Brazil Visa Guide for Foreigners

Visa-Free Entry to Brazil

Citizens of many countries can enter Brazil without a visa for tourism or business purposes. The standard allowance is 90 days within any 180-day period.

Countries with visa-free access to Brazil include: United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Netherlands, Canada, Australia, Japan, South Korea, and most of the European Union, among others. U.S. citizens currently require a visa or eVisa for entry. Brazil has expanded visa-free access significantly in recent years.

Visa-free entry is frequently used as a starting point - arriving as a tourist, arranging the CPF and initial documentation, finding housing and then applying for the appropriate long-term visa from within Brazil or upon return to your home country.

Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)

Brazil introduced the Digital Nomad Visa (officially VITEM XIV) in 2022, making it one of the first South American countries to formalize a legal pathway for remote workers. It has become one of the most popular routes for foreigners who want to live in Brazil without a traditional work permit.

Typical required documents:

• Valid passport (6+ months validity beyond planned stay)
• Proof of remote employment (contract or letter from employer)
• Proof of income (last 3-6 months of bank statements or payslips)
• Health insurance valid in Brazil
• Completed visa application and photos
• Payment of consulate fee

Investor Visa

Brazil offers residency pathways for foreigners who invest in the country. The investor visa is designed for those starting or acquiring a Brazilian business, with the intent of generating employment and economic activity.

A CPF is required before any investment transaction can proceed in Brazil - buying property, opening a brokerage account or registering a company all require a valid, active CPF.

Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI)

The Family Reunion Visa allows spouses, partners, children, parents and certain other family members of Brazilian citizens or permanent residents to live in Brazil legally.

• Spouse or partner of a Brazilian national (civil or common-law union)
• Children under 18 of Brazilian nationals
• Parents, grandparents of Brazilian nationals in some cases
• Step-children and adopted children

Required documentation typically includes: proof of family relationship (translated and apostilled birth/marriage certificates), sponsor's Brazilian documents, proof of income, and completed application. Children born in Brazil to foreign parents automatically acquire Brazilian citizenship.

Retirement Residency

Brazil allows foreign retirees to apply for permanent residency if they can demonstrate a stable monthly pension or retirement income. Requirements are administered by the Ministerio da Justica.

The minimum monthly income threshold for retirement residency has historically been around BRL 6,000-10,000 per month (approximately EUR 1,000-1,700 at current rates), but requirements change - verify current thresholds with an immigration attorney.

Retirement residency applicants must also demonstrate health insurance coverage and proof of accommodation. A CPF is obtained as part of or immediately after the residency registration process.

Residency Pathways

Temporary residency in Brazil can lead to permanent residency. Key pathways:

What to Do After Your Visa is Approved

Once your visa is approved, these are the immediate administrative priorities in Brazil:

1. 01

   Get your CPF

   If you have not done it remotely already, apply immediately. Nothing else works without it.

2. 02

   Register with the Policia Federal

   If you are on a residency permit, you need to register and begin the CRNM process within 90 days of arrival.

3. 03

   Open a bank account

   A digital bank (Nubank, Inter) is the fastest route. Requires your CPF, passport and proof of address.

4. 04

   Get local health insurance

   Brazilian private health insurance plans are more cost-effective than international policies for long-term residents.

5. 05

   Register at your consulate

   Notify your home country's consulate in Brazil of your residence. Useful for emergencies and administrative support.

CPF and Your Visa: How They Relate

The CPF and the visa are entirely separate. The CPF is a tax identification number issued by the Receita Federal. The visa is an immigration authorization issued by the Ministry of Justice or Brazilian consulate. They are applied for through different channels and serve different purposes.

You can get a CPF on a tourist visa, a digital nomad visa or any residency status. The CPF does not affect your immigration status and does not authorize you to live or work in Brazil. You still need the appropriate visa for your immigration situation.

The practical sequence for most people: get the CPF first (remotely, before arrival), then sort the visa, then use both together to set up banking, housing and everything else.

Frequently Asked Questions - Brazil Visas for Foreigners

10 questions covering tourist visa, digital nomad, investor, family and residency topics.