The Brazil Investment Visa (VIPER), officially called the Visto Permanente para Investidor, is Brazil’s primary Residency by Investment route for foreign nationals wishing to live, work, and invest in the country.

Often referred to as the Brazil investor visa, Brazil investment visa, or informally as the Brazil green card, it grants qualified applicants the right to obtain Brazil permanent residency through capital investment in a business or qualifying real estate.

The program is highly flexible. Investors can inject capital into a new or existing Brazilian company, participate in high-growth sectors like technology and renewable energy, or secure property through the Brazil Golden Visa (the real estate route).

Both pathways allow applicants to include eligible family members, enjoy full residency rights, and work toward obtaining Brazilian citizenship after meeting the legal residence period (the standard rule is 4 years but can be shortened).

There are two main tracks:

1. Business investment visa (VIPER)

A direct investment in a Brazilian company, ideal for entrepreneurs, business owners, or investors seeking active involvement in Brazil’s economy.

2. Real estate investment visa (Brazil Golden Visa)

Based on purchasing qualifying Brazilian real estate, offering a streamlined route to residency with lower risk and strong lifestyle appeal.

Regardless of the path chosen, the Brazil Investment Visa offers foreign investors long-term security, access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets, and a clear road to permanent residency and citizenship by naturalization.

Brazil Investment Visa Requirements: Minimum Investment Amounts

To qualify for the Brazil Investment Visa, applicants must make a government-approved investment that contributes to Brazil’s economic development. Minimum thresholds differ depending on whether you choose the business or real estate route.

1. Business investment (VIPER)

This pathway grants residency for investors who establish or capitalize a Brazilian company.

Minimum investment:

• BRL 500,000 (standard requirement).
• BRL 150,000 (reduced threshold for innovation, tech, or startup projects recognized by Brazil’s government).

Key requirements:

• Submission of a business plan outlining economic impact.
• Demonstration of potential for job creation or technological development.
• Registration of the investment with the Brazilian Central Bank.
• Transfer of funds through an authorized Brazilian financial institution.

This option is ideal for entrepreneurs or foreign investors aiming to participate directly in Brazil’s fast-growing sectors such as agritech, manufacturing, fintech, renewable energy, and e-commerce.

2. Real estate investment (Brazil Golden Visa)

A popular alternative, the property investment route allows applicants to qualify through the purchase of eligible property.

Minimum investment:

• BRL 1,000,000 in qualifying residential or commercial urban real estate.
• BRL 700,000 if the property is located in Brazil’s North or Northeast regions (special development zones) including Fortaleza, Recife and Salvador.

Key requirements:

• Purchase must be fully completed before application.
• Property must be registered with the Land Registry (Registro de Imóveis).
• Funds must be transferred from abroad into a Brazilian bank account.
• The property must meet federal criteria for Golden Visa eligibility.

This route appeals to passive investors seeking long-term value, rental income potential, or a lifestyle property in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Florianópolis, or coastal Bahia.

Notes on qualifying (both investment routes)

• Both the business and real estate routes can lead to Brazil permanent residency and, eventually, Brazilian citizenship through naturalization.
• Investments must come from legal, verifiable sources.
• Applicants can include spouses, partners, and dependent children under one residency application.
• Maintaining the qualifying investment is required to preserve residency rights.

Brazil Investment Visa Cost: Minimum Investment & Additional Fees

Understanding the full cost of the investment visa Brazil is essential for planning your residency strategy. The total expense depends on whether you choose the business investment VIPER route or the Brazil Golden Visa (real estate pathway), as well as legal, due-diligence, and government fees.

1. Minimum investment amounts

Already covered in detail above, but summarized here for clarity:

• Business (VIPER):
  • BRL 500,000 minimum, or
  • BRL 150,000 for innovation/startups.
• Real Estate (Brazil Golden Visa):
  • BRL 1,000,000 in urban property, or
  • BRL 700,000 in qualifying North/Northeast regions.

These thresholds form the core of the Brazil investment visa cost.

2. Government and administrative fees

Beyond the investment amount, applicants should budget for:

• Residence authorization fee (Ministry of Justice).
• Consular visa issuance fees (vary by country).
• Biometric registration fees once in Brazil.
• Document legalization (apostille) and certified translations.
• Police clearance certificates.
• Property transfer taxes (for real estate investors).
• Land registry and notary fees.

These costs typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand USD depending on the applicant’s country of origin and family size.

3. Legal and due diligence costs

Most investors choose to work with a qualified immigration and legal team to:

• Structure the investment.
• Register capital with the Brazilian Central Bank.
• Perform due diligence on real estate.
• Prepare compliant business plans.
• Manage the application process.

Legal fees vary widely but expect USD $5,000 – 15,000+ depending on complexity.

4. Total estimated cost range

Depending on your chosen route:

• Business VIPER investors:
  Total investment + legal/admin fees ≈ BRL 150,000 – 500,000+ (plus professional fees).
• Real estate investors:
  Property purchase BRL 700,000 – 1,000,000+
  • closing costs (approx. 3–5% of property value).
  • immigration/legal fees.

Brazil Investor Visa Timeline and Processing Time for 2025

The Brazil Investment Visa offers one of the region’s more efficient pathways to long-term residency. While processing time can vary depending on the consulate, completeness of documents, and investment type, most applicants can expect a smooth process when properly prepared.

Typical processing timeline:

Total estimated timeframe: 3 – 8 months from start to finish for most investors.

1. Investment preparation and document gathering: 2 – 8 weeks

This includes opening a Brazilian bank account, obtaining a CPF (Brazil’s primary form of personal identification as well as tax registration number) , transferring funds, completing the investment (business capitalization or real estate purchase), and preparing the required documents for the application.

2. Submission to the Ministry of Justice or Brazilian Consulate: 1 – 2 weeks

Applications may be filed in Brazil or at a consulate abroad, depending on the route chosen.

3. Application review and approval: 2 – 6 months

Most approvals fall within this window.

Business VIPER applications tend to process slightly faster, while real estate Golden Visa cases may take additional time due to property verification and Central Bank registration.

4. Arrival in Brazil and biometric registration: 1 – 3 weeks

After approval, applicants receive a visa authorization and must finalize their registration upon arrival, leading to issuance of their residency card.

How to Apply for the Brazil Investment Visa (VIPER): Step-by-Step Guide

Applying for the Brazil Investment Visa is straightforward when each stage is handled correctly. Below is the clear, investor-friendly process followed by most successful applicants:

Step 1: Choose your investment route

Decide whether to pursue:

• The business investment VIPER route (BRL 500,000 / 150,000), or
• The Brazil Golden Visa real estate route (BRL 1,000,000 / 700,000)

Step 2: Obtain a CPF (Brazilian Tax ID)

All investors must hold a CPF (tax registration number that doubles as personal identification), which is required for opening bank accounts, buying property, and completing official registrations.

Step 3: Open a Brazilian bank account and transfer funds

Funds must be transferred from abroad to a Brazilian bank and registered with the Brazilian Central Bank (RDE-IED registration for foreign direct investment).

Step 4: Complete the investment

• Business investors: Capitalize a new or existing company and prepare a compliant business plan demonstrating economic impact and job creation.
• Real estate investors: Purchase qualifying property and obtain official registration (Registro de Imóveis).

Step 5: Prepare required documents

Typical documents include:

• Passport
• Police clearance certificate
• Proof of investment
• Marriage/birth certificates (if including family members)
• Apostilles and sworn translations
• Proof of clean legal status
• Business plan or property deed (depending on route)

Step 6: Submit application

Apply through:

• A Brazilian Consulate abroad, or
• Directly within Brazil via the Ministry of Justice and National Immigration Council.

Step 7: Receive approval and enter Brazil

Once approved, you will receive visa authorization for entry and residency.

Step 8: Register with the Federal Police and receive your residency card

This final step of registering with the Federal Police of Brazil completes your legal residency process and grants your initial residency rights in Brazil.

Path to Permanent Residency and Brazilian Citizenship

The Brazil Investment Visa is more than just a residency permit—it’s a pathway to long-term settlement and eventual citizenship for investors who maintain their qualifying investment and meet the legal residence requirements.

Permanent residency pathway

• Business VIPER applicants often receive permanent residency immediately.
• Real estate Golden Visa applicants may receive a multi-year temporary residency first, which can then be converted to permanent residency once renewal requirements are met.

Both routes allow family members to receive derivative residency with similar rights.

Legal residence period for citizenship

Once you hold permanent residency, you can typically apply for Brazilian citizenship after 4 years of legal residence.

Faster routes to citizenship may apply if:

• You have a Brazilian spouse: eligibility after 1 year of permanent residence.
• You have a Brazilian-born child: eligibility after 1 year.
• You have provided notable services to Brazil or invested in a sector of national interest: eligibility after 2 years.

Rights of permanent residents

Once you achieve permanent residency (aka the Brazil “green card”), you gain rights to:

• Live and work anywhere in Brazil.
• Access public education and healthcare.
• Buy, sell, and own property.
• Invest in and run businesses.
• Enjoy simplified mobility across Mercosur countries.

Dual citizenship

Brazil allows dual citizenship in most cases, meaning investors can retain their original nationality when naturalizing as Brazilian citizens.

How Can Global Citizen Solutions Help You?

Global Citizen Solutions is a boutique migration consultancy firm with years of experience delivering bespoke residence and citizenship by investment solutions for international families. With offices worldwide and an experienced, hands-on team, we have helped hundreds of clients worldwide acquire citizenship, residence visas, or homes while diversifying their portfolios with robust investments. 

We guide you from start to finish, taking you beyond your citizenship or residency by investment application.