When we return from a trip abroad, we are subject to paying customs duties on the goods we bring with us. However, Brazilian citizens who have resided in another country for 12 months or more are entitled to tax exemption on their domestic or professional goods upon returning definitively to Brazil. For this to be possible, it is necessary to have the Residence Certificate on hand, a document issued by the Brazilian Consulate that proves the time that the citizen spent abroad. We explain below how to request this document and avoid problems with the IRS when returning to Brazil.
What is the certificate of life and residence?
O certificate of life and residence is an official document that proves that a person is alive and lives at a certain address. This certificate is often requested for legal purposes, such as proof of residence, retirement, social benefits, and inheritance issues. It can be issued by public bodies, such as city halls or notary offices, and generally requires the presentation of identity documents and proof of residence.
Documents required to request a residence certificate
- Completed form (available on Consulate website);
- Original and copy of valid passport;
- Original and copy of proof of residence abroad. Documents must be presented proving a minimum stay of one year. At least two receipts are required per year (one every six months). The following can be used: income tax receipts, telephone bills, property rental contracts, academic records, among others.
- Money orders from USPS in the amount of US$15.
Step by step
- Gather the required documentation;
- Sign the form in front of the public notary;
- Tire photos of all documents and insert into e-consular (except at the Atlanta and Hartford Consulates);
- Wait for the Consulate to approve your process;
- Use USPS Priority or Priority Express Mail Flat Rate envelopes for sending and returning documentation.
Notes: in most cases, you will be able to send a notarized copy of the documents (proof of residence and passport). Check this on the website of the Consulate that serves your region.
For the Consulate to send the certificate and return your documents, a stamped envelope must also be sent with your address.
Deadline for issuing the residence certificate
In general, the residence certificate is ready within 3 to 4 weeks. However, after the pandemic, Consulate deadlines are still very unpredictable. Therefore, we recommend that you request the service as far in advance as possible.
Source: Consulate General of Brazil in New York, Certificate of Residence. Available in:http://novayork.itamaraty.gov.br/pt-br/atestado_de_residencia.xml>. Accessed on August 10, 2021.
