Staying in Brazil by Buying Property: Is It Possible?

Brazil is increasingly becoming a destination of interest for foreigners seeking to invest in property and establish long-term residence in a country known for its natural beauty, rich culture, and expanding economic opportunities. With relatively affordable real estate prices compared to many Western countries and a residence permit program linked to property investment, Brazil offers a compelling pathway for those aiming to stay legally in the country. Many expatriates and investors wonder: Is it possible to stay in Brazil by buying property? The short answer is yes — under certain conditions.

In this comprehensive text, we’ll explore how you can legally obtain residency in Brazil through property ownership, the steps involved, how much you need to invest, and the benefits this option offers for long-term living in the country.

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Can I Get Residency in Brazil if I Buy a Property?

Brazil offers a residence permit for foreigners who invest in real estate. The Brazilian government allows non-citizens to apply for a permanent residence visa if they purchase property in an urban area of Brazil, provided that the investment meets the required financial threshold.

The National Immigration Council’s Normative Resolution No. 36/2018 regulates this program, which is often compared to Golden Visa schemes offered in countries like Portugal and Spain. This residence permit enables the foreign investor to live, work, and travel freely within Brazil and potentially pursue Brazilian citizenship after four years of continuous residency.

How Can I Stay in Brazil Permanently?

Staying in Brazil permanently through property ownership involves several key steps, from property selection to visa application and eventual naturalization. Below, we outline the process in detail:

Find the Property

The first step is identifying a suitable property in Brazil that meets your personal preferences and the program’s financial criteria. The property can be residential, commercial, or mixed-use, provided it is located within an urban area.

Popular destinations for foreign investors include:

São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro for business and urban living;
Fortaleza, Natal, and Salvador for beachfront properties;
Florianópolis and Gramado for tranquil and scenic settings.

Conduct Due Diligence

Before proceeding with a purchase, it’s essential to conduct legal and financial due diligence:

Verify the legal status of the property;
Confirm that the seller has clear title;
Check for outstanding taxes or debts;
Ensure compliance with municipal regulations.

Engaging a licensed real estate attorney in Brazil is highly recommended to handle the legal aspects of the transaction and protect your investment.

Purchase the Property

After confirming the property’s legal status, you can proceed with the purchase. Foreigners must obtain a CPF number (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) from the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service — a tax identification number required for any financial transaction in Brazil, including real estate purchases.

Funds for the purchase must be transferred from abroad through a licensed Brazilian bank and registered with the Central Bank of Brazil via the RDE-IED system (Electronic Declaratory Registration for Direct Foreign Investment).

Apply for Residency

Once the property purchase is complete, you can apply for the Investor Visa through Brazil’s Ministry of Justice or a Brazilian consulate abroad. Required documents include:

Proof of property purchase;
Official property registration;
Proof of payment and fund transfer;
Clean criminal background check;
Valid passport and CPF.

Immediate family members (spouse and dependent children) can also be included in the application.

Stamp the Residency Visa

Upon approval, you’ll receive a residency visa authorization, allowing you to stamp the visa in your passport at a Brazilian consulate or upon entry into Brazil. This visa grants permanent residency status from the outset.

Upgrade to Permanent Residency

In some cases, depending on the investment amount or location, the initial visa may be classified as provisional, valid for a set period (typically two years). After fulfilling the program’s conditions — including maintaining the property investment — you can apply to upgrade to permanent residency.

However, under current rules for real estate investors, most applicants receive permanent residency immediately upon visa approval.

Apply for Citizenship

After four years of continuous legal residence, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship. This period can be reduced to one year if married to a Brazilian citizen or if you have a Brazilian-born child.

Requirements for naturalization include:

Proof of continuous residence;
Adequate knowledge of Portuguese;
Clean criminal record;
Demonstrated integration into Brazilian society.

How Much Do You Need to Invest in Brazil for Citizenship?

To qualify for the investor residence permit, you must invest a minimum of:

R$700,000 BRL (approx. USD 140,000) in properties located in areas with a Human Development Index (HDI) below the national average;
R$1,000,000 BRL (approx. USD 200,000) in properties in areas with an HDI equal to or above the national average.

The investment must be fully paid and registered under your name to staying in Brazil buying property.

Is Buying Property in Brazil a Good Investment?

Buying property in Brazil offers both financial and lifestyle advantages:

Obtain a Brazilian ID Card for Foreigners

Once you receive residency, you can apply for the “Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório” (CRNM), Brazil’s ID card for foreigners, granting legal status and access to services.

Stay in Brazil Indefinitely

As a permanent resident, you can live and work in Brazil without time restrictions. There’s no obligation to remain in Brazil full-time, but extended absences (over two years) without justification may affect residency status.

Enter and Exit the Country Freely

Permanent residency allows you to travel in and out of Brazil without a visa and eliminates concerns about tourist visa expiration or overstay penalties.

Access Utilities and Services

With your residency ID, you can open bank accounts, register for utilities, obtain a driver’s license, enroll in schools, and access Brazil’s public healthcare system (SUS).

Pursue Brazilian Citizenship

After meeting the residency and integration criteria, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship, granting you the right to vote, hold a Brazilian passport, and access public office.

Conclusion

Staying in Brazil by buying property is not only possible — it’s a practical and advantageous path to long-term residency and citizenship. With relatively modest investment thresholds compared to similar programs in Europe and the Caribbean, Brazil offers one of the most accessible real estate-linked residency opportunities in the world.

By purchasing qualifying urban property, foreigners can obtain permanent residency, enjoy unrestricted access to the country, and — after a qualifying period — pursue Brazilian citizenship. The process involves careful property selection, legal due diligence, fund transfer compliance, and a formal residency application.

Considering Brazil’s diverse regions, growing economy, and favorable real estate prices, investing in property for residency can be a strategic decision for international investors, retirees, or those seeking a new lifestyle in South America.

Before taking action, it’s highly advisable to engage a qualified immigration and real estate attorney in Brazil to manage the legal process, ensure compliance, and safeguard your investment.

If you need legal assistance from our team, please message us on WhatsApp.