Brazil is one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets. It is home to Latin America’s largest economy, a booming tech and renewable energy sector, and some of the most attractive real estate opportunities in the region.
Through the Brazil Investment Visa, foreign nationals can obtain residency in the country via two different routes: purchasing real estate or make a qualifying business investment . Often referred to as Brazil’s Golden Visa or the Brazil VIPER Visa, the program offers a pathway to long-term residency and eventual Brazilian citizenship.
The visa offers two distinct routes. The real estate pathway is ideal for those seeking a more streamlined, property-based option with fewer ongoing obligations. The business investment pathway targets investors and entrepreneurs looking to establish or capitalize a Brazilian company. Both routes provide full residency rights, family inclusion, and access to Brazil’s public services, with the real estate option typically being the more passive and lifestyle-oriented choice.
In this guide, we explain how the Brazil Investment Visa works, including minimum investment amounts, eligibility criteria, application process, residency rights, and the path to Brazilian citizenship.
- What is the Brazil Investment Visa?
- Benefits of the Brazil Investment Visa
- Brazil Investment Visa Minimum Investment and Requirements
- Eligibility Criteria for the Brazil Investment Visa
- Brazil Investment Visa Cost and Fees
- How to Apply for the Brazil Investment Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
- Brazil Investor Visa Timeline and Processing Time
- Path to Permanent Residency and Brazilian Citizenship
- Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Brazil Investment Visa?
The Brazil Investment Visa is Brazil’s main Residency by Investment program for foreign nationals wishing to live, work, and invest in the country.
The program is sometimes informally referred to as the Brazil Residency by Investment, Brazil Golden Visa, or Brazil VIPER Visa, although none of these are official names.
Brazil’s Investment Visa allows foreign nationals to obtain residency in Brazil through two different pathways: real estate or business investment.
To qualify, investors can inject capital into a new or existing Brazilian company, participate in high-growth sectors like technology and renewable energy, or purchase property in the country.
Real estate investors begin with temporary residency, which can be converted to permanent residency after meeting renewal and investment maintenance requirements. Business investors typically qualify for permanent residency immediately.
Both pathways to the Brazil Investor Visa 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).
Brazil Investor Visa categories
01. Real estate investment
Purchase of qualifying residential or commercial property.
| Residency Outcome | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Begins with 2-year temporary residency, easily renewable and convertible to permanent residency. | ✔ Passive investment with no business management required. ✔ Provides a tangible asset in Brazil’s growing real estate market. ✔ Popular route for families, retirees, and lifestyle relocation. ✔ Lower risk, less bureaucracy, and more straightforward compliance. |
02. Business Investment
Capital injection into a Brazilian company, including innovation/startups
| Residency Outcome | Key Benefits |
|---|---|
| Often grants permanent residency from the start, depending on business impact. | ✔ Immediate or accelerated permanent residency eligibility. ✔ Suitable for entrepreneurs wishing to operate a business in Brazil. ✔ Direct participation in Brazil’s growing tech, energy, and innovation sectors. |
Regardless of the chosen route, applicants may include immediate family members, access public and private services, and work toward Brazilian citizenship after fulfilling the legal residence period (typically four years of permanent residency).
7 Benefits of the Brazil Investment Visa
The Brazil Investor Visa offers one of the most flexible and accessible residency-by-investment pathways in Latin America. Whether obtained through the real estate route or via business capital injection, the program provides a wide range of lifestyle, mobility, and long-term settlement advantages for foreign investors and their families.
1. Full residency rights in Brazil
Holders can live, work, study, and start a business anywhere in the country. Unlike many residency programs, Brazil places no restrictions on employment or business activity for investor residents.
2. Brazil permanent residency and a route to citizenship
Both investment routes offer a pathway to long-term residency and citizenship.
The real estate investment route offers temporary residency for two years, which can be converted to permanent residency. The business investment route, on the other hand, grants permanent residency from the start.
Once permanent residency has been held the sufficient amount of time, investors may apply for Brazilian citizenship after four years of legal residence. Dual citizenship is permitted under Brazilian law.
3. Family inclusion under one application
Spouses, partners, and dependent children can all be added to a single Brazil Investor Visa application, making it ideal for families planning long-term relocation or a generational Plan B.
4. Access to Brazil’s public services
Residents can access public healthcare, education, and social services, along with the ability to participate in Brazil’s banking and financial system—crucial for investing, buying property, or running a business.
5. Mercosur access
Brazil is a full member of Mercosur, offering investor residents simplified residence and work access to countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay, and easier movement across South America.
6. Attractive real estate and business climate
Brazil offers strong rental yields, undervalued real estate in major cities like São Paulo and Rio, and abundant opportunities in technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, and tourism.
7. No mandatory physical stay (depending on route)
Some investor residents, particularly those on the real estate route, can maintain their residency with minimal physical presence, depending on the permit issued and renewal rules in place.
The combination of residency rights, investment opportunity, and a clear pathway to citizenship makes the Investor’s Visa Brazil an increasingly sought-after alternative to European Golden Visas.
Brazil Investor Visa Minimum Investment and Requirements
The qualifying investment requirements depend on whether the applicant follows the real estate investment route or the business investment route:
01/ Brazil Investor Visa real estate route
This attractive pathway grants residency through the purchase of eligible urban residential or commercial property. It offers a passive, secure, and lifestyle-focused path to residency. It’s also oftentimes simpler than the business investment route.
Minimum investment:
| Location | Required Investment |
|---|---|
| Standard (Urban Centers) | BRL 1,000,000 (approx. USD $196,000) |
| North or Northeast development regions | BRL 700,000 (approx. USD $137,000) |
Popular eligible cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Fortaleza, Salvador, Natal, João Pessoa, Maceió
Key requirements:
- Property purchase must be completed before the visa application.
- The deed must be registered with the Land Registry (Registro de Imóveis).
- Funds must come from abroad and be registered via Central Bank.
- Only new or officially regularized properties qualify under federal Golden Visa rules.
Investment preferences: Rental-yield properties in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, beachfront real estate in Bahia, development projects in Ceará, and high-growth regions like Pernambuco.
02/ Business investment route
This route allows investors to establish or inject capital into a Brazilian company while securing residency. It is most suitable for applicants who want an active role in Brazilian business, startups, or commercial expansion.
Minimum investment:
| Investment Type | Required Capital |
|---|---|
| Standard business investment | BRL 500,000 (approx. USD $98,000) |
| Innovation/startup investment | BRL 150,000 (approx. USD $29,500) — reserved for tech, innovation, AI, biotech, green energy, and approved startups |
Key requirements:
- Submission of a government-compliant business plan demonstrating economic impact.
- Proof of job creation, usually 5 – 10 positions over a three-year period, or evidence of technological innovation.
- Investment must be registered with the Central Bank (RDE-IED).
- Funds must be transferred through an authorized Brazilian bank under official foreign investment channels.
- The company must be incorporated with a CNPJ number (Brazilian corporate tax ID).
Popular sectors: Fintech, agritech, renewable energy, logistics, e-commerce, cybersecurity, and export-oriented manufacturing.
Notes on qualifying (both investment routes)
- Both the real estate and business routes lead to Brazil permanent residency after two years and may qualify for Brazil citizenship after four years of residency.
- Investments must remain active and maintained to retain residency.
- Spouses, partners, and dependent children under 24 (if financially dependent) may be included in the same application.
- Funds must be traceable, legal, and fully documented.
Eligibility Criteria for the Brazil Investment Visa
To qualify for the Brazil Investment Visa, applicants must meet both investment-specific and general eligibility criteria. These ensure the investor’s financial capacity, legal compliance, and ability to contribute to Brazil’s economic and social development.
01/ General eligibility requirements
All applicants, regardless of whether they choose the real estate investment or business investment route, must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Age | Must be at least 18 years old. Minor children can be included as dependents. |
| Criminal record | Clean criminal record from all countries where the applicant has lived in the past five years. Certificates must be apostilled and translated. |
| Proof of funds | Investment funds must come from verifiable, legal sources (bank transfers, audit trail). |
| Health and insurance | No serious contagious diseases; some consulates require proof of health insurance during temporary residency. |
| Legal entry status | If applying from within Brazil, must hold legal immigration status (for example, a visitor visa or visa waiver at the time of application). |
| CPF registration | Must hold a valid CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), which is Brazil’s tax ID number. |
| Presence in Brazil (post-approval) | Must appear in person to complete biometric registration with the Federal Police and receive the residency card. |
02/ Real estate investment eligibility
To qualify through real estate investment, the applicant must:
- Purchase qualifying residential or commercial property of at least BRL 1,000,000, or BRL 700,000 if located in government-designated North/Northeast development regions.
- Complete the property purchase before submitting the visa application.
- Register ownership with the Land Registry (Registro de Imóveis) and obtain a certified deed (Matrícula).
- Transfer funds from abroad via authorized financial channels, with proof of remittance and Central Bank registration.
- Invest in new, regularized, or officially recognized properties (illegal or off-plan properties generally not accepted unless duly certified).
- Hold full or shared legal ownership. Joint ownership is permitted if each applicant meets the minimum threshold individually.
03/ Business investment eligibility (company capitalization route)
To qualify through business investment, the applicant must:
- Invest at least BRL 500,000 (standard) OR BRL 150,000 (innovation/startup category).
- Register the investment via RDE-IED with the Brazilian Central Bank.
- Establish or capitalize a company with a valid CNPJ (corporate tax number).
- Submit a business plan showing economic potential, job creation (5 – 10 positions recommended), or technological innovation.
- Act as a director, administrator, or shareholder of the company (active or supervisory role).
- Be able to manage or oversee operations directly or through designated representatives.
04/ Eligible dependents
The Brazil Investor Visa allows the inclusion of family members under one residency application.
Dependents who can be included:
| Eligible family members | Conditions |
|---|---|
| Spouse or legal partner | Marriage or registered partnership certificate required. |
| Children under 18 | Birth certificate required. |
| Children up to 24 | Must be financially dependent and enrolled in education. |
| Disabled children or dependents | No age limit if financially and medically dependent. |
| Parents or in-laws | Possible, but only in certain cases (financial dependency must be shown). |
Note that dependents do not need to make any additional investments, only the main applicant.
How to Apply for the Brazil Investment Visa: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the Investment Visa Brazil is straightforward when each stage is handled correctly. Below is the clear, investor-friendly process followed by most successful applicants:
Step 01/ Choose your investment route
Decide whether to pursue:
- The Brazil Golden Visa real estate route (BRL 1,000,000 / 700,000) OR
- The business investment route (BRL 500,000 / 150,000).
Step 02/ 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 03/ 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 04/ Complete the investment
- Real estate investors: Purchase qualifying property and obtain official registration (Registro de Imóveis).
- Business investors: Capitalize a new or existing company and prepare a compliant business plan demonstrating economic impact and job creation.
Step 05/ 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 06/ Submit application
Apply through:
- A Brazilian Consulate abroad, or
- Directly within Brazil via the Ministry of Justice and National Immigration Council.
Step 07/ Receive approval and enter Brazil
Once approved, you will receive visa authorization for entry and residency.
Step 08/ 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.
Brazil Investor Visa Processing Time
The Investor Visa Brazil 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.
Processing timeline:
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 (real estate purchase or business capitalization), 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-related applications process slightly faster, while real estate 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 the issuance of their residency card.
Total estimated timeframe: 3 – 8 months from start to finish for most investors.
Brazil Investment Visa Cost and Fees
Understanding the full cost of the Brazil Investment Visa is essential to budgeting your investment and residency strategy.
In addition to the required capital investment, applicants should consider government fees, legal assistance, and property/company-related expenses. Below is a breakdown of typical costs for both the real estate and business investment routes.
01/ Government and administrative fees
| Fee type | Main applicant | Per dependent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence authorization (Ministry of Justice) | USD $200–400 | USD $200–400 | Paid during application submission |
| Consular visa issuance fee | USD $100–250 | USD $100–250 | Varies by consulate and nationality |
| Federal Police Registration & CRNM Card | USD $80–150 | USD $80–150 | Paid upon arrival in Brazil |
| Document apostille & sworn translation (approx.) | USD $300–800 | Included | Required for all foreign documents |
| Police clearance certificate | USD $30–60 | USD $30–60 | Must be issued within last 90 days |
Final amounts may slightly vary depending on the issuing country and consulate.
02/ Real estate transaction costs
| Cost type | Estimated value |
|---|---|
| Property Transfer Tax (ITBI) | 2–4% of property value |
| Land registry & notary fees | 1–2% of property value |
| Due diligence & property valuation | USD $1,000–3,000 |
| Bank transfer & currency conversion fees | 0.5–1.5% of property value |
Total closing costs for real estate investors typically range between 3% and 7% of the property value.
03/ Legal and immigration advisory fees
Most investors work with licensed immigration and real estate legal counsel to structure the investment, register funds correctly, and manage the residency application.
| Service | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Immigration legal advisory and application management | USD $5,000 – $15,000 |
| Central Bank investment registration (RDE-IED) | Included or USD $500 – $1,500 |
| Business incorporation and tax registration (VIPER route) | USD $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Real estate due diligence and contract review (Golden Visa route | USD $1,500 – $4,000 |
Fees depend on family size, investment route, and legal complexity.
04/ Total estimated cost range
| Investment path | Minimum investment | Additional costs (fees, legal, taxes) | Estimated total starting from |
|---|---|---|---|
| Business VIPER – innovation / startup | BRL 150,000 | USD $8,000–15,000 | USD ~$40,000+ |
| Business VIPER – standard capital investment | BRL 500,000 | USD $10,000–18,000 | USD ~$120,000+ |
| Real estate (North/Northeast regions) | BRL 700,000 | 3–7% closing fees + legal support | USD ~$160,000+ |
| Real estate (urban regions) | BRL 1,000,000 | 3–7% closing fees + legal support | USD ~$230,000+ |
Family members are included in the same residency application without additional investment. Only government and administrative fees apply per dependent.
Summary of out-of-pocket costs (excluding investment capital)
| Cost category | Main applicant | Family of 4 (spouse and 2 children) |
|---|---|---|
| Government and administrative fees | USD $600–1,200 | USD $1,800–3,200 |
| Legal support and application management | USD $5,000–15,000 | USD $7,000–18,000 |
| Property / business costs (due diligence, registry, taxes) | USD $3,000–10,000 | USD $4,000–12,000 |
| Estimated total (excluding investment) | USD $8,500–26,000 | USD $12,000–33,000 |
Path to Permanent Residency and Brazilian Citizenship
The Brazil Investment Visa is a direct pathway to long-term residency, permanent settlement, and eventual Brazilian citizenship, provided the qualifying investment is maintained and legal residence requirements are met. The road to citizenship is as follows:
| Residency stage | Real estate investment route | Business investment route |
|---|---|---|
| Initial residency | 2-year temporary residence permit. | Permanent residency granted from the start. |
| Upgrade to permanent residency | After 2 years (renewal and proof of maintained investment) | Not required (already permanent). |
| Minimum legal stay requirement | No minimum presence required for residency retention; but must renew after 2 years before transitioning | Must register biometrics once; no minimum stay requirement initially, but recommended to spend time in Brazil for citizenship eligibility later. |
| Eligible to apply for citizenship | After 4 years of permanent residency (total 6 years from application), or faster if qualifying under special categories | After 4 years of permanent residency (standard), or eligible sooner in special cases. |
Fast-track citizenship eligibility
Citizenship may be granted earlier (usually after 1 to 2 years) if the investor:
| Fast-track category | Citizenship eligibility |
|---|---|
| Married to a Brazilian citizen | Eligible after 1 year of permanent residency |
| Has a Brazilian-born child | Eligible after 1 year |
| Has a Brazilian-born child | Eligible after 2 year |
| Standard naturalization (no exemptions) | 4 years of permanent residency |
Rights as a permanent resident:
Once the Brazil permanent residency is granted, the holder is entitled to:
- Live, work, and invest anywhere in Brazil.
- Access public education and healthcare systems.
- Own and sell real estate and other assets.
- Register and operate businesses.
- Travel freely within Mercosur countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Chile, etc.).
- Sponsor family members for derivative residency.
Dual citizenship
Brazil allows dual citizenship in most cases. 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.
