A French client called Immigration Consulting Brasil in tears. She had just filed for divorce from her Brazilian husband. Her bank had already sent a letter demanding a valid RNM card, because they received a notice from the authorities informing the cancellation of her permanent residency. She assumed her entire legal status in Brazil \u2014 six years of building a career, a life, no kids\u2014 was about to collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here is what Brazilian immigration law actually says.Decree No. 9.199\/2017, Article 135 establishes three grounds for losing a residence permit:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Extinction of the grounds that supported the residence permit<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Obtaining a new residence permit based on a different reason<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Absence from Brazil for more than two years without justification<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The critical one for divorcing residents is Point I.If your residence permit is based on family reunification and you divorce or dissolve a civil union, the legal basis for that permit ends.This does not mean automatic cancellation \u2014 but it does mean your status is now at risk and requires immediate legal action.<\/p>\n\n\n\n