Hi all

been reading and searching threads and the big thing I'm still wondering is what all do I need to do here in the US before making the move to Brazil? Just for some background info, my Brazilian fiancee and I are getting married here in the US and then planning on heading back to Brazil together (at the end of September). I plan to maintain my American citizenship and we have no plans for her to become an American citizen or live in the US. And I plan to maintain my American bank account (at least for the time being).

FYI, I did ask and get questions answered regarding getting married and applying for permanent residency visa - which seems to make more sense when after the move, instead of beforehand, when we would have to return to the Brazilian consulate in the US after the visa has been granted. Please correct me if I'm wrong.

I also am aware of the fact that I will need to continue paying taxes to the American government, and therefore it would likely be best for me not to be named on her bank accounts, or else Uncle Sam might want a cut of that money as well (judging by another thread I read).

For now, I guess what I still would like to know is:
• Is there any sort of paperwork I will need to fill out?
• Do I maintain an address here (perhaps my parents')?
• Should I contact a lawyer about this sort of thing? If so, what kind of lawyer would be best?
• Any other things I should be aware of or tips that you can suggest?

Thanks in advance for your responses!

For the likes of me I don't understand why people still call the US Govt "Uncle Sam". That uncle is a pretty greedy bastard and appears more like a mother in law than an uncle.

I do agree with sponge that it's better to apply for permanent residency in the US. Way faster.

Originally posted by sven For the likes of me I don't understand why people still call the US Govt "Uncle Sam". That uncle is a pretty greedy bastard and appears more like a mother in law than an uncle. I do agree with sponge that it's better to apply for permanent residency in the US. Way faster.

Originally posted by spongebob People move to Brazil all the time wearing "Brazil Goggles". Everything looks great-- for a while. Then things start getting to them, or reality sets in, and they want to return from where they came from. It happens all the time, usually at a large financial expense (loss). So my recommendation would be to not sign any long-term agreements, and just stick around for a while to see things. I really think that 90% of foreigners who move to Brazil pack up and move "back home" after some months or years.

Hey, foreingners coming and going to live in diferent places happens anywhere. Most of those who leave they do it probably because they start to miss their family and their homeland, or even because the same "call of the wild" that made them come to Brazil now are calling them somewhere else.
Ha, but the way brazilian laws make everything harder really sucks!

Why bother marrying in the U.S. if you plan to live in Brazil?  Just make sure that you know which documents are needed for marriage in Brazil and get them "legalized" at the Brazilian consulate in the U.S. before you go to Brazil. This is essential.  Have your Brazilian fiancee check with a cartorio before you get there (or maybe one of the Forum members can help out).  

Edited by Steven - 10 August 2012 at 06:56