Brazil offers several options for obtaining permanent residency, whether through investment, work, family connections, or marriage. This article explores the different pathways, eligibility criteria, and benefits of each type of visa.
1. Investor Visa – Permanent Residency Through Investment
If you want to settle in Brazil through investment, the foreign investor visa is an excellent option. It allows you and your family to obtain permanent residency in exchange for investing in a Brazilian company or real estate.
Why Invest in Brazil?
Brazil is a rapidly growing country with lucrative opportunities in real estate and local businesses. The investor visa grants you access to public services, the freedom to live and work, and can lead to Brazilian citizenship after four years.
Minimum Investment Amounts
- In a Brazilian company: Minimum 500,000 BRL (~90,000 EUR), reduced to 150,000 BRL (~27,000 EUR) for startups and innovative projects.
- In real estate: Minimum 1,000,000 BRL (~185,000 EUR), but only 700,000 BRL (~130,000 EUR) in Alagoas and other northeastern states, thanks to special tax incentives.
Benefits
✔ Permanent residency for the entire family.
✔ Access to public services (education, healthcare).
✔ Eligibility to apply for Brazilian citizenship after four years.
✔ Access to public services (education, healthcare).
Important: During the temporary visa period, the value of your real estate investments in Brazil must not fall below 700,000 BRL. If you sell your properties and your total investment drops below this amount, you will lose your temporary visa and the right to apply for permanent residency.
To maintain your visa, you must stay in Brazil for at least 14 days every two years.
Do I Need to Invest the Full Amount at Once?
No, you can invest gradually to reach the 700,000 BRL permanent visa threshold. There is no time limit for these investments. However, the visa considers only the original purchase price and not the current market value. If you buy an apartment for 450,000 BRL and its value increases to 550,000 BRL two years later, only 450,000 BRL is counted towards your visa.
Obtaining a Visa for Your Family
When you obtain the visa as the main investor, your close family members can also benefit from permanent residency in Brazil. This includes:
- Your spouse
- Your children
- Dependent parents
Family members do not need to invest individually; they can obtain their visa as dependents of the main applicant. Required documents include birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of kinship, and financial dependency proof.
Visa Processing Time: Family visa processing is usually faster than the main applicant’s.
Important: Each family member must submit a separate visa application, and visa fees apply to each request.
2. Work Visa – Legally Working in Brazil
Foreigners can obtain a work visa if they are hired by a Brazilian company. The employer must prove that the position requires specific skills that cannot be easily filled by a Brazilian worker.
Work Visa Requirements
- A signed contract with a Brazilian company.
- Proof that the position cannot be filled by a Brazilian worker.
- The employer must submit a request for approval to the Ministry of Labor.
This visa is usually temporary, but it can be renewed and converted into permanent residency after several years of professional activity in Brazil.
3. Family Reunification Visa – Living in Brazil Through Family Ties
If you have a Brazilian spouse, child, or parent, you can apply for a family reunification visa to obtain permanent residency.
Who Qualifies?
- Spouse of a Brazilian citizen.
- Minor or dependent adult children of a Brazilian citizen.
- Parents of a Brazilian child.
- Other family members proving financial dependency.
This visa immediately grants permanent residency without requiring an investment or a minimum stay period.
4. Marriage Visa – Getting Married to a Brazilian Citizen
Marrying a Brazilian citizen allows you to immediately obtain permanent residency. However, you must prove that the marriage is genuine to avoid suspicion of fraud. After four years of residing in Brazil, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship.
5. CPLP Visa – A New Program for Portuguese-Speaking Countries
Citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP - Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries) can apply for a special visa, which simplifies the process of obtaining residency in Brazil.
Benefits of the CPLP Visa
✔ Simplified process for obtaining residency.
✔ No investment or employment requirements.
✔ Quick access to public services and the Brazilian job market.
Eligible Countries
🇵🇹 Portugal, 🇦🇴 Angola, 🇲🇿 Mozambique, 🇨🇻 Cape Verde, 🇬🇼 Guinea-Bissau, 🇸🇹 São Tomé and Príncipe, 🇬🇶 Equatorial Guinea, and 🇹🇱 Timor-Leste.
How We Can Help
We assist investors and expatriates in their relocation process to Brazil. Our immigration lawyer specializes in preparing and submitting your visa application, ensuring it meets all legal requirements and optimizing your chances of approval.
✔ Assistance in obtaining a CPF and visa.
✔ Investment and real estate management consulting.
✔ Support with administrative and legal procedures.
Nieilly Gomes
Immigration lawyer