The 7 Ways to Get Residency in Brazil: A Comprehensive Guide
February 5, 2025
In this comprehensive guide, Gilberto Leonello explores all of Brazil’s immigration options covering investment, retiree, work visas, and more
Brazil Retirement Visa
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Program Type:
Independent Means Visa
Processing Time:
2-3 months
Citizenship Timeline:
4 years
Permanent Residency Timeline:
2 years
Physical Presence Required:
None
Citizenship Visa-Free Access:
169 countries
Minimum Contribution:
None
On This Page
Program Overview
Brazil Retirement Visa
Brazil’s Retirement Visa grants bona fide retirees who can demonstrate the receipt of a monthly passive income (not only from pensions) exceeding US$2,000 the right to reside in Brazil.
While the initial visa has a validity of two years, this is convertible into permanent residency after four years.
After six years of residing in Brazil (four of which as a permanent resident), the applicant is eligible for Brazilian citizenship.
Brazil Retirement Visa
How to Qualify
Applicants to Brazil Retirement Visa must demonstrate the monthly receipt of the equivalent to at least US$2,000 in Brazil.
Unlike in many Latin American countries, the Brazil requires that applicants to its Retirement Visa actually be retired (or the beneficiary of a death benefit). “Retired” here means that you are no longer working and that you are retired according to the retirement laws of your home country.
Your retirement income can take the form of pensions (public or private), dividends, annuities, or other types of passive, regular income.
In some cases, applicants may be able to qualify on the basis of showing sufficient private savings, rather than a regularized monthly income.
Brazil Retirement Visa
Salient Benefits
- No investment or donation requirement
- Path to citizenship
- Permits dual/multiple citizenship
- Lower cost of living
- Warm climate
- Enhanced business access to large economies
- Short processing time
Brazil Retirement Visa
Citizenship Timeline and Requirements
The initial retirement visa is valid for 2 years, and is renewable indefinitely.
After two years of living in Brazil, however, the individual may apply for permanent residency.
Although not an explicit legal requirement, those wishing to qualify for permanent status are advised to spend at least 183 days a year physically in Brazil.
After 6 years (2 years as temporary resident, 4 years as permanent), the applicant is eligible to apply for Brazilian citizenship.
The ability to communicate in Portuguese is a requirement for citizenship in Brazil.
Browse 195 countries’ paths to citizenship in the hyper-detailed IMI Citizenship Catalog.
Brazil Retirement Visa
Program Authority and Legal Basis
Applications for this program may be directed to Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Legislation upon which this program is based Normative Resolution No. 40 of 2019.
Brazil Retirement Visa
IMI Pros Who Can Help You
Brazil Retirement Visa
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Brazil Retirement Visa
Program Statistics
See more statistics on this program and others in the IMI Data Center.