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Open to any nationality working remotely for a foreign employer or as a freelancer. Requires proof of monthly income of at least USD 1,500 (or USD 18,000 in savings) and health insurance. Renewable for an additional year.
Employer-sponsored visa for foreigners with a job contract with a Brazilian entity. Open to all nationalities; the employer registers the contract with the Ministry of Labour. After 2 years, permanent residency may be applied for.
Immediate permanent residency for investors who invest a minimum of BRL 500,000 in a Brazilian business. Creates local employment is advantageous; the business plan is reviewed by the Ministry of Justice.
Grants immediate permanent residency to retirees with provable monthly pension income of at least USD 2,000 transferred to a Brazilian bank account. Employment activities are not permitted on this visa.
Brazil offers a Permanent Visa for retirees with a monthly income of at least $2,000 USD, as well as work visas for sponsored employees and an Investor Visa for those investing BRL 500,000 or more. The VITEM (Temporary Visa) covers a wide range of stays and can be converted to permanent residency. The digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV) launched in 2022 is valid for 1 year and renewable.
Foreign workers in Brazil need a work visa sponsored by a Brazilian employer, who must meet quotas ensuring at least two-thirds of the payroll consists of Brazilian nationals. An expedited process exists for specialized technical workers and senior executives of multinationals. Self-employed foreigners can operate through a registered company with appropriate investment.
Spouses, children under 18, and financially dependent parents of Brazilian residents or citizens can apply for a family reunification visa, which grants work authorization. The process requires certified copies of relationship documents and proof of the primary holder's legal status. Processing typically takes 2-4 months.
Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income at progressive rates from 7.5% to 27.5%. Non-residents are taxed on Brazilian-sourced income at a flat 25% rate. Brazil has tax treaties with about 35 countries. The country has relatively high indirect taxes, and corporate tax combined with social contributions can reach approximately 34%.
Brazil has a universal public healthcare system (SUS) available to all residents, but quality varies significantly by region. Most expats in major cities use private healthcare, which is high quality and more affordable than in North America or Europe. Major providers include Unimed, Bradesco Saúde, and Amil.
Opening a bank account in Brazil requires a CPF (tax identification number), which can be obtained relatively easily. Major banks include Bradesco, Itaú, Banco do Brasil, and Caixa Econômica Federal. The fintech sector is strong with Nubank being a popular digital alternative. Foreign-currency accounts are restricted; most banking is in BRL.
Brazil offers a permanent visa for investors who invest at least BRL 500,000 (approximately $100,000 USD) in a Brazilian company that creates jobs for Brazilian nationals. Larger investments in strategic sectors such as innovation and agribusiness may qualify for facilitated processing. After 4 years of permanent residency, investors can apply for naturalization.
| Program | Min. Investment | Residency | Citizenship |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investor Permanent Visa | $100k+ | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |