To stay in Brazil for more than 90 days, a residence permit is required – a temporary residence authorization with a set validity period. People planning to eventually obtain permanent residency in the country must acquire this permit. The same applies to naturalization and obtaining citizenship.
The residence permit of Brazil allows a foreigner to legally live, work, study, and conduct business in the country. However, the permit has a limited validity period and is typically the first step towards obtaining the right to permanent residency and a Brazilian passport.
Types of Residence Permits
The residence program of Brazil is flexible and allows foreigners to choose an individual method of obtaining residency. Residence permits are issued based on different types of visas, which vary depending on the specific reason for arrival and the purposes of staying in the country. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to all requirements and understand which type of visa is best suited for the purposes of your visit.
Besides controlling activities related to residency, it is equally important to monitor the allowable period of stay in Brazil. Otherwise, one might become an illegal resident, incur fines, and face the possibility of deportation from the country.
The process of obtaining a residence permit in Brazil is quite complicated. The main issue is that there is no "one method fits all" principle. Let's examine in detail the main options for obtaining the relevant permits and the conditions under which they are issued.
Residence Permit for the Purchase of Real Estate
Brazil allows foreigners to become residents by purchasing any type of real estate, provided they meet the minimum investment amount.
Brazilian residency based on real estate investment can be an excellent backup option. Initially, the residence permit grants the right to reside for 4 years. During this period, you need to stay in the country for only 14 days every 2 years (or 28 days over the entire 4 years). After 2 years of temporary residency, the status can be extended to permanent residency.
At the same time, Brazilian authorities provide the opportunity for the entire family to obtain residence permit – including spouses, children of any age, parents, grandchildren, and grandparents.
Necessary justifications
Investment requirements are fixed and depend on the region of the country where the investment is made. Both already completed properties and those under construction are allowed.
- From 700,000 reais (about $150,000) in the northern and northeastern regions of Brazil.
- From 1 million reais (about $200,000) in other regions of Brazil.
Foreign investors are allowed to purchase more than one property to obtain residency. However, the total amount spent on all properties must meet the minimum investment level.
List of documents
A foreigner purchasing real estate can request a residence permit after submitting a package of documents. The analysis is conducted by the Ministry of Labor of Brazil.
- Purchase and Sale Agreement for the real estate.
- Certificate from the property registry confirming the investor's ownership of the declared real estate.
- Bank statements confirming the transfer of funds for the purpose of purchasing real estate in the specified amount.
If the purchase of a property is made during the construction stage, the following will be required:
- A building permit issued in accordance with Brazilian law.
- The articles of incorporation, properly registered.
Student Residence Permits
Residence permits are issued to students studying at Brazilian higher education institutions for more than 3 months and are based on obtaining a student visa. They are granted to students in undergraduate, graduate, postgraduate, or technical programs.
Required justifications
To obtain it, evidence of enrollment in a university in the country will be required. The validity period of the student residence permit is 1 year. However, it is possible to extend it annually until the completion of the course of study.
List of documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months' validity and at least one blank page for the visa stamp.
- Application form completed electronically on the Federal Police website.
- 3x4 photo.
- Proof of residence in Brazil.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Proof of enrollment in a Brazilian educational institution.
Residence Permit for Financially Independent Individuals (Freelancers, Digital Nomads)
Temporary residence permit for individuals who work remotely and travel around the world. It allows digital nomads to stay in Brazil for up to 1 year with the possibility of extending for an additional period.
Required justifications
- Be of legal age.
- Have an income of $1,500 per month and $18,000 in the bank account at the time of application.
- Have no criminal record.
- Have medical insurance that covers treatment expenses in Brazil.
List of documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of remote work. Employment contract or agreements confirming freelance or remote work.
- Bank statements proving the minimum required income and funds for living in the country.
- Medical insurance policy.
- Certificate of no criminal record.
Residence Permit through Marriage
A foreigner who is married to a Brazilian citizen can apply for a permanent residence permit to live in the country. Once granted, the foreigner has the right to live and work in Brazil for an indefinite period, provided the marriage is maintained.
Required justifications
- The actual conclusion of the marriage, properly legalized in Brazil.
- Legal age and capacity.
List of documents
- Valid passport of the applicant with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photograph.
- Certified copy of the marriage certificate.
- Certified copy of the children's birth certificates (if applicable).
- Statement of cohabitation with the spouse.
Family Reunification
This type of residence permit allows family members already in Brazil to legally enter, live, and work. The main goal of the program is to reunite separated families.
Necessary justifications
Foreigners who have Brazilian relatives or relocants with Brazilian residency can take advantage of this right. The category includes:
- Spouses.
- Children.
- Parents.
- Siblings.
- Second-degree relatives.
- Guardians.
List of documents
- Valid passport with at least 6 months of validity and 2 blank pages.
- Passport-sized photo.
- Proof of family relationship.
- Documents of the inviting relative.
The list may be updated depending on the situation, the relationships between relatives, and specific requests from the Federal Police.
Work Residence Permit
All foreigners arriving in Brazil for employment purposes must obtain an initial work visa, which corresponds to a residence permit for legal stay and employment in the country. It is valid for up to 2 years and can be extended once.
Required justifications
To obtain a legal right to a residence permit, the worker must have a valid permit to stay and work in Brazil. Additionally, the following requirements must be met by the applicant:
- A relevant higher education degree and 1 year of professional experience.
- At least 2 years of professional experience in the relevant field with a vocational education.
- No professional experience required if holding the relevant academic degree.
List of documents
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages.
- A passport-sized photograph.
- Proof of qualifications.
- Criminal record certificates.
- Documentation confirming a medical examination conducted by a licensed specialist.
- Proof of employment with the relevant employer.
- Evidence of sufficient financial means to live in the country during the stay.
Business and Self-Employment Residence Permit
This program offers extensive opportunities for investing in one's own business and other projects in the developing Brazilian market. Foreigners with this type of residence permit find it easier to open bank accounts and engage in financial transactions with commercial entities in Brazil.
Required justifications
- Opening a company with potential for new job creation (from 10 new vacancies).
- Investments in a startup from $27,000 to $90,000 (150,000 to 500,000 reais).
- Investments in an existing Brazilian business from $90,000 (500,000 reais).
- Direct investments in the economy from $32,000 (170,000 reais).
- Acquisition of ready or under-construction real estate valued from $270,000 (1,500,000 reais).
List of documents
- Personal documents – notarized and translated in Brazil.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Business/investment plan.
- Authorization from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment.
- Articles of incorporation of the Brazilian legal entity (if applicable).
- Proof of payment of the individual immigration tax.
- Criminal record certificate.
- Documents confirming qualifications and ability to conduct business or invest.
Extension of Residence Permit
The extension of the residence permit is regulated by Brazilian Normative Ordinance No. 30 of June 12, 2018. Although a residence permit can be issued without employment relations with a foreigner, a request for the extension of an existing residence permit must be submitted through the Ministry of Justice and Public Security's labor immigration portal. The system provides guidance for users and allows for the swift submission of residence permit extension requests.
Progress on the extension application can be monitored through the Immigration Management and Control System portal. If the application status is 'Approved,' this signifies that the request has been reviewed and granted.
According to Regulatory Decree No. 30, once the initial validity period has ended, the Ministry of Labor may extend the residence permit or adjust the stay to an indefinite period. The decision on the residence permit extension application will be made within 30 days.