Immigration Info

Visiting Brazil for pleasure or for family reasons is an easy process. A valid visa is required. When visitors enter Brazil their visit will be approved for an amount of time not exceeding 90 days. However the time period may be extended another 90 days. The extension will require proof of funds to sustain the stay as well as a return ticket.

1 Non Tourist Visa

Business people often visit Brazil for short periods of time and may conduct some business during their stay. For this type of visit a business visa allows the visitor to make business contacts, participate in seminars and attend business congresses and fairs. The same time periods apply to both a business visa and a tourist visa.

2 Temporary Residency

There are many categories of temporary residency in Brazil. These visits are generally longer than 90 days and will require considerably more time and paperwork before approval is granted. Some of the people who may visit under a temporary residency visa include foreign correspondents, entertainers and professional sportsman, students, welfare workers and business people. These different types of temporary residency will require different paperwork, applications and documentation. Some of the most common documentation required will be a valid visa, additional visa pictures; some may require financial documentation, business letters or academic institution verification. All visitors granted temporary residency for longer than 90 days must register with the federal police and receive identity documentation for their stay.

3 Permanent Residency

There are several ways in which you might qualify for permanent residency in Brazil. Retirees with an income of $2000 per month may qualify although certain criteria will apply. For retirees you must be at least 50 and you can bring in any number of dependants. The retiree may bring in two additional dependants on the same $2000 per month but beyond that additional dependants will require an additional $1000 in income each per month.

For investors the requirements include an investment in a productive activity in Brazil. The dollar amount of the investment is a minimum of $50,000. An investor's residency will be limited to 5 years and at that time proof of the successful investment must be provided to the federal police for the residency to be extended.

Permanent residence may be granted to a foreigner who marries a Brazilian citizen. To obtain this residency type you'll need to provide a marriage certificate along with statements from witnesses. After the paperwork is completed but before residency is granted the couple can expect a surprise visit to confirm the marriage is legitimate and not one of convenience to obtain residency.

Several other types of residency are also available and have different documentation requirements. By visiting any of the Brazilian consulates you'll be able to obtain all the relevant information and applications. Because the immigration process for Brazil can be lengthy and complicated most foreigners seek the help and advice of a Brazilian attorney who specializes in the process. For anyone wishing to enter Brazil with permanent residency the process must be complete before entry to the country.

4 Consulates and Embassies

There are Brazilian Embassies and Consulates all over the world. They are present to aid Brazilian citizens in times of emergency. They can also process visa and residency applications for foreigners wishing to visit or live in Brazil. When in Brazil you should visit your country's Embassy. You can fill out information about your stay and provide contact information. If an emergency does arise you should contact your Embassy immediately and seek their advice regarding the specific situation. They will best be able to advise you on the proper course of action.