Obtaining a residency visa in Brazil is not always easy, but our Guide to Residency in Brazil gives newcomers an overview of the steps involved and advice from others who have already navigated the process.
- Gather the necessary documents for residency status in Brazil. This includes a valid passport, proof of financial stability, a valid visa, and a completed application form.
- Apply for a Tax Number.
- Visit the Federal Revenue Service website and create an account.
- Fill out the online application form and submit it.
- Wait for the Federal Revenue Service to process the application and issue a Tax Number.
- Visit the Brazilian consulate in your home country and submit the documents and Tax Number.
- Wait for the consulate to process the application and issue a residency visa.
- Once you have the visa, travel to Brazil and register with the Federal Police.
- Wait for the Federal Police to process the application and issue a residency card.
What tips do expats have about residency and visas in Brazil?
“Permanent visa … bit complicated unless you are married and have a Brazilian child,” said one expat living in Jacumá, Conde, Paraiba.
“Clean police report. Confirm from a ligitimate retirement company that you make $2000.00 or more. Can apply for a permanent visa anywhere in the world,” wrote a member in Niteroi.
“Once we saw a property we liked we started the process before we left the country. We obtains a CPF card (tax card). Our attorney, who had power of attorney, acted on our behalf. We returned to the UK for 9 months while the paperwork was going through the process. In this time at the Brazilian consulate in London we handle the visa doing our part whilst the attorney handled the money and paperwork in Brazil,” commented one expat who made the move to Taiba.
“If you plan to stay in Brazil for an extended period of time, you will need to apply for a permanent residency visa. In order to be eligible for this, you will need to provide a valid passport, proof of address, necessary paperwork from authorities in your home country, and evidence of economic activity in Brazil. You may also need to take and pass a criminal record check. After successfully completing the required applications and paperwork, you will receive your residency documents, which will allow you to live in Brazil for a designated period of time,” remarked one expat living in Brazil.
“The process of applying for a visa for Brazil is a fairly straightforward procedure. Applicants must submit to their local Brazilian Consulate or Embassy their passport, a valid visa application form and a valid travel document. They should also provide proof of funds that are sufficient for their travels and current residence documents, such as a birth certificate, utility bill, or a letter from an employer or educational institution, as applicable. In addition, a valid passport size photograph, health report, and a valid yellow fever vaccination, if applicable, will be required. The process of applying for residency in Brazil follows the same basic steps and generally requires the same documents as applying for a visa. More detailed information on forms, processes and fees can be obtained directly from the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy. To apply for residency in Brazil, foreign citizens must submit their passport and visa application, along with additional supporting documents. The documents required include a valid birth certificate, marriage certificate, a valid passport size photograph, a job offer or certificate of acceptance from a Brazilian university, a health report, and a declaration of property located in Brazil. Once all of the documents have been submitted, the applicant will be issued a provisional residency card. The length of time between the application and obtaining the residence card varies,” commented one member living in Brazil.
