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rsrenfrew

Active member

American looking for information about Brazil

Forum posts

43

Contacts

1

About me

American

Registration: 06 July 2021

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
roddiesho

What Were You Happy For in 2024! by roddiesho

Before we start the New Years Resolutions for 2025, please share with us what resolutions and events made you happy in 2024!For me it is very easy. This time last year I was cautiously asking my wife if she had heard from our well-paid Immigration ...

I urge everyone who lives in Sao Paulo to visit (often) there Sala Sao Pauloi (OSESP.arty.br.). All seats for over 60 are 50% off the already low ticket price. It is an amazing place, I started going on October 13, 2023, and have not looked ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
NewBrazil

I found a new money transfer service by NewBrazil

It’s called Remitly it’s a app. Two things it will transfer to a pix account and it very simple. They also have a 24 hour call to the US if you need help. I setup a account it got blocked and I didn’t know why. It because I have a ...

It’s called Remitly it’s a app. Two things it will transfer to a pix account and it very simple. They also have a 24 hour call to the US if you need help. I setup a account it got blocked and I didn’t know why. It because I have a ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
Kurterino

Brazilian bank account for expats by Kurterino

I’ve done a search on the topic and was surprised that nothing turned up, so here’s the question: which bank do you recommend for an expat? Meaning it should be easy and cheap to transfer money from a foreign bank account to it, equally ...

By Brazilian ID, do you mean RNM/CRNJ or CFP? CPF is easy to get online. RNM, I don't think so because you have to have a "permanent visa." Mine was a retirement visa. The first RNM had an expiry of 2 years and took 3 months to get. The renewal RNM ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
abthree

For US Citizens: New STEP Program Effective 09/16/24 by abthree

09/19/24 This message was sent out by the US Embassy today:Message for U.S. Citizens: Launch of the New Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) – Re-Enroll Now!Location: WorldwideEvent: On September 16, 2024, the Department of State launched ...

Thank you for the post. I updated my I information, but I don't remember it asking for my +55-11 cell so I am not sure I will get texts, which are easier to receive than emails, which I am overwhelmed with and someti mes miss and important ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
simsimso

i have rnm, but i divorced and now i'm planning marriage by simsimso

i was marriage with a brazilian, and i got crnmbut we divorce, after 4 yearsand i meet new person, and we are planning marriageshould i try to get new crnm?or i can just keep my crnm?i dont know if my crnm working from before parterso if i have to ...

@rsrenfrewI didn't mean to be unkind at all. I have been married once to a Brazilian. The day we got married, I realized and could not ignore anymore (mainly through the energy shift in my spouse) that it was, for sure, a "green card" marriage. ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
simsimso

i have rnm, but i divorced and now i'm planning marriage by simsimso

i was marriage with a brazilian, and i got crnmbut we divorce, after 4 yearsand i meet new person, and we are planning marriageshould i try to get new crnm?or i can just keep my crnm?i dont know if my crnm working from before parterso if i have to ...

WOW. I am happily single and plan to remain that way. Sounds muilto complicado. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
californiainbrazil

Obtaining a Brazil Driver's License (CNH) in Sao Paulo by californiainbrazil

Here is my experience in getting a Brazilian driver’s license (CNH) in Sao Paulo. Hopefully this will be helpful to those getting their CNH for the first timeWebsite with ...

@rraypo". They had me out of my car surrounded by about five officers for well over an hour, which they seemed to really be enjoying; I was nervous."Well, welcome to Brazil and vague and ambiguous (as well as intimidating) tactics. Do you know the ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
jeff ob

i finally got my citizenship by jeff ob

A big thank you to all who contributed on this platform from their opinions to personal experiences , , my process was smooth and it took exactly 1year and 2months , i already got my RG and junta militar (CDI) , but will have to wait till november ...

Great message! Congratulations! Scott Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
last year
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

Yes, on the upper left corner of the back of your RNM is a QR code, that will give you the digital version you can take a foto of.As an epilog, to get to "ready to be pickup" took about a month to populate. It's. nightmare, and I only have the ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
alan279

Replace RNE? by alan279

My old RNE card is in poor condition. Can I get a replacement?

@abthreeWell, my status went from in process to being printed to printed and in transit (that was June 13). They must be utilizing the "efficiency" of correos because there is stays!So good luck. Make a digital copy of it and get the digital ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@Gerard NardiniI have found many agencies (R/E), banks, etc. that refuse to accept it. I also heard a verbal altercation in my hotel lobby for someone who had lost their citizen RG, and the same BS as lack of identity. it truly is astonishing. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@mikehunterOr try to rent an apartment in Sao Paulo from a big agency. Or apply for a credit card from a bank like Santander that has very strict underwriting (the strictest among the big banks.) Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
Canforbra

Drivers license by Canforbra

Is it easy to change a canadian driver's license to a brazilian one?Would I need to retake any sort of tests?

@UhOhDetranWow, considering what I suppose you didn't have to go through with the RNM nightmare that is currently going on, that has been a disaster (I am assuming you had that sorted some time ago, when they didn't have a backlog of 5 months not ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
alan279

Tenant Maintenance by alan279

I’ve paid for minor maintenance costs as a tenant for many years. If it’s not much money, I’ll just pay it rather than haggle with the landlady. Now I need new wheels on my sliding glass windows. The landlady referred me to a ...

@DroploverYes, I am all too familiar with the gringo factor. We don't talk much about it here, but in my mind, they try for a double price, double bond/deposit on an apartment. I did hear someone talk once about unrealistic property prices being ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

I guess once it's approved, three more steps can be checked anytime (assuming the system is up) by putting in DOB, RNM (w/o the dash "-"), and application number:Status ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
californiainbrazil

Bringing a TV from USA to Brazil by californiainbrazil

If I bring a new TV from the USA to Brazil on a flight, does anyone know the current duty percentage that I would need to pay? Do I simply to to the Goods to declare line when arriving with the receipt and pay the duty? Are debit cards or credit ...

@mikehunterWonderful United charged me $150 from SYR-ORD-GRU. $300 sounds like an extra bag fee + plus an oversized fee. FYI: My TV is a $369 Costco 55" LG, which is very modest. I probably didn't have the receipt, but I could have gotten one ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
Kurterino

NuBank, Wise, Remessa Online…?? by Kurterino

So I recently got an account with NuBank (the purple one), and I seem to be able to do pretty much everything I wanted/need to, which is mostly use PIX, and get cash and pay with less fees than by using a foreign CC for everything.But here’s ...

@rsrenfrewI have no experience with Remessa, perhaps they don't use a transfer agent. I just noticed you were asking about remessa not Remitly.That said, NuBank has an agreement I believe to default all their transactions to wise. "Wise Platform ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
Kurterino

NuBank, Wise, Remessa Online…?? by Kurterino

So I recently got an account with NuBank (the purple one), and I seem to be able to do pretty much everything I wanted/need to, which is mostly use PIX, and get cash and pay with less fees than by using a foreign CC for everything.But here’s ...

@nadiamorim2I can assure you I have transferred with Remitly, and their rates are sometimes fractionally higher than wise, sometimes fractionally. For me, the 2 services are identical. The real problem that nobody other than I seems to be ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
Kurterino

NuBank, Wise, Remessa Online…?? by Kurterino

So I recently got an account with NuBank (the purple one), and I seem to be able to do pretty much everything I wanted/need to, which is mostly use PIX, and get cash and pay with less fees than by using a foreign CC for everything.But here’s ...

@KurterinoHey Kurterino, I have a lot of experience with Brazilian banking, so feel free to private message me if you have questions. Personally, I have friends who are very happy just having NuBank (by the way, I am not sure how likely you are ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@californiainbrazilREALLY? Handled only in Brasilia? That doesn't sound right to me because, from memory, the FP in SP signed a $22,500,000 BRL contract here for a local provider, but then again, this has all given me such a headache and lost ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@abthreeHe is a brazilian citizen/attorney and already has POA Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@mikehunterExactly my taake as well. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@ymartinezgood to know. Thanks. However, it only leaves my locked draw if it's imperative. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@californiainbrazilHey, I am from CA, too! That seems so strange to me. I got this message changed from approval to "Seu documento foi encaminhado para impressão." which just populated since I last checked it. I wonder if anyone knows how ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@Emlyn MHi Evelyn, I think you are correct. I am hoping to coax my attorney to go with me; he is Brazilian, so I might get in the building. But I think if you go alone and do not speak fluent Portuguese, forget about it. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

@koirjYES, FREQUENTLY. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

Sorry i had a rambling post and forgot to push the "next page" button at the bottom. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

Did you know there a Digital CRNM App? Of course, there is a catch… by mikehunter

Well, I found that Brasil has a digital CRNM for foreigners. I can’t speak to android but for the iPhone, it’s basically impossible to install - because you have to have your AppleID set up to be Brasilian. My AppleID is US based and I ...

My take is that not having the "PHYSICAL DOCUMENT" has made my life a living hell. I was declined again for a stupid American Airlines Black M/C at Santander (I am select and make over 12,500 renda, and due to my situation, that is a net since I ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
easygoer1050

Can a CRNM be obtained without purchasing property or living in Rio by easygoer1050

Good afternoon All:Overall I have found these pages to be informative over the past.  I currently live in  Florida and I am married to a Brazillian woman for 7 years. We recently got our marriage certified in Brazil (who knew..lol)  I ...

I believe Itau has joint accounts. Most banks I have been with (I have 2 digital and 3 bricks and mortar accounts, so I feel I know something about this), do not ordinarily open joint accounts, but your case may be different since you are legally ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
KenAquarius

Moving to Santa Catarina state by KenAquarius

Hi, I am an American married to a Brazilian. I am looking at taking an early retirement and would like any information about nice cities and towns in Santa Catarina. It would be great to hear from anyone living there. My wife is from Rio but no ...

Dear Laurel:I enjoyed your introduction and mentioning smaller communities, some I have heard of, some I have not. I am also a former New Yorker, as well as South Floridian and Californian, and have been in a little bit of a rut in Sao Paulo and ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
mikehunter

2024: CRNM Printing Delays Explained by mikehunter

The attached links explain the situation.  TLDR: The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the ...

One big problem, and maybe the owner didn't want to rent to a gringo / foreigner (I'm from California), in Sao Paulo anyways, they are crazy about "physical documents," which for sure the protocol is not one. I remember when I first arrived 3 years ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
seinfo3

CapitalOne360 or Charles Schwab ATM Debit for cash & POS ? by seinfo3

I think I have narrowed it down to 2 US banks, CapitolOne360 Checking/Debit Mastercard OR Charles Schwab High Yield Investor Checking/Debit Visa card.They both seem to offer international ATM cash withdrawals without ATM fees or currency exchange ...

@seinfo3it’s an option. You should never ever do either at an ATM or at a POS.. the fees are astronomical like a 12% transaction fee is typical never ever ever do dynamic currency conversion or DCC. That’s what it’s called.!!!!! Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
rsrenfrew

English speaking banker at Santander or Itau in Sao Paulo? by rsrenfrew

(in fact I believe it could be anywhere in brazil)I would like to open a checking and aadvantge black card at Santander. My income is sufficient, but trying to do this in PT for me at this point is a nightmare. Thanks so much! This is an awesome ...

@sprealestatebrokerThat is very interesting information that i was totally unaware of!Re: A bank with a credit card with Valuable points: (while I am no fan of American Airlines, it seems to be the best deal in the country-frequent flier benefits ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
rsrenfrew

English speaking banker at Santander or Itau in Sao Paulo? by rsrenfrew

(in fact I believe it could be anywhere in brazil)I would like to open a checking and aadvantge black card at Santander. My income is sufficient, but trying to do this in PT for me at this point is a nightmare. Thanks so much! This is an awesome ...

@BhavnaOk, thanks. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
rsrenfrew

English speaking banker at Santander or Itau in Sao Paulo? by rsrenfrew

(in fact I believe it could be anywhere in brazil)I would like to open a checking and aadvantge black card at Santander. My income is sufficient, but trying to do this in PT for me at this point is a nightmare. Thanks so much! This is an awesome ...

Thanks for all the info.  Safra would be great, I don't have sufficient income in Sao Paulo to qualify I am quite sure. I have tried to use Safari and translate the webpage, but can't figure out how to send them a personal message.  It's ... Read More

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rsrenfrew created a thread
2 years ago

English speaking banker at Santander or Itau in Sao Paulo?

(in fact I believe it could be anywhere in brazil)I would like to open a checking and aadvantge black card at Santander. My income is sufficient, but trying to do this in PT for me at this point is a nightmare. Thanks so much! This is an awesome ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
rnbtg

Maintaining US phone while in Brazil by rnbtg

Does anyone have a solution for texts and using a us cell phone while in Brazil? I ported to google voice but can’t receive or make calls for some reason. Lots of banks and stuff use your phone number. I’ve found some work around via ...

I use a service called Mint Mobile.  You must own your phone outright, but for either $15/month or if, like me, you have been going to the USA more than 3 times a year, I just go ahead and have the $30/month plan which gives me unlimited data ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
Zug

CRNM stint by Zug

Hey there,Does anybody know the regular period of time which it takes to receive the CRNM card in Sant Catarina or SP? I'm confused, since some PF offices need appointment others don't. Information gap, it sounds more like a lottery. Besides, if the ...

@roddiesho My experience with the CRNM plus a plea: That said, if anyone has an accountant referral, I would be most grateful to make sure the late Receita Federal tax form is filled out correctly, and as economically as possible.I got a VItem Xiv ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
2 years ago
ouaouaron

Vitem XI - Stable Union Visa - Help / Ajuda by ouaouaron

Hi all,After months of back and forth at a Brazilian consulate in Canada, I was approved for a VITEM XI - Common Law Union visa and received a one page document along with my returned passport.I have the form with me and it says I have to present it ...

I think Gasparzinho777's advice is solid. It certainly IMHO depends on who you get and where. I got a VITEM XIV retirement visa in May 2021, entered Brazil Nov. 2021, and w/i 90 days went to PF to get an RNM. I am up for I believe "indefinite" ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
3 years ago
Cserebogar

2 quick questions on e-sim and tv channels by Cserebogar

I'm from Canada. I don't want to pay $75/month to keep my cell. Does anyone know of an e-sim that will alow you to get texts for getting bank and app codes??Secondly, does sky satellite there get any american tv channels since i want ...

@Cserebogar Greetings: I have been here 18 months. I am not from Canada, but rather from the USA. I assume you can get the offer I got originally from a company called "Mint Mobile". It isd $15/month if paid for in one year installments (there ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
3 years ago
mikehunter

Income tax for retiree with CRNM obtained under new 2017 law by mikehunter

What is the rule if you have have entered with the new temporary visa VITEM XIV and then registered with the PF and got the 2 year CRNM and limit your stay to less than 183 days a year. All the information I've read seems to indicate you ...

@MA22 Does your tax professional speak English well? Since I hear it's a relatively straightforward thing (and for sure I have been here more than 183 days in 20222) I am required to file. Unfortunately, the friend who used to work at KPMG does ... Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
3 years ago
mikehunter

Income tax for retiree with CRNM obtained under new 2017 law by mikehunter

What is the rule if you have have entered with the new temporary visa VITEM XIV and then registered with the PF and got the 2 year CRNM and limit your stay to less than 183 days a year. All the information I've read seems to indicate you ...

@rsrenfrew I got this deadline from a friend who is retired from KPMG in Rio and as far as dates go, he is meticulous. This calendar year 2022 the deadline is May 31, 2023. Read More

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rsrenfrew replied to a thread
3 years ago
mikehunter

Income tax for retiree with CRNM obtained under new 2017 law by mikehunter

What is the rule if you have have entered with the new temporary visa VITEM XIV and then registered with the PF and got the 2 year CRNM and limit your stay to less than 183 days a year. All the information I've read seems to indicate you ...

From what i understand, the deadline is the last day of may this year. Also, it's my understand that it is imperative that you file, even if you own no taxes. If you know a portuguese speaker and have retirement income, i. understand the ... Read More

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rsrenfrew joined Brazil expat community
5 years ago