Brazilian Residence Visa for foreigners

Brazilian Residence Visa for foreigners: who needs to apply? 

There is no definite answer to this question, as it depends on who needs to apply for a Brazilian Residence Visa for foreigners. Brazil has a list of countries that need or do not need visas that can be found on the Itamaraty website.

Normally, if a Brazilian needs a visa to enter a certain country, it’s likely that a person of this other nationality will also need a visa to enter Brazil. This is because the country tends to use a reciprocity policy on the subject. 

Some countries have diplomatic agreements with Brazil and do not need visas. It is recommendable to check the government website to clarify doubts or hire an online consultancy. 

How to get a Brazilian Residence Visa for foreigners?

To get a visa to live in Brazil you need:

• Request your visa at the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your country;
• Come to Brazil;
• Apply for a residence permit on the Brazilian Government website;
• Attend the Federal Police to validate the request, provide documents, and interview, if requested.

Brazil has several types of visas. For example Digital Nomad, Family Reunion, Retired or Pensioner, Real Estate Investor, and Entrepreneur. You need to choose the one that best suits your true situation as well as your needs.

Therefore, it is crucial that foreigners assess their situation before starting the process of establishing residence in the country.

Which countries do not need a visa to enter Brazil?

The list is long, but some examples are MERCOSUR and neighboring countries. Incidentally, the list is always updated, due to Brazil’s principles and diplomatic relations with other countries. Therefore, it is important to be aware of the need for a visa to live in Brazil. We publish and update the list of countries that do not need a visa to enter Brazil monthly (click on the underline to read).

How to get a residence permit for foreigners in Brazil?

To get a visa to live in Brazil, you need to be on Brazilian soil. That is, it’s only possible to start the process when you are already in Brazil. In general, the term of the residence permit is 2 years, but it can vary more or less.

You can start the application on the official website of the Brazilian Government. There, you must fill out forms, pay the fees and then go to the Federal Police to complete the application. In this way, authorization is obtained and allows the foreigner to live in Brazil.

How can a foreigner establish residence while in the country illegally?

First of all, it’s important that you regularize your situation before settling in Brazil. So applying for your CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) is the first step for you to establish your stay in Brazil and get a Brazilian Residence Visa for foreigners.

Soon after, within a period of 90 days, it is possible to apply for a residence permit and obtain a visa to live in Brazil (remembering that the official name is a residence permit).

In addition, granting a residence permit for humanitarian reception is a possibility in some cases.

How can a foreigner reside in Brazil without having a family in the country?

The foreigner who wants a visa to live in Brazil without having a family in the country can use the following visas:

• Digital Nomad;
• Retired or Pensioner;
• Real Estate Investor;
• Businessperson;
• Work visa (if you have a contract with a Brazilian company).

Not to mention that foreign citizens from countries belonging to MERCOSUR and bordering countries have easier entry into Brazil in order to obtain a visa to live in Brazil.

How can a foreigner live in Brazil by buying property in the country?

For a foreigner to obtain a visa to live in Brazil for the purchase of a property, he must follow the rules established by Normative Resolution Nº. 13, of December 12, 2017:

• Property in an urban area;
• Built or under construction;
• In the amount equal to or greater than R$ 1,000,000.00 (one million reais) in the South, Southeast, and Midwest regions of Brazil; OR
• BRL 700,000.00 (seven hundred thousand reais) or more, if in the North and Northeast regions (BRL 700,000).

Therefore, a visa to live in Brazil is a reality for those interested in investing in real estate in Brazil.

How can a foreigner live in Brazil making an investment in the country?

A foreigner can obtain a visa to live in Brazil by making an investment equal to or greater than R$150,0000.00 (one hundred and fifty thousand reais). However, in some cases, the Brazilian Government may require that this amount be higher, depending on the type of investment. It is also necessary to prove the capital brought to Brazil, with the intention of boosting the economy and generating jobs in the country, in addition to presenting the Investment or Business Plan.

The amount of R$150,000.00 is valid for the visa to live in Brazil when there is a purpose to invest in activities of:

• Innovation;
• Basic or applied research;
• Scientific or technological nature.

Furthermore, the rule says that:

• 1 In the analysis of the request, the undertaking receiving the investment must demonstrate compliance with at least one of the following conditions:
• Having received investment, funding, or resources directed toward supporting innovation from a government institution;
• Be located in a technological park;
• Incubated or being a graduated enterprise;
• Being a finalist in a government program to support startups; or
• Having benefited from a startup accelerator in Brazil.

Thus, a foreigner can live in Brazil through investment, that is, bringing capital to the country. In the case of other companies, the investment amount must be at least R$500,000.00 (five hundred thousand reais), as explained in the text on a visa to live in Brazil as an investor.