Brazil Residence

Brazil Residence Overview

Brazil offers investors, entrepreneurs, and retirees access to Latin America’s largest economy, a vast and resource-rich territory, and a diverse culture shaped by dynamic cities and renowned coastlines. As a major regional economic power and a founding member of MERCOSUR, Brazil combines international business opportunities with an attractive lifestyle. Foreign nationals can access residence through several routes, including company investment, real estate investment, or qualifying pension and passive income, making Brazil a compelling option for those seeking long-term residence in Latin America.

Benefits of Brazil Residence

• Multiple pathways to residence through real estate investment, qualifying pension or passive income, or investment in a company
• Access to Latin America’s largest economy, with strong international trade and investment links
• Family inclusion, with eligible spouses, partners, and dependent children included in the application
• Eligibility to apply for Brazilian citizenship after four years of residence in Brazil under an indefinite-term residence status, with shorter periods possible in certain family circumstances

Requirements for Brazil Residence

• Provide a criminal record certificate from their country of origin and any country of residence in the previous five years
• Hold valid health insurance (all applicants)

Applicants may qualify for Brazil Residence through one of the following:

1. Foreign Individual Investor

• Invest at least BRL 500,000 in a Brazilian company, reduced to BRL 150,000 for qualifying innovation, technology, or start-up projects that commit to creating local jobs
• Transfer the funds from abroad and register the investment with the Central Bank of Brazil
• Hold a defined role in the company receiving the investment

2. Real Estate Investor

• Invest at least BRL 1 million in qualifying urban real estate, reduced to BRL 700,000 in Brazil’s North or Northeast regions
• Purchase the property without financing using funds transferred from abroad and register the investment with the Central Bank of Brazil

3. Retirement or Passive Income Visa

• Receive a qualifying pension or regular passive income of at least USD 2,000 per month, plus USD 1,000 per accompanying dependent
• Provide evidence that the income is continuous and verifiable and regularly transferred to a Brazilian bank account
• Local employment is not permitted under this route

Procedure for Brazil Residence

The process of obtaining residence in Brazil is overseen by the National Immigration Council (Conselho Nacional de Imigração, CNIg) and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Residence registration is completed with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Applicants must provide evidence of the qualifying investment or income, depending on the chosen route, together with a criminal record certificate and supporting documentation demonstrating the lawful source of funds. Documents issued outside Brazil must be duly legalized or apostilled and officially translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator.