Marriage Green Card
Married to a US citizen: direct path — 10–13 months on average from filing to conditional green card. Married to a green-card holder: timing depends on the Visa Bulletin.
Journey 3
"I'm already in the United States."
From here, every legal decision builds (or destroys) wealth. You've done the hard part: getting here. Now comes the part most Brazilians delay or handle wrong — green card, citizenship, buying a home, contracts, asset protection, Will & Trust. Decisions that, taken early with the right professional, save tens of thousands of dollars and prevent family disputes.
What's usually on your radar
US Citizenship
3 years of green card (married to USC) or 5 years (other cases) + physical presence + good moral character + English + civics. Brazil allows Brazil-US dual citizenship without losing Brazilian.
Home Purchase
Residential, commercial, or investment. We review contracts, conduct closing with attention to title insurance, FIRPTA (if foreign seller), transfer taxes, and LLC structuring when appropriate.
Will & Trust
Brazilians with US assets need a US will — without it, your estate goes through probate (slow, expensive, public). A well-structured Living Trust avoids probate and protects your children in Brazil.
Asset Protection
Doctors, entrepreneurs, and lawsuit-exposed professionals need structure. We work with LLCs, holdings, asset-protection trusts, and Brazil-US structuring to shield wealth legally.
Contracts
Commercial leases, services agreements, NDAs, shareholder agreements, vesting contracts. In English, Portuguese, or bilingual — written to be executed, not just signed.
Brazil-US Taxation
FBAR, FATCA, Form 8938, Form 5471, foreign-property declaration to Brazilian Receita Federal, double-taxation rules. We work with CPAs specialized in cross-border cases.
Frequently asked questions
Can Brazilians have US-Brazil dual citizenship?
Yes. Both Brazil and the US allow dual citizenship. You don't lose Brazilian citizenship by naturalizing as American.
When can I apply for US citizenship?
After 3 years of green card if married to a USC, or 5 years otherwise — provided physical presence, good moral character, basic English, and civics knowledge.
Do I need a US Will if I already have a Brazilian one?
Yes. Brazilian wills do NOT govern US assets. Without a US will, your US assets go through Florida probate — public, expensive, slow.
What is probate and why avoid it?
Probate is the US judicial estate process. Takes 6–18 months, costs 3–7% of the estate in fees, and is public. A well-structured Living Trust avoids probate entirely.
Can I buy US real estate through an LLC?
Yes. Purchasing through LLC offers asset protection, anonymity in public records, and tax simplification. We structure LLC + purchase together.
Do I need to report my Brazilian account to the IRS?
Yes, if you're a US person (citizen, permanent resident, or exceeded substantial presence). Obligations: FBAR (FinCEN 114) if aggregate foreign account balance exceeded $10,000 at any point in the year, and Form 8938 (FATCA) above higher thresholds.
WhatsApp (407) 385-4144 · izi@pinholaw.com
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Schedule a consultation today. We will listen, assess your situation, and give you a clear path forward — in the language you are most comfortable with.