Brazil immigration guide

Proof of means of subsistence required at initial application and again at permanent residence conversion. No minimum amount specified — any of these documents accepted: employment contract, pay slips, pension receipt, company stake/contract, professional council registration, freelance/self-employed registration, income declaration, investment proof, bank statement, or self-declaration of sufficient means (Art. 3 VII and Art. 8 §2, Portaria 40/2023).

Built for remote workers paid by a company or clients based outside Brazil — income earned inside the country doesn't count toward eligibility.

The route for joining a spouse, parent, or child already living in Brazil — the Brazilian sponsor takes on formal financial responsibility for the applicant.

A separate track for citizens of Mercosur and associated South American countries, built on regional agreement rather than investment or family ties.

R$1,518 shown as proof of means — nothing is transferred.

Suits founders or acquirers of a Brazilian company, not passive investors — the business plan has to show it will create jobs or income, and that commitment gets reviewed later.

R$150,000 placed as capital, exposed until the 3 years hold period ends.

R$700,000 placed as capital, exposed until the 4 years hold period ends.

The most straightforward investment route for people planning to buy property, though the qualifying region and property type are specific — check them closely before shopping for a home.

For retirees living on a pension or similar income paid from outside Brazil — the income has to arrive as a regular transfer, not a one-off.

Applicants must meet ONE of three qualification paths: (1) A postgraduate degree (especialização, mestrado, or doutorado) in a relevant field; OR (2) A relevant university degree (bacharelado or similar) plus at least 1 year of relevant professional experience; OR (3) At least 2 years of professional experience in the relevant field plus a minimum of 9 years of formal education. All education and experience documents must be apostilled and sworn-translated into Portuguese by a certified translator (tradutor juramentado).