Divorce and CRNM Card

Member since 23 October 2023

GbawekanuNew member02 February 2026 13:43:23

Hi everyone — looking for guidance from expats (and anyone who’s been through something similar) on Brazilian residency after divorce.

I met a Brazilian woman in 2021. We got married after we arrived in Brazil, and I was issued an RNE / residency card in January 2024. The card shows a 9-year validity.

Fast forward: we’re now in the middle of a divorce, and it should be finalized in the next few weeks/months.

My questions:

Even if my RNE/residency card is still valid, can I continue living in Brazil after the divorce is finalized?

Or does divorce automatically affect my residency and require me to apply for a different visa/residency category?

I’m planning to travel to the U.S. in April for a few months. If my divorce is finalized while I’m away (or shortly before I travel), could I have issues re-entering Brazil around June?

Has anyone had problems at immigration in this situation?

I’m trying to plan properly and avoid getting stuck outside Brazil or accidentally violating any immigration rules. If you’ve been through this, or know what the normal process is (and what offices/lawyers to speak to), I’d really appreciate any pointers.

See also

Marriage in Brazil - Guide
Lawyers in Brazil - Business
What are the implications of my CRNM after the divorce? - 4 Replies
if i do divorce, is it i lost RNM? - 11 Replies
Status of my Permanent Residency after divorce - 5 Replies
English speaking divorce lawyer in Brasilia - 2 Replies
Divorce in Brazil and US - 7 Replies

Peter Itamaraca Serial expat

Member since 08 May 2023

Peter ItamaracaSerial expat02 February 2026 18:09:19

943

@Gbawekanu

This question has been raised before, so search other threads for more info... But the short answer is that although the reason for the resident visa has ceased (divorce), it is unlikely that the PF will turn up and throw you out of Brazil. However, this does depend on the ongoing relationship with your soon-to-be ex-wife.

If she really wants to screw up your life she (or anyone else) could go to them, and rat you out, and that is probably the only way they will know in the short term. Then they could revoke your visa, but in any case they would not renew it in the future without her co-operation.

As far as returning from your visit to the US, as a Brit you do not need a visa to visit for 90+90 days as a tourist. So I cannot see any problems for you to return at least for this period. For a longer period you will need a different visa if she has done the dirty, or not if she has not...!

Hope that helps...

SimCityAT Expert

Member since 08 April 2014

SimCityATExpert02 February 2026 18:14:24

13306

@Gbawekanu

If you are going to America, just make sure you don't have any social media on your mobile or Computer

Roddie Simmons Active member

Member since 31 August 2022

Roddie SimmonsActive member02 February 2026 19:55:52

@Gbawekanu FYI, even though I have been married to a great Brazilian for almost 30 years, my CRNM is actually based on my Brazilian daughter, not my wife due to a mix-up.

Roddie in Retirement😎