Obtain Residency in Brazil

There are several ways through which foreigners can obtain Brazilian residency. Among them, employment, business, and family reunion are often used by people all over the world. If you want to apply for a residence permit and need support in selecting the most appropriate option for you, please address our law firm in Brazil for guidance.

Who is eligible for residency in Brazil?

There are several ways through which US residents or nationals of other countries can apply for residency in Brazil, among which:

• administrators or managers of start-up companies;
• investors;
• researchers or high-level professional specialists;
• administrators or managers of a corporation;
• pensioners;
• spouses of Brazilian citizens;
• fathers of Brazilian children.

What types of residence permits can I obtain as a foreigner in Brazil?

There are two types of residence permits available if you want to relocate to Brazil:

• the temporary residence permit, which is the first document to enable you to live legally in Brazil;
• the permanent residence permit, which is issued based on your duration of stay in Brazil.

How can I obtain a temporary residence permit for Brazil?

The most important aspect to consider is the reason for immigration to Brazil in 2026. From this point of view, the permit issued can be associated with:

• employment: in this case, you will be issued both a work and residence permit;
• investment: this type of visa requires a minimum investment in a local business or real estate purchase;
• family reunification: in this case, you must have a relative who lives in Brazil;
• retirement: if you have sufficient income to sustain your stay in Brazil, you can retire here;
• study/research: you can obtain a residence permit if you are enrolled in a Brazilian educational institution;
• international agreements: Brazil is a MERCOSUR member, so if you come from one of those countries, you can relocate here based on such an agreement.

NOTE: Our Brazilian immigration lawyers offer tailored consultancy based on your country of residence for a hassle-free procedure.

Here is our infographic on this topic:

Are there any special aspects to consider about permanent residency in Brazil?

Yes, the purpose of a permanent resident visa is to allow a person to live and work in Brazil for good. However, these permanent visas are subject to revision right after three years from the date of issuance.

Our lawyers in Brazil can assist a person with his/her renewal of a visa. This renewal is important if a person wants to live and work in Brazil uninterrupted.

How do I apply for a residence permit in Brazil?

You have two options:

• in your country of origin with the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate;
• directly in Brazil through the Federal Police or Ministry of Justice, depending on your situation.

Clients can rely on our local lawyers for support in drafting the papers to obtain residency in Brazil in 2026.

Here is also a video on this subject:

What are the documents required to obtain residency in Brazil?

• an application form;
• the valid passport;
• proof of address in Brazil;
• clean criminal record certificate;
• documents associated with the reason for relocation;
• proof of fee payment.

How long does it take to obtain a residence permit in Brazil?

3 to 6 months, depending on the means of application.

Is a Brazilian permanent residence card renewable?

Yes, a permanent visa is usually valid for nine years, although certain groups, particularly investors, must renew their status after three years.

People who are seeking to get a residency in Brazil in 2026 can contact our law firm in Brazil for assistance. Our team can also help you open a business in Brazil.