Obtain Brazilian Citizenship by Investment
If you are planning to obtain Brazil permanent residency by investment, get in touch with our law firm in Brazil for assistance.

If you want to apply for citizenship by investment in Brazil, you can file for the investor visa. However, this visa leads to permanent residency followed by nationality. Discover below how our lawyers can assist with the application.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Citizenship by naturalization | Yes. Lodged in Brazil |
Minimum lawful stay before application | Uninterupted minimum lawful stay of 4 years |
Reduced period of residence | 1 year for those who are married to a Brazilian, have a Brazilian child or who offer relevant services or professional, scientific or artistic capacity (the former 3-year reductions no longer apply), subject to conditions |
| Conditions for naturalization | Legal capacity, registration as a permanent resident, uninterrupted residence, Portuguese language knowledge, sufficient income, and others |
| Citizenship by birth | Automatic at birth, with some exceptions |
| Special naturalization | For citizens of Portuguese-speaking countries, after an uninterrupted stay of 1 year. Other conditions apply |
| Direct immigration with family members (YES/NO) | Residency, followed by citizenship |
| Family members allowed to join the program | Yes |
| Residence visa/citizenship processing time (approx.) | 15 working days |
| Additional financial requirements for family members (YES/NO) | No |
| Timeframe for obtaining citizenship/residency by investment | Immediate permanent residence after the confirmation of the investment 4 years uninterrupted permanent residence before applying for citizenship |
| Dual citizenship permitted (YES/NO) | Yes |
| Reasons to choose Brazil | Fast-growing economy Beautiful natural lanscape Vibrant lifestyle |
| Personal income tax rate | Progressive rates: 0%,7.5%,15%,22.5%,27.5% (from 2026, monthly income up to BRL 5,000 is effectively exempt) |
| Visa free travel to other countries (approx. number of countries) | About 169 (Henley Passport Index 2026) |
What are the requirements to obtain an investor visa for Brazil?
The following:
- being at least 18 years old and having a clean criminal record;
- having sufficient money to make the investment and proof that the money comes from legitimate sources.
What are the investment options that lead to citizenship in Brazil?
You can choose between:
- starting a new company or purchasing stock in an already-existing Brazilian company, as a means to boost employment and the country’s economy;
- putting money into a specialized sector, in industries like technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, and infrastructure, for which Brazil provides simpler requirements, quicker visa processing, and incentives;
- real estate acquisition; the investor visa can also be obtained by buying property worth in metropolitan areas or in coastal locations like Rio de Janeiro.
IMPORTANT! The investment pathway will determine the type of Brazilian residence permit you will obtain.
What is the minimum amount to invest to get a golden visa in Brazil?
The following:
- RS 700,000 to RS 1 million for real estate purchase (the lower amount is available for properties in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil);
- RS 150,000 to RS 500,000 for business investment.
Our Brazilian lawyers can assist with both real estate acquisition and business setup.
What are the steps to apply for an investment visa?
The following:
- open a Brazilian bank account and transfer the funds for the investment;
- buy the property/set up the company;
- draft the immigration papers and submit them;
- obtain your residence permit.
Here is also our video on this subject:
What are the documents required when applying for an investor visa in Brazil?
The following:
- a business or investment plan that must be approved by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security;
- a bank reference through which the financial institution you applied with accepts the investment (SISBACEN) or the declaration of foreign direct investment (FDI) with the Central Bank of Brazil.
- proof of payment for income tax for the legal entity’s final fiscal year of operations (if applicable);
- the articles of incorporation for the Brazilian legal entity that received the investment, if the case requires;
- the receipt indicating the payment of the visa fee;
- a police clearance certificate in original;
- the passport in original and copy;
- a resume and academic and professional credentials;
- the birth certificate in original or certified copy, if needed;
- the original or certified copy of the marriage certificate, if you are married;
- proof of a residential address in Brazil;
- a bank statement indicating self-sufficiency (please note that this is a different amount of money from the sum required as investment);
- certified copies of the incorporation certificate or business license paperwork, if necessary;
- two recent photographs.
NOTE: All documents from other countries must be apostilled by the competent authority of the issuing country (or legalized by the relevant Brazilian consulate where the Apostille Convention does not apply) and then translated by a Brazilian translator.
How long does it take to obtain an investor visa for Brazil?
Approximately 3 months.
How long must I live in Brazil to obtain permanent residency?
You become eligible for permanent residency after 2 years.
Can I bring family members with me to Brazil based on this type of visa?
Yes, on the same application you can include:
- your spouse;
- children;
- dependent parents.
How long must I live in Brazil to obtain citizenship after making an investment?
You will obtain citizenship by naturalization after 4 consecutive years of living here.
What are the advantages of moving to Brazil to obtain citizenship by investment?
The Brazil investment visa comes with numerous benefits, among which we mention the following:
- access to the country’s healthcare and education systems;
- access to a wide range of investment options;
- possibility to acquire a property in Brazil;
- access to Brazilian citizenship;
- after securing citizenship, you will have visa-free access to more than 160 countries.
Also, provided your country allows it, you can also benefit from dual citizenship in Brazil.
Contact our law firm if you want to apply for an investor visa that can lead to citizenship in Brazil.
Dr. Jamil Abdo, Attorney at Law · 13 October 2026Dr. Jamil Abdo is one of the partners of Abdo Advogados.
