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FAQ

Real Estate Investment & Residency in Brazil

Residency and Naturalization in Brazil

Can I get Brazilian Nationality?

Yes,  ordinary naturalization is possible for those who reside in Brazil for a minimum period of 04 (four) years and who are able to communicate in Portuguese (with proof). The residence requirement  will be reduced to 01 (one) year if the naturalized person has a Brazilian child or spouse.

To prove proficiency in Portuguese there are several options:

PROFLIN Proficiency Exam

CELPBRAS Proficiency Exam

Or do an entrance exam and register, “Vestibular” to any Brazilian University, that is enough.

Can I get a Residence Permit if I study in Brazil?

Yes, a residence permit for study purposes, which may be granted to a person who intends to attend a regular course or undertake an internship or study or research exchange.

The study residence permit in Brazil guarantees  several rights, including the possibility of, in addition to studying, opening a business in the country and opening a bank account.

Can I get a residency visa if I invest in real estate in Brazil?

Known in several countries as “Golden Visa”, the real estate investor visa is an option for those who want to stay in Brazil.

For any foreigner, the minimum investment in properties ready or under construction is R$700 thousand in the states of the North and Northeast and R$1 million for the other regions. The Investor Visa extends to dependents and must be applied for individually. Provisional period of 02 years, to ensure that the property is being maintained and remains with the same owner. After this period, it has a permanent validity.

Can I get a Residency Visa for Individual investor?

The new migration law expanded the categories of visas and residence permits, including the option for individual investors who wish to invest in Brazil.

In addition to proving the originality, scope and relevance of the company, a point of fundamental importance in applying for a Residence Permit based on investment is the Investment Plan, which is mandatory in all applications. Such a plan must be as detailed as possible, always focusing on generating employment and income, crucial requirements for the approval of the application.

The request for said authorization requires proof of a minimum investment in an amount equal to or greater than R$ 500,000.00. The legislation is clear in determining that the main motivator in granting this type of visa will be the potential for generating jobs or income that the investment will have in the country.

There is the possibility that the amount invested is less than R$500,000, but never less than R$150,000.0, provided that the foreigner has the purpose of investing in innovation, basic or applied research, of a scientific or technological nature.

Can I get a Residency Visa if I open a company in Brazil?

The new migration law expanded the categories of visas and residence permits, including the option for corporate investors wishing to open a company in Brazil.

In addition to proving the originality, scope and relevance of the company, a point of fundamental importance in applying for a Residence Permit based on investment is the Investment Plan, which is mandatory in all applications. Such a plan must be as detailed as possible, always focusing on generating employment and income, crucial requirements for the approval of the application.

The request for said authorization requires proof of a minimum investment in an amount equal to or greater than R$ 500,000.00. The legislation is clear in determining that the main motivator in granting this type of visa will be the potential for generating jobs or income that the investment will have in the country.

There is the possibility that the amount invested is less than R$500,000, but never less than R$150,000.0, provided that the foreigner has the purpose of investing in innovation, basic or applied research, of a scientific or technological nature.

Can I get a retirement visa in Brazil?

Yes, a retiree would get a permanent visa by confirming the ability to transfer at least US$2,000 to Brazil every month.

Also, other sources of income such as bonds and stocks can be used to meet the financial stability requirement.

How long can I stay out of Brazil and not loose my Residency Status?

To maintain the residency you only need to visit Brazil one time every 2 years.

What can I do in Brazil if I have Residency Status?

You can stay and go without worrying about overstaying a visa. You will also be able to open a bank account, get a Brazilian driver’s license, and sign up for housing services such as electricity. You can also get a job in Brazil (non-governmental) and work legally. The Residency Status is also required should you ever want to get a mortgage from a bank in Brazil. Finally, you will also be able to get a non-governmental job in Brazil.

Real Estate Investment in Brazil

What do I need to buy property in Brazil?

It depends. If you need financing from a Brazilian bank then you need residency, tax declaration, and sufficient income.

If you buy something in the pre-construction phase, that does not yet have a deed, you just need a CPF (Brazilian Tax Number) and that’s it. The monthly installments can be paid in cash from a local or foreign bank.

You can get a property deed without being a resident, you just need to bring 2 witnesses to the cartório (registry office).

Misc

How can i get a CPF in Brazil?

Yes you can easily! Just fill out the online application and also print out the receipt and take it to your nearest Brazilian IRS office, along with your passport.

You should get your CPF number/card via email within 3-7 business days. You can print out and laminate the card yourself.

How can i get a CPF outside of Brazil?

Only by visiting your local Brazilian Consulate.

How can I get a SIM card in Brazil?

You can easily buy your SIM card in some bigger grocery stores, at pharmacies, newspaper kiosks, or at the mobile operator stores. You need a CPF number, however, to activate your new line.

Lately the operator TIM also also offer SIM cards that a foreigner can activate with a passport number.

 

Can I acquire a local and affordable health insurance in Brazil as a foreigner?

Yes you can. There are several plans available and without waiting period to use the plan should you need to.

Need help finding a good plan or have more questions? Send us your question below.

How do I extend my Brazilian tourist visa?

Overstaying your visa in Brazil applies a fine of R$ 100 per day which also becomes maximum after 100 days at R$ 10000.
So, if you want to overstay your visa, better to officially extend it with the Federal Police.

You can simply follow this step by step and it will save you a ton of time and money.
 
1. Get a folder where you can store all the printed documents to keep them all in one place.
 
2. Schedule within at least 30 days of your visa expiration. This has to be done within 30 days of your current visa stamp expiration. You can only schedule 30 days before your current visa or entry stamps expiration.
You MUST Schedule online! and they will email you receipts proving that you scheduled, save it and print it out.
Schedule here
 
3. Find a Brazilian who will be your “personal reference”. You will need his/hers full name and address.
 
4. Proof of maintenance. You need to demonstrate that you already have sufficient funds to support yourself for the extension. You can print out your credit card statement and underline the balance of credit available. This may be enough on its own, but you can also provided a bank statement just in case. Get your proof of maintenance documents together and also print them.
 
5. Proof of residence. You will need to provide proof that you have housing or a hotel. This can be a hotel receipt or an apart
ment contract. You can also use an Airbnb receipt. Save this with your other documents.
 
6. Purchase an exit flight and save your booking confirmation. Here is a great resource for this.
 
7. Formulario Prorrogação de Prazo. Download the form here and save it with your other documents.
 
8. Payment (GRU).  Go pay your GRU, about R$110,  and save the receipts. You can pay at any bank or you can also pay at a “Lottoria”. Make sure to get your receipt of payment and keep it with your other documents.
 
9. Print all of your documents.
– Your schedule receipt (step 2). This should have been emailed to you.
– Proof of maintenance (step 4)
– Proof of residence (step 5)
– Exit flight (step 6)
– Formulario Prorrogação de Prazo (step 7)
– Receipt of Payment (GRU) (step 8)
 
11. Go get your stamp at your nearest Federal Police Immigration Office! At this point you have everything you need:
– Passport
– All Printed documents (step 9)
The Immigration office in Rio is located here at Rio de Janeiro Airport RJ Santos Dumont.
Make sure to wear long pants, covered footwear, something reasonably respectful. Don’t show up looking like a bum!

 

Golden Residency Visa in Brazil

How much do I need to invest to be eligible for the Residency Golden Visa?

A minimum investment of R$1.000.000 (One Million Reais) is needed.

However, if the property is located in the North or Northeast regions, the minimum value is R$700,000 (seven hundred thousand Reais). 

What type of property purchase is eligible for the Residency Golden Visa?

Real estate for residential and commercial purposes in urban areas.