YOU MUST REPORT CHANGE OF ADDRESS TO FEDERAL POLICE

This is an important reminder to ALL expats in Brazil holding anything other than a VITUR Tourist Visa. If you have any kind of VITEM Temporary Visa or a VIPER Permanent Visa the law requires you to report to the Federal Police (in the jurisdiction of your new residence) any change of address within 30 days. It is necessary take a two 3X4 color photos and a proof of address, such as a utility bill or rental contract, etc. in your name. Failing to do so will cause problems.

This is ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT for anyone who has applied for a VIPER Permanent Visa or for any other process regarding visas (such as transformation) with the Federal Police. If you don't report your change of address your process will continue being dealt with in the Regional Superintendency of the DPF in the old jurisdiction.

Another important thing to remember is if you've applied for a VIPER Permanent Visa based on marriage or on having a Brazilian child, this requires a home visit by the Federal Police (a sindicância) your process WILL NOT go anywhere until that home visit has taken place. If you change address you'll only be causing the process to be stalled and if they can't find you it will be cancelled. You should also notify the Federal Police if you plan on being away from your home for any length of time more than a few days if that home visit hasn't yet taken place to prevent problems.

Cheers,
William James Woodward, Expat-blog Experts Team