Foreign retirees may be eligible for Brazilian Visas

Foreign retirees can obtain a Brazilian visa, but it is necessary to complete some requirements in order to become eligible! Therefore, in this text, we explain what they are, how to obtain the visa, and its duration. Understand!

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How to obtain a temporary visa for retirees in Brazil?

To obtain a temporary visa for a foreign retiree, the foreigner must be retired, a beneficiary of a pension for death, or, still, have some other source of verifiable and recurring income, such as rent.

Additionally, there must be a demonstration of monthly transfers to Brazil, in foreign currency, of at least US $2,000.00 (two thousand dollars). This amount can be complemented by another regular source of income, also such as rent.

How long does a temporary visa for retirees in Brazil last?

Initially, the visa validity for the retiree in Brazil can be up to 2 years. However, a shorter period may be granted according to the person’s specific case and the assessment made during the immigration process. After that initial term, you may be eligible to apply for a longer period or residence permit.

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How long can a retiree stay in Brazil with an expired visa?

The length of time that a foreign retiree with an expired visa can stay in Brazil is 60 days, which can be extended for another 60 days.

Therefore, if the retiree that holds a temporary visa remains in Brazil after the expiration date, the stay will become irregular. Consequently, the person will be notified by the Federal Police to regularize the immigration status within 60 days.

This period is also extendable for an equal amount of time. Furthermore, foreigners who do not have their documents up to date are committing an infraction and are subject to a fine. This situation can also lead to deportation, eventually.

What is the process to obtain a permanent visa for foreign retirees in Brazil?

First, to apply for residence authorization, the foreign retiree must already be in Brazil, that is, in Brazilian national territory, at the time of application. Then, they may apply for residence authorization from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security and present the following documents:

• residence authorization application form signed by the applicant or by a legal representative;
• valid travel document or other documents that proves the applicant’s identity and nationality, under the terms of the treaties to which the Country is a party;
• document proving the applicant’s affiliation, duly legalized and translated by a sworn public translator;
• power of attorney when the applicant is being represented;
• Government collection document, of the fee for processing and evaluating requests for residence authorizations and the proof of its payment;
• documents listed in the specific Normative Resolution of the National Immigration Council applicable to the request;
• criminal background certificates or equivalent documents issued by the competent judicial authority where the applicant has resided in the last five years;
• a declaration, under penalty of law, of the absence of criminal record in any country, in the five years preceding the date of application for a residence authorization.

In addition, the foreign retiree residing in Brazil must present proof of retirement or death pension and the ability to transfer the amount to Brazil. The amount must be in foreign currency, of at least US$ 2,000.00. But remember: you can add to the pension monthly payment other regular sources of income, if necessary, in order to complement the established amount.

How long does it take for the Brazilian visa to be approved?

The foreign retiree visa depends on authorization from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Thence, the retiree visa does not have an exact deadline for its approval. However, it normally occurs between 4 to 6 months after the application is submitted.

For how long can you leave Brazil without losing your visa?

After entering Brazil for the first time, no rule says that you can lose your visa if you stay away for some time. So if you have a temporary visa, you can enter and leave while it is valid, respecting the allowed length time of stay within the country.

However, after having your temporary visa approved, if you have not yet entered Brazil for the first time, you have a time frame of up to one year to enter the country with the visa.

For residence authorizations, the rule is different and will be explained subsequently.

For how long can a foreigner with a permanent visa leave Brazil without losing the Visa?

Actually, “permanent visas” no longer exist, due to an alteration of the Brazilian legislation concerning the subject. Currently, what we have are residence authorizations that allow longer stays, for the purpose of living. In this case, for the retiree who has a Brazilian residence authorization, it is possible to leave the country without losing the authorization for up to 2 years, according to art. 135, III, of Decree 9.199/17.

In summary

This article provides information on obtaining a temporary visa for retirees in Brazil. Foreign retirees must demonstrate verifiable and recurring income, such as retirement or death pension benefits or rent, and monthly transfers of at least US$2,000 in foreign currency to Brazil.

The initial validity of the visa is up to two years, but it can be shorter depending on the individual case. If the visa expires, the retiree can stay in Brazil for an additional 60 days, which can be extended for another 60 days.

To obtain a permanent residence authorization, retirees must already be in Brazil and provide various documents, including criminal background certificates, proof of retirement or death pension benefit, and the ability to transfer at least US$2,000 in foreign currency to Brazil.

The processing time for the visa is typically between 4 to 6 months. After entering Brazil for the first time with a temporary visa, there is no rule that says how long a person can leave and still maintain the visa. For residence authorizations, retirees can leave Brazil for up to two years without losing the authorization.