Information on Visas and Residency in Brazil
Visas
U.S. and Canadian citizens require a visa to enter Brazil as a tourist.
The tourist visa can easily be obtained at any Brazilian consulate for $100 (CDN$72 in Canada), and is good for up to five years.
Citizens of the U.K. and most of Europe (and many other countries) do not require a visa, and can enter Brazil with just a passport.
Whether or not you need a visa, you can stay in Brazil for up to six months per year. So if you’re looking for a part-year second home, the tourist entry will probably fit the bill.
Residency
If you are becoming a resident of Brazil, there are a number of choices available. Here are some of the more common visas:
The retiree’s visa may be best if you are already receiving a pension. Although it’s aimed at retirees, there is no restriction on age as long as you have an income. The income requirement is $2,000 per month, which covers the applicant and one dependent. Each additional dependent requires another $1,000 monthly.
The investor’s visa calls for an investment of $50,000 in a Brazilian company, which may be an entity that you’ve set up just for this purpose. The $50,000 could be for a home, and I have one friend who even bought a Land Rover to meet the requirement.
Brazil also offers a health visa, for those whose health would benefit from living there. It’s intended for people who need warm weather and clean coastal air due to respiratory problems. To qualify, you must have the medical condition certified by a doctor and the means to support yourself, although the exact income level is not specified.
For more information, contact English-speaking attorney Rui Farias at ruifarias@secrel.com.br.