Brazil Retirement Visa – A Complete Guide for 2026 

If you plan to retire in Brazil and enjoy its sunny weather and beautiful beaches, the Brazil Retirement Visa VITEM XIV (Temporary Residency for Retirees and Pensioners) may be the right fit. 

This visa allows foreign retirees and pensioners to obtain legal residency in Brazil, provided they can show a steady monthly income stream from a pension or retirement benefit. 

The most interesting fact about the Brazil Retirement Visa is that you don’t have to prove (in theory) that you are retired. You just must prove you have a stable income from a pension or retirement benefits, showing you can support yourself while living in Brazil. 

Let’s dive deeper into the Brazil Retirement Visa, including what it offers, eligibility criteria, and how to apply. 

Key Takeaways

The Brazil Retirement Visa (VITEM XIV) allows foreign retirees and pensioners with a stable minimum pension or retirement income of USD 2,000 per month to obtain legal residency, allowing them to retire in Brazil, even without proving they are retired, and with no age limit. 

Applicants receive a 2-year temporary residence permit that can be renewed continuously, may apply to become a permanent resident after 4 years, and can later pursue citizenship after 4 years of permanent residence, while keeping dual citizenship. 

Visa holders and their dependents may own businesses and investments in Brazil, but cannot engage in salaried employment or active business management. They also have access to Brazil’s public healthcare system (SUS) and private healthcare, including spouses and dependent children, and benefit from Mercosur regional mobility. 

The Brazil Pensioner Visa has a clear legal framework, straightforward application process (around two months), simple renewal rules, defined income and documentation requirements, and does not require property purchases or business investment, unlike the Brazil Investor Visa.  

The Brazil Retirement Visa is an immigration program that allows foreign retirees to live, work and study in Brazil, provided they can show proof of income in the form of retirement benefits or a pension from abroad.  

Visa holders receive two years of temporary residence, renewable continuously. You can remain in Brazil on this visa indefinitely, provided you renew it every two years.  

Unlike other retirement or pensionado visas in Latin America, this visa doesn’t have an age limit. It is specifically designed for foreign nationals who can demonstrate a stable income stream from pension or retirement benefits. In return, the individual gets to retire in Brazil and enjoy a safe, stable economy with access to public and private services. 

Highlights of the Brazil Retirement Visa 

• Targeted at foreign retirees who want to retire in Brazil and can show proof of monthly income from a pension or retirement benefits. 
• Has no minimum or maximum age limit, and applicants don’t have to prove (in theory) they are retired. The primary requirement is proof of sufficient retirement income, as Brazil requires applicants to be able to support themselves in the country. 
• Successful applicants receive a 2-year temporary visa (residence permit), renewable continuously. After 4 years as a temporary resident, they may then apply for permanent residency. Applicants can also apply for Brazilian citizenship after 4 years of permanent residency. Brazil also allows dual citizenship, so retirees don’t have to renounce their original citizenship.  
• Eligible retirees or pensioners must initiate a monthly transfer of USD 2,000 (minimum) per month to Brazil, which may be from government or private pensions. 
• This visa program is designed for retirees only and does not accept passive income from investments or business activity unless it supplements the pension to meet the minimum required amount for the visa. 
• Dependents of applicants on this visa can apply for the Family Reunion Visa, which is for Spouse or Minor Children to live with you in Brazil.   

Who is this visa best for? 

This visa is best suited for: 

• Retirees and lifestyle seekers seeking comfort, great weather, and value. 
• Families seeking continuous residency in a safe and culturally rich environment 
• Individuals seeking a pathway to Brazilian citizenship and MERCOSUR mobility 

1. Pathway to permanent residence 

With the Brazil Retirement Visa, you begin with 2 years of temporary residence. You can then renew it continuously, and after completing four years as a temporary resident, you become eligible to apply for permanent residency. To make this switch, you must demonstrate that you have maintained the minimum monthly retirement income (at least USD 2,000) and successfully transferred these funds to Brazil during the initial period. You must also go to Brazil for at least 14 days (consecutive or non-consecutive) every two years to maintain residency and possibly apply for permanent residency.  

2. Path to citizenship 

Once you hold permanent residency for four years, you may later pursue Brazilian citizenship by naturalization. This is provided you meet all other standard requirements, such as having strong ties to Brazil, learning how to speak Portuguese, and being in the country for more than 183 days per year. 

3. Legally established and transparent framework 

The Retirement Visa is operated and overseen by the National Immigration Council (CNIg). It follows Brazil’s well-defined immigration laws and has a very transparent framework. 

4. Right to live, work, and study in Brazil 

Visa holders, along with their dependents, enjoy full legal residency rights, including the ability to live, study, and work anywhere in Brazil. 

5. Family inclusion 

This program makes family reunification easy. Spouses and dependent (minor) children can be included in the same visa application. 

6. Access to quality healthcare and social services 

Visa holders, now residents, can access Brazil’s Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS), which offers great healthcare at no cost. They also have access to a wide network of private healthcare providers. 

7. Stable economy 

As one of the world’s largest economies, Brazil has a diversified market base across sectors such as agriculture, industry, and services. While political shifts happen, the country’s democratic institutions and independent judiciary help provide a stable setting for long-term residence planning and asset ownership. 

8. High quality of life and cultural diversity 

Brazil delivers an exciting mix of urban sophistication, natural beauty, and cultural energy. The major cities have modern infrastructure, diverse cuisine, and many leisure options. On the other hand, the coastal and inland towns offer a slower, more relaxed lifestyle. The warm climate, welcoming population and affordable living costs make it easy to see why foreign retirees are drawn here. 

9. Regional mobility and MERCOSUR Benefits 

As a founding member of Mercosur, Brazil grants its residents visa-free travel and residence rights in other Mercosur border regions and associate countries. 

10. Straightforward application process 

The Retirement Visa process is efficient and well-structured, and only takes up to two months from document submission to approval. This visa is also open to citizens of all nationalities, provided they meet the requirements. 

11. Simple minimum stay requirement for renewals 

Brazilian residence permits, whether temporary or permanent, remain valid as long as you do not stay outside Brazil for more than 2 consecutive years, as exceeding this may result in the cancellation of the residence card. In practice, spending at least 14 days in Brazil within each two-year period is generally enough to show you are maintaining residence. The Federal Police verify this through entry and exit records, and applicants must continue to maintain the required income flow the residence period. 

12. Free Entry and Exit 

Retirement Visa holders are free to enter and leave Brazil as often as they like, with no limits on the number or length of trips abroad. 

To be eligible for the Brazil Retirement Visa VITEM XIV (Temporary Residency for Retirees and Pensioners), you (the main applicant) must meet the following criteria: 

• Receive a stable and regular pension or retirement income of USD 2,000 minimum per month. 
• The applicant does not need to be fully retired in practice; Brazil’s immigration authorities focus on the availability and stability of retirement or pension income, rather than employment status. 
• The program is intended for retirees and pensioners. Passive income from investments or business activities is not accepted as a standalone source; it may be used only to supplement pension income to meet the required minimum. 
• The applicant must demonstrate the ability to transfer funds regularly to Brazil. 
• A clean criminal record is required. 

Eligibility criteria for dependents 

A main applicant for the Brazil Retirement Visa can bring in eligible dependents. These individuals include: 

• Spouse or legally recognized partner 
• Minor children 
• Adult children who are financially dependent 

Extended relatives such as siblings, cousins, aunts/uncles, or grandparents generally do not qualify unless they fall under dependency criteria or guardianship recognized by a court. Common law partners are recognized as long as the partnership is documented in the form of a stable-union certificate or court-recognized declaration. 

To qualify for the Brazil Retirement Visa, the applicant must meet the following financial requirements: 

• Must demonstrate a stable and retirement monthly income worth a minimum of USD 2,000 (USD 2,500 – USD 3,000 recommended for a smooth approval process and to cover the cost of living adjustments). 
• This income must come from a pension or retirement fund. 
• Only sources of income related to retirement are allowed. This may include government social security (e.g., Social Security in the US), private pension funds, 401(k)s, IRAs, annuities, or survivor pensions. 
• Additional passive income, such as dividends or rental income, may be presented as supplementary financial evidence. However, the main source of funds must be a retirement fund or pension. 
• You don’t need to transfer your funds to a Brazilian bank account immediately. However, the funds must be easily accessible and transferable once you’re in Brazil. 
• Note that the principal applicant’s proven income must be sufficient to cover all dependents. Brazil immigration authorities typically expect an additional amount of income for each dependent added to the file. 
• Applicants must also prove that their funds were lawfully sourced through authenticated pension contracts, bank statements, or official Social Security letters. 
• All documents must be apostilled or legalized and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator. 

Unlike citizenship by investment visas, this visa program does not require applicants to purchase real estate or inject capital into a business. However, Brazil Retirement Visa holders can still own property and invest locally voluntarily. 

Note that the Brazil Retirement Visa is for retirees only. Visa holders cannot enter into salaried employment with a local Brazilian company. 

First, the applicant needs to get their Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF), which is Brazil’s individual taxpayer identification number used for everyday legal and administrative activities in Brazil, such as opening a Brazilian bank accounts, signing contracts, accessing services, etc. This application can be done remotely.   

For CPF Application (Scanned Documents) 

• Selfie holding the valid passport 
• Copy of the valid passport bio page 
• Full name of the applicant’s father 
• Full name of the applicant’s mother 

For Submission of the Application 

• Completed visa application form 
• Valid passport (6 months minimum validity) 
• Birth Certificate 
• Proof of Address 
• Criminal record certificate 
• Proof of pension/retirement income and transferability to Brazil of at least USD 2,000 per month. Sources can include: IRAs, US. Social Security Payments, Annuities, Pension Funds, 401 (k) s, and others.   
• Valid health insurance certificate with some reservations: If you apply from abroad through a Brazilian consulate, you must have private health insurance. However, you won’t be able to use this health insurance in Brazil and will need to obtain another private health insurance policy upon arrival. Travel insurance will not suffice. If you apply from Brazil, you will not be required to demonstrate private health insurance.   
• Additional documents for dependents: marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of cohabitation, financial dependency, and student status for children older than 18 years. 
• You may need to get the following documents apostilled and translated by a sworn translator: Birth Certificate, Proof of Retirement Account Monthly Income, Proof of Capacity to Wire Funds to Brazil and Criminal Record.   

You can begin the application once you have your CPF. After this is done, follow the steps below: 

1. Gather and legalize documents 

2. Submit application at Brazilian consulate (if you are outside of Brazil) or in person in Brazil 
   • If you do not have the tourist visa available (for 90 days), you can stay during your application   

3. Attend biometrics appointment   

4. Receive temporary residence approval 
   • If you are outside of Brazil, you will receive the notice of approval, obtain the Brazilian entry visa and can enter Brazil. Upon arrival, you must register with the Federal Police to finalize your residency status and receive the Foreigner Registration Card (CRNM). You present yourself at the Federal Police for biometrics and apply for a Temporary Resident Card. 

5. Renew temporary visa after 2 years (optional) 

6. Apply for permanent residence after 4 years

It can take up to six to eight weeks or about 2 months for your application to be approved, provided all documents are correct and well-submitted. Once you apply for the Visa, you are legally allowed to stay in the country during the application process.   

Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income (both Brazilian and foreign-sourced) when they qualify as tax residents.  Individuals holding the Brazil Retirement Visa will be taxed on their global income if they become Brazilian tax residents by spending more than 183 days (not necessarily consecutive) in Brazil within a 12-month period, or by establishing residence under other criteria.   

Some countries have tax treaties with Brazil to prevent double taxation. It’s important to work with a tax professional to develop a solid tax strategy and ensure compliance.