Brazil is one of the most famous countries and cultures in the Western Hemisphere. Its unique Portuguese background separates it from the rest of Latin America. Its enormous natural resource base Includes one of the world's largest collections of sandy beaches. Its climate is tropical and subtropical, and temperate in the South. That plus its unique culture have made it a magnet for expats for decades.
Types of Visas
Temporary Visas
Brazil insists on reciprocity with foreign countries when it comes to visas. Since the United States and Canada require visas for Brazilian citizens, Brazil does the same for their citizens. To visit the country, you must apply for a Brazilian visa online or at the nearest Brazilian consulate. You’ll need to submit your passport, an application form, passport-size photos, your itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds. Processing can take up to three weeks.
Similar requirements apply to any country that does not provide visa-free access to resilience.
Long-Term Visas
Brazil offers three main pathways to long-term residency:
Aposentado visa: This is identical to the pensionado visa in Spanish-speaking countries. It requires proof of a stable pension or other passive income of at least $2000 a month, with another $1000 for each dependent. You're also required to have your own health insurance coverage.
Digital nomad visa: To qualify, one must have a minimum monthly income of $1,500 from a foreign company or freelance work or demonstrated savings of $18,000. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed indefinitely.
Investor visa: This is available to those who invest $100,000 in a Brazilian business, or $30,000 in technology or innovative startups.
Permanent Residency
Similar to other countries with pensionado visas, there is no real distinction between the Aposentado visa and permanent residency for retirees. As long as you continue to qualify for the former, you may remain in the country indefinitely. The same is true of the investor visa.
Citizenship
Brazil recognizes dual citizenship if the applicant's home country does as well. Foreigners who have lived continuously for four years in Brazil, can speak Portuguese, and have no criminal record may apply for citizenship by naturalization. The amount can be reduced to two years if the applicant has provided notable services to society.
Requirements and Documentation
Brazil does not follow the apostille process, so all documents need to be notarized at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country:
Completed application form.
A valid passport with a minimum of six months validity.
Bank statements, employment contracts, or pension statements.
Criminal background checks from your home country and anywhere else you have lived for the last five years.
Proof of valid health insurance.
Processing Time
Most transactions range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the nature of the visa. In general, investment and business-related visas take longer.
Cost
A visitor’s visa costs $160. Applications for long-term visas range from $100 to $300.00, depending on the type. Once approved, you'll need to pay between $40 and $50 for a residence card. Translations of required documents range from $20 to $50 per page. Notarization of documents costs between $10 and $100, depending on your country of origin. If you use an immigration consultant or attorney, you're looking at an added $500 to $1,500.
Contacts
Embassy of Brazil in U.S.
3006 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008
Tel. +1 (202) 238-2700
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