Civil partnerships in Brazil

Same-sex civil unions are not recognised in Brazil.

As a result, the British Embassy in Brasilia and its Consulates in Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro cannot perform same-sex marriages.

However, same-sex couples have the option to have their relationship registered as a “stable union” in any Civil Registrar Office (Cartório  de Registro Civil).

Please note that there is not a consensus about the definition of “stable union”, which can be proved either against the written contract at the Civil Registrar Office or by evidences that the partners have been living together for a certain period of time, longer than 2 years or so.

Same sex-couples who can prove that their relationship is a “stable union” will be treated by the National Social Security Institute no differently than a married couple in cases of retirement or death. The “stable union” will allow people in same-sex relationships to declare their partners as dependants on income tax returns.

Brazil allows foreign partners of its homosexual citizenry to receive residency permits.

Information on Visas based on Stable Union relationship for partners willing to fix residency in Brazil:

Note that  the MTE will issue this type of visa not the Federal Police.

• www.mte.gov.br  - Administrative resolution  nº 5  from the MTE dated from 03/12/2003 Temporary or permanent visa or residence to partners. Administrative resolution n 27º from 25/11/1998 Omission and special cases. Administrative resolution n 36º from 28/09/1999 Familiar reunion based on stable union.
• http://www.dpf.gov.br/web/servicos/perguntas_respostas.pdf.  (FAQ number 24)
• http://www.consbraslondres.com/index.php?pagina=12&pgVoltar=7&pgReferencia=servico&id=56

Information on Visas based on Stable Union relationship for partners willing to fix residency in the UK:

• www.visainfoservices.com