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What You Need to Know to Get a Brazilian Investor Visa and Permanent Residency

Getting an Investor Visa in Brazil will allow you to live and work permanently in the country

Getting an investor visa allows a foreigner to live and work permanently in Brazil. Once you obtain an investor visa, you can invest in opening a business in Brazil, Brazilian real-estate or stocks, and can even open a savings account in the country.

In this article, we will be going over what you need to know to get an investor visa in Brazil. Keep reading and ensure you are aware of all the ins-and-outs of the Brazilian Investor visa!

Brazilian Investor Visa and Permanent Residency

To obtain a Brazilian investors visa, you will need the following:

  • Proof of identity
  • Certificate of good conduct
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of parental relationship or family
  • Marriage certificate
  • Academic credentials
  • Proof of address

You probably have more questions! Don’t worry, we have more answers for you in our next section.

More Answers on How to Get a Brazilian Investor Visa                   

Getting a Brazilian investor visa will allow you to live and work permanently in the country. Below, check out the answers to some common questions people have about getting a Brazilian investor visa in regards to money requirements, length and restrictions, and rules once you get a visa.

 

Brazilian Investor Visa Money Requirements

From the amount of money you need to invest in Brazil to how to invest your money in the country – in this section, you will find all your investor visa money answers.

  • What do I need to do to obtain a permanent investor visa? – You must be able to invest at least R$500,000  in an already existing Brazilian business, or a new company. 
  • Can I transfer my investment to a Brazilian individual instead? – No, the money has to be transferred to a Brazilian bank account.
  • If I decide I do not want a Brazilian investor visa anymore, can I have the investment back? – If you decide you do not want a Brazilian investor visa, you can take back your money any time, however, please note that the visa will then not be renewed.

 

Brazilian investor visa length and restrictions

Stay on top of the amount of time you have to stay in Brazil with the answers to other time restraints or requirements you might not have been aware of in the country.

  • How long is the investor visa valid for? – Your residency status is permanent so therefore you can live and work in Brazil as long as you maintain your investment in the country. You can also apply for Brazilian citizenship after 4 years in normal cases and 13 years in special cases.
  • How long does it take to renew the residency? – The first renewal is after 3 years and you will receive the new document in about 90 days.
  • Can I leave the country during my residency period? – Yes, you can leave the country for trips but it must not be longer than 6 months out of each year. 

 

Brazilian investor visa rules after you have your visa

Here, you will find more answers on what rules you have to adhere to, to maintain your visa

  • Can I bring family to Brazil during the visa process? – Yes, you can bring your family to Brazil after you get your investor visa. Once your investor visa is issued, your family members will have permission to come to Brazil.
  • Do I have to come back to Brazil to keep my residency status? – You need to visit Brazil once every 2 years in order to maintain permanent residency status on an investor visa.
  • Do I have to keep my investment in Brazil? – Brazilian authorities will periodically check if your investment is still in the country. If you have left your investment in the country, your investor visa will be automatically renewed.

How to Get Brazilian Citizenship?

You may apply for Brazilian Citizenship after 4 years of official legal residency in Brazil. With a Brazilian citizenship, you are eligible for dual citizenship and public sector jobs.

What are the requirements for obtaining citizenship in Brazil?

If you are interested in becoming a Brazilian citizen, you need to make sure you have all the requirements listed below.

  • Have proof of uninterrupted residence in Brazil for at least four years prior to applying. Keep in mind that trips abroad do not count as interruptions.
  • Learn how to read and write elementary Portuguese.
  • You must be able to provide for yourself and your family.
  • You can provide proof that a relative provides you with enough income to match legal requisites.
  • Pass a criminal background check.
  • Not owe any taxes in Brazil.
  • Provide proof of righteous conduct.
  • Obtain a ‘Certificate of Good Health’, unless you have lived in the country for more than two years.

You can also obtain your Brazilian citizenship in one year if you have a Brazilian spouse, child, or parent. It can also take two years for those possessing certain professional, scientific, or artistic skills, and three years for individuals that are of high net worth or are company owners.

Frequently asked questions when applying for a visa in Brazil

Based on our experience these are the common questions and doubts of our clients.

1. What are the types of visas for Brazil?

There are two main types of visas: Business Visitor Visas (VIVIS), Temporary Visas (VITEM) and the Administrator visa (NR11/17). Among the Temporary Visas are include the Investment visas (VITEM IX – Investment) and the Work visas (VITEM V – Work Visa).

2. What is an investor visa called in Brazil?

Investment visa (VITEM IX – Investment).

3. Requirements for an investor visa in Brazil?

ELIGIBILITY:
1) Administrator, manager, director or executive with supervising responsibilities over a foreign corporation or society that intends to invest in a Brazilian counterpart;
2) Individual who intends to invest at least R$ 500.000,00 in a Brazilian company/enterprise;
3) Individual who intends to invest at least R$ 150.000,00 in a Brazilian startup;
4) Individual who intends to invest at least R$ 700.000,00 in real estate in the North or Northeast regions of Brazil;
5) Individual who intends to invest at least R$ 1.000.000,00 in real estate in the Center West, Southeast or South regions of Brazil.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:
1) PASSPORT: Signed, valid up to the end of your trip and with at least one visa blank page available (amendment pages are not accepted).
2) VISA APPLICATION FORM: One per applicant, filled out online and signed by the passport holder or his/her parents/guardians. You will need to print only the receipt page with the bar code.
3) PHOTO: One recent 2” x 2” passport-photo size, front view, white background.
4) BACKGROUND CHECK: FBI Clearance or Local Police Department Clearance issued within the last six months.
5)copy of your birth certificate.

4. What is a Business visa called in Brazil?

It’s called a Business visa (Business Visitor Visas – VIVIS).

5. Requirements for a Business visa in Brazil?

PASSPORT: Signed, valid up to the end of your trip, and with at least one visa blank page available (amendment pages are not accepted).
BRAZILIAN VISA APPLICATION FORM: One per applicant, filled out online and signed by the passport holder or his/her parents/guardians. You will need to print only the receipt page with the bar code.
PHOTO: One recent 2” x 2” passport-photo size, front view, white background.
PROOF OF RESIDENCY in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont).
EVIDENCE OF INCOME: Proof of financial capability during the stay in Brazil (i.e., copy of bank/credit card statements or paychecks/paystubs).
ITINERARY: Round-trip ticket booked itinerary (reservation).
BUSINESS PURPOSE: Invitation letter.

6. How can I get a Working visa in Brazil?

You may apply for a Working visa (VITEM V – Work Visa) if a Brazilian based company is willing to sponsor you.

7. Who can sponsor a Working visa in Brazil?

Brazil based companies can sponsor a Working visa if they meet the requirements established by the Immigration Office.

8. Do you need a visa to buy property in Brazil?

Not necessary but depending on type of payment it might be required. For rural property, the visa its necessary. This type of transaction is contemplated by the investment visa (VITEM IX – Investment).

9. What needs to be provided to commence the visa processing service in Brazil?

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
PASSPORT: Signed, valid up to the end of your trip, and with at least one visa blank page available (amendment pages are not accepted).
BRAZILIAN VISA APPLICATION FORM: One per applicant, filled out online and signed by the passport holder or his/her parents/guardians. You will need to print only the receipt page with the bar code.
PHOTO: One recent 2” x 2” passport-photo size, front view, white background.
PROOF OF RESIDENCY in the jurisdiction of the Consulate (Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, or Vermont).
EVIDENCE OF INCOME: Proof of financial capability during the stay in Brazil (i.e., copy of bank/credit card statements or paychecks/paystubs).
ITINERARY: Round-trip ticket booked itinerary (reservation), or invitation letter from the host.

Interested in Obtaining your Brazilian Investor Visa?

You have all the information you need to get your Brazilian Investor visa. For more tips on incorporating a business in Brazil you can check out our resources and get your investment going in the growing Latin American economy.

Contact us now and see how we can support you in Brazil.

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Doing business in Latin America. Brazilian Investor Visa

The information provided here within should not be construed as formal guidance or advice. Please consult a professional for your specific situation. Information provided is for informative purposes only and may not capture all pertinent laws, standards, and best practices. The regulatory landscape is continually evolving; information mentioned may be outdated and/or could undergo changes. The interpretations presented are not official. Some sections are based on the interpretations or views of relevant authorities, but we cannot ensure that these perspectives will be supported in all professional settings.
Legal Team Brazil

Legal Team Brazil

Legal Team Brazil is the Biz Latin Hub leading experts on doing business in Brazil The Team writes on the news, doing business, law, and changing regulations. The team are experts in corporate law, Administrative law, Employment law, Immigration law and legal advisory services. Read more about them here. You can contact Legal Team Brazil via our "contact us page".

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