How to Get Residency in Brazil: Guide for Expats

How to get residency in Brazil is a common question for entrepreneurs, digital nomads, skilled workers, and researchers looking to establish a life in one of South America’s most dynamic economies.

If you are looking to invest as an expat or high-net-worth individual, which is what I specialize in, you can email me (hello@adamfayed.com) or WhatsApp (+44-7393-450-837).

This includes if you are looking for a second opinion or alternative investments.

Some facts might change from the time of writing. Nothing written here is financial, legal, tax, or any kind of individual advice or a solicitation to invest.

This guide focuses on residency pathways available to expats who bring economic or intellectual value to Brazil—whether you’re launching a business, working remotely, joining a local company, or contributing to research and innovation.

Getting Residency in Brazil: Visa and Requirements

1.    Investor Visa Brazil

When exploring how to get residency in Brazil through investment, you’ll likely come across both VITEM IX and VIPER visas.

While they are often connected, they serve different purposes and have distinct processes.

Here’s what you need to know.

• Residency Type: Initially temporary, but it can directly lead to permanent residency, especially with larger investments.
• Eligibility: Required to make a minimum investment of BRL 500,000 into a Brazilian business, or BRL 150,000 for innovation or job creation sectors.
• Ideal for: Entrepreneurs, startup investors, and business owners.

📌 Brazil VIPER Visa – Permanent Residence (Brazil Golden Visa)

The VIPER (Visto Permanente) is Brazil’s permanent residency visa.

It’s the official immigration status granted under several categories, including investment, once certain requirements are met.

• Purpose: Grants permanent residency for long-term stays.
• Residency Type: Permanent from the outset or after meeting conditions under a temporary visa.
• Eligibility: Includes investors, retirees, family members of Brazilian citizens or permanent residents, and skilled professionals. Real estate investment requires at least BRL 700,000 or 1,000,000 depending on the location of the property, which needs to be held for a minimum three or four years. Retirees are required to provide the evidence of a monthly pension income over BRL 6,000, which allows two legal dependents as well.
• Ideal for: Those seeking long-term or lifetime residence in Brazil.

📌 How to Apply for the Investor Visa

All applications for the Brazil Investor Visa must go through the e-Consular system for initial review and validation.

Only after this online step is approved can you proceed to submit your documents by mail to the Brazilian Consulate.

Note that visa processing will not begin until both steps are completed.

The Consulate in general does not accept walk-ins or in-person appointments for visa applications, so ensure your submission is complete and follows the outlined digital and postal process.

Note: Some consulates or visa types may require in-person submission, while others accept applications by mail. It’s essential to check the specific requirements of the consulate where the application will be submitted.

📌 Documents required for Investor Visa in Brazil

📂 Basic Application Documents

• Visa Request Form (filled out online)
• Visa Receipt of Request Submission (RER) – printed and hand-signed (digital signatures not accepted)
• Original Passport – valid for the full stay, with at least 2 blank pages
• Passport-Size Photo (5×5 cm) – ICAO-compliant, stamped with date/location on the back

📂 Personal Identification

• Proof of Parentage – Birth certificate or official government document with parents’ full names (with certified translation if not in English, Portuguese, Spanish, or French)
• Criminal Record Check – From RCMP or local police, issued within the past 3 months
• Proof of Residence in Consular Jurisdiction – e.g., driver’s license, utility bill, or bank statement

📂 Investment Type-Specific Requirement

• For all investor categories, prior residence authorization must be obtained from Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

Note: Additional documents may be requested at the discretion of the consular authority.

VITEM IX and VIPER Differences At a Glance

2. Digital Nomad Visa Brazil

This visa offers a unique opportunity for those seeking to experience life in Brazil without needing to give up their remote careers.

The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) allows foreign workers to live in Brazil while working remotely for an overseas employer or as a freelancer.

Residency Type: Temporary residency, valid for up to 1 year, with the possibility of renewal.

Eligibility: Applicants must have proof of employment or freelance work with a foreign company and meet the financial capability requirement: a minimum monthly income of US$ 1,500.00 or an available balance of at least US$ 18,000.00.

Ideal For: Digital nomads, freelancers, or remote workers looking to live in Brazil while continuing their work abroad.

📌 Basic Documents Needed for Digital Nomad Visa

• Valid Passport – Must be valid for the duration of the visa.
• Proof of Employment – Contract or freelance work agreement showing remote work with foreign employers.
• Proof of Income – Bank statements or pay stubs showing a minimum monthly income of USD 1,500 (or saving balance of USD 18,000)
• Proof of Residence – Utility bills, rental agreements, or bank statements proving your address.
• Health Insurance – Proof of valid international health insurance that covers you in Brazil.
• Visa Application Form – Completed and signed form.
• Passport-Size Photos – Recent 5cm x 5cm photographs.

Note: Additional documents may be requested at the discretion of the consular authority.

📌 How to Apply for Brazil Digital Nomad Visa

Applications must be submitted through Brazil’s e-consular system.

Once the initial review is complete, the necessary documents must be mailed to the nearest consulate for processing.

Note: Some consulates may require in-person submission, while others accept applications by mail. It’s essential to check the specific requirements of the consulate where the application will be submitted.

3.    Employment-Based Residency

Employment-based residency in Brazil allows foreign nationals to reside in the country while working for a Brazilian company or organization.

This pathway is ideal for those who secure a job offer from a recognized employer in Brazil.

The employer plays a significant role in the visa process, often providing necessary documentation to support the applicant’s work visa application.

Residency Type:
Temporary residency initially, with the possibility of transitioning to permanent residency after a set period of continuous employment, typically 2 years.

Eligibility:

• Must have a valid job offer from a Brazilian employer.
• The employer must prove they could not fill the position with a Brazilian candidate.
• Proof of professional qualifications and experience in the relevant field.
• Sufficient financial means to support oneself (may be required).

Ideal For:
Individuals who have secured employment in Brazil, such as skilled professionals, executives, or those in sectors that require foreign expertise.

It’s also ideal for individuals working in multinational companies with branches in Brazil.

📌 Brazil work visa requirements

• Valid Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned stay in Brazil.
• Signed Employment Contract – A formal agreement between you and your Brazilian employer, outlining the terms of your employment.
• Proof of Professional Qualifications – Diplomas, certifications, or other relevant documents proving your qualifications for the job.
• Health Insurance in Brazil – Proof of health insurance coverage in Brazil, required for your stay.
• Passport-Size Photos – Two recent, passport-size photos that meet the required specifications.
• Completed Visa Application Form – A filled-out form, submitted through the Brazilian consulate, with all necessary personal and employment details.

📌 Skilled Worker Criteria

Foreign workers applying for a VITEM V work visa must meet specific criteria based on their qualifications and the job they’re being hired for.

These include:

• Relevant experience: Applicants must demonstrate professional experience or expertise in their field.
• Educational qualifications: A university degree or equivalent qualifications are often required.
• Language proficiency: While not always mandatory, proficiency in Portuguese can be advantageous, especially for roles that require direct interaction with local employees and customers.

4.    Residency for Researchers and Academics

Brazil maintains a welcoming stance toward international researchers, scientists, and academic professionals.

The VITEM I visa allows eligible individuals to reside in Brazil temporarily to conduct research, teach, or participate in academic exchange programs, often in collaboration with Brazilian institutions.

Residency Type: Temporary residency (can be extended)

Eligibility: Must present an invitation or contract from a recognized Brazilian institution

Ideal For: Professors, post-docs, scientists, and researchers engaging in collaborative or funded projects

📌 Basic Documents for Research,Teaching Or Academic Extension Visa

• Signed invitation letter or contract from a Brazilian academic or research institution
• Proof of qualifications, such as diplomas, CV, or academic credentials
• Valid passport with at least two blank pages and valid for the duration of stay
• Completed visa application form (submitted via Brazil’s e-consular system)
• One passport-sized photo following ICAO standards
• Criminal background check from your country of residence
• Proof of residence within the consular jurisdiction (e.g., utility bill or ID)
• Travel health insurance for the duration of your stay (sometimes required)

📌 How to Apply for Visa for Researchers and Academics

1. Complete the visa request form and upload all required documents via the e-consular platform.
2. Print and sign the RER (Recibo de Entrega de Requerimento) form.
3. Submit your application by mail to the relevant Brazilian Consulate.
4. Wait for confirmation and visa issuance.

Brazil Visa Processing time

The processing time for residency visas in Brazil, including the VITEM IX (Investor Visa), VIPER (Permanent Residency Visa), and others, is generally consistent.

Typically, the processing time is around 10 business days once the consulate receives a complete application.

If there are any missing documents or corrections required, expect an additional 10 business days for processing.

To avoid any delays, it’s recommended to apply at least 15 business days before your planned travel date, as some cases may take up to a month to finalize.

How much does a Visa to Brazil Cost?

The cost of a Brazil visa depends on the type of visa, your nationality, and the consulate handling the application. Here are the general fee ranges:

Visit Visa (VIVIS – tourism, business, transit):

• USA: $185
• Australia: $120
• China: $115
• Angola: $180
• Algeria: $85
• All other countries: $80

Temporary Visa (VITEM – includes work, study, retirement, investment):

• USA:
  • VITEM I, VII, VIII: $250
  • VITEM II, V, IX, X, XI, XII,  XIV: $290
  • VITEM IV: $185
• United Kingdom:
  • Less than 180 days: $100
  • More than 180 days: $215
  • VITEM IV (student visa): $465
• All other countries: $100

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