Dreaming of a new life in a culturally rich Country? Brazil could be the place for you. With beautiful and diverse landscapes, a warm climate, and welcoming communities, Brazil promises more than just a change of scenery – a chance to thrive. Having a permanent residence in Brazil offers many amazing opportunities to tap into its diverse economy while enjoying a unique blend of tradition and modernism in its lifestyle.
How would it be to get up to samba beats, eat tropical fruits, and enjoy internationally renowned hospitality daily? Moving to Brazil permanently is the key to living there full-time, and the transition can be achieved whether you're looking for job opportunities, a new lifestyle, or the appeal of an exotic house. Find out how this exciting journey can change your life and form a link with one of South America's most vibrant nations! Every journey begins with a single step.
Who Can Apply for a Permanent Residency Visa?
Foreign nationals who are already in Brazil are eligible to apply. That is when the visa is valid and in a typical circumstance. Most people can only apply for a Permanent Residence Visa while they are in Brazil and not at home. Investors are an exception, though. They may be able to request a certain kind of residency permit while they are still overseas. Furthermore, there are other categories of people eligible for permanent residency in Brazil; they are:
- Pensioner/Retirees
- Spouse of a Brazilian citizen
- A woman who birthed her child in Brazil
- Investor
- Senior researcher
- CEO/Administrator of a corporation or startup company
If a foreign citizen meets the following criteria and intends to stay in Brazil for more than two years, the Brazilian authorities may give them a permanent resident visa. A permanent resident visa allows one to remain and work in Brazil permanently. However, even permanent visas are subject to amendment three years after issuance.
Brazil Permanent Residency Requirements
Foreign nationals who are interested in becoming permanent residents of Brazil must fulfill the following requirements:
- Candidates must have two blank visa pages and a valid passport over six months from expiring. Applications should contain a completed visa application, a recent Brazilian passport photo, a verified birth certificate, proof of jurisdiction, and police clearance.
- Transferring retirement pensions requires a notarized letter attesting to the applicant's retirement, documentation proving the pension stipend is at least $6,000 per month, and a statement from the issuing financial institution confirming the funds' monthly transferability to Brazil.
- Investors seeking a resident visa must demonstrate that their $150,000 investment will contribute to Brazil's job creation and economic growth.
- Anyone intending to live in Brazil permanently must register with the Foreign National Register (RNE). After completing this process, you will receive an identity card. This stage is required for anyone who stays in Brazil for more than 90 days.
How to Get Permanent Residency in Brazil
Here are the different ways to obtain Brazilian permanent residency
Marriage
People can become permanent residents if they marry a Brazilian citizen or someone who is a permanent resident of Brazil. It is important to have a declaration of the union and a marriage certificate. You can remain in Brazil after a divorce, but you must show that you have a life, a work, a home, and obligations there to be granted permission to stay. The Federal Police is the place to go if the marriage is consummated in Brazil. You must register your foreign marriage in Brazil before you may seek permanent residence if you were married outside of the country.
Children
A parent from a foreign country may petition for permanent residence if their child is a Brazilian citizen. The youngster must be in the applicant's care and financially reliant on them.
Family Reunion
Joining one's immediate family member can grant one permanent residency in Brazil. This family member needs to be a permanent resident or a citizen of Brazil. It might be:
- A spouse
- A child under 18 years
- A special needs child
- A child younger than 24 who is enrolled in college or pursuing graduate or postgraduate education
- An unmarried orphan under the age of eighteen who is a sibling, grandchild, or great-grandchild
- A grandchild, great-grandchild, or unmarried orphan sibling under 24 who is enrolled in college or pursuing graduate or postgraduate courses
- A special needs sibling, grandchild, or great-grandchild
- A dependent parent who is unable to provide for themselves and/or with special need
- A parent who has custody of a Brazilian child who is financially dependent on them
Retirement
Brazil might become a home for retirees with a passive income. The minimum monthly income required is at least $6,000 Brazilian Reals (BRL). Additional funding is required if a dependent family is to accompany the applicant.
Scientist or Researcher
Individuals with exceptional aptitude in science, technology, research, or academics are eligible for permanent residency in Brazil. Applicants need a job offer from a Brazilian company.
Investment
Brazil provides its investment visa that allows for quick permanent residence. It is typically required to invest BRL 500,000 in real estate, a Brazilian startup, or an already-existing Brazilian business. The sum is lowered to as little as $150,000 if your investment supports scientific research and technology or creates ten jobs for Brazilian citizens. Foreign investors must present a business or investment proposal and have a spotless criminal record to be accepted. The investment determines whether a person will get permanent residency status. Accordingly, if the applicant wants to stay in Brazil and does not obtain citizenship or other immigration permits, the foreign investment must be maintained. Family members may go to Brazil with the applicant after the investor visa has been granted.
CEO/Administrator of a Small Business
An organization that is not Brazilian and has been operating outside Brazil for five years is considered a startup. To incorporate the business in Brazil, you must give your new legal agent the authority to act as an attorney in Brazil. Companies may apply for up to three visas, which will be granted for two years. Should you wish to establish a business and obtain Brazilian residency, you must hire at least two Brazilians and make a down payment of at least 97,150 US dollars. The company must show that it has produced ten jobs for Brazilians after this margin to achieve certain requirements.
CEO of a Corporation
This visa is intended for directors, managers, or administrators who want to take an executive position in a Brazilian business. Each applicant must have a minimum investment of $200,000 from the immigrant or the host company. The Brazilian corporation must also defend the new boss's social and technological advantages.
Child's Birth in Brazil
If your child is Brazilian, you can apply for a Brazilian permanent residence visa at the closest embassy or consulate or through the Ministry of Justice (through Federal Police offices). The applicant's child must be under their supervision and financially reliant on them.
Documents Required for the Application of Permanent Residency in Brazil
- A valid passport
- Application form
- Proof of financial means
- Police clearance certificate
- Proof of legal residency
- Proof jurisdiction
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Work authorization permit
- Bank statements
- Proof of real estate investments
Permanent Residency Application Process
Brazilian embassies and consulates around the world accept applications for permanent residence. But there's a lot of paperwork and documentation to provide. The grounds of the application dictate the kind of evidence that is used. For instance, someone seeking on the grounds of marriage to a Brazilian citizen must provide a marriage certificate and a witness declaration.
However, the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment must grant clearance before anyone may apply for an investment visa. A business plan and a ton of additional documentation are also required. Because there isn't a “one size fits all” approach, applying for permanent residency in Brazil is incredibly difficult for foreigners. For this reason, most people would rather work with a Brazilian immigration counselor. An expert can oversee the application procedure and offer more eligibility details on the applicant's behalf.
Processing Time and Application Fee
It takes about four to six months to process Brazilian permanent residency and the application fee costs $360. However, this may change depending upon the number of dependents joining the applicant.
Can I Renew My Brazilian Permanent Residency?
A permanent visa normally lasts nine years, but some individuals, such as investors, must renew their status as permanent residents after three years. This is lowered to two years for foreign nationals working on a Brazilian startup. A renewal will be given provided the applicant has maintained the qualifying requirements and hasn't been away from Brazil for two years. This is dependent upon the reasons for the initial application. For example, investors must continue to invest to remain permanent citizens of Brazil.
Can I Lose Brazilian Permanent Residency
Brazilian permanent residency will lapse if the bearer leaves Brazil for more than two years in a row. However, you can apply for a new permanent visa. Permanent resident status can also be revoked if the person no longer matches the eligibility requirements. For example, an investor may remove their investment.
Brazilian Citizenship
If you have been a resident of Brazil for at least four years with residence authorization for an indefinite period (permanent residency), you are eligible to obtain Brazilian citizenship. However, if you have Brazilian children or are married to a Brazilian, the four years qualify as one year of permanent residency in the nation.
The period may also drop to one year if you are from a Portuguese-speaking country. Brazilian citizenship for foreigners is referred to as “naturalization.” Once you get citizenship, you can explore Brazil's tourist attractions. Applying for regular Brazilian naturalization requires the following:
- As defined by Brazilian law, civil rights remain on Brazilian soil for at least four years while having residence authority indefinitely. According to current law, this period lasts for a year if you are married to a Brazilian national or have children.
- You must be able to speak in Portuguese to meet the requirements for citizenship.
- You must not have a criminal record or evidence of rehabilitation.
Conclusion
With permanent residency in Brazil, you'll unlock a world of opportunities. Enjoy stability, security, and freedom to live, work, and thrive in this captivating country. Make the most of Brazil's warm culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant lifestyle – your new life awaits!
