but they do not know what these differences may be. I don't want to apply from here because it would mean waiting here 2 months for my visa to be approved and after being apart for nearly 6 months already I know it would kill me being away from my partner (by then husband!) for yet another 2 months. I am really worried about not taking the correct documents as I won't be able to just pop back here to get more!
Do you know how or where I can get a definitive list? I know I will need a copy of the marriage certificate and a copy of my conviction/prosecution history (both legalised by the consulate here)...but what else?

I'm getting in a panic here. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Many thanks
Elzie

Answer
Elzie,
I would recommend applying from the U.K. to streamline the process. Applying in Brazil is cheaper, but includes "the dreaded surprise home visit" and takes a lot longer.
Details of documents for applying for permanencia in either place can be found on the forum of the expat site www.gringoes.com