Residence permit in Brazil for investment in real estate
The VIPER programme, also known as the Golden Visa, is a sought-after way to get a residence permit in Brazil. The programme aims to stimulate the country’s economic growth and create jobs, offering investors and their families a residency visa and subsequent naturalisation.
The requirements for obtaining a residence permit for Brazilian real estate investment are as follows:
- Purchase a residential or commercial property;
- The property’s value must exceed BRL 1 million (USD 184,000);
- In the northern or northeastern regions, the minimum price is reduced to BRL 700,000 (USD 129,000);
- Only urban (not rural) properties are eligible for investment.
Investments must be maintained for at least 4 years to keep the investor’s residence permit in Brazil valid. During this time, owners can rent out the property, generating a steady passive income.
Requirements for obtaining permanent residency in Brazil
To apply for permanent residency, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Be over 18 years old;
- No criminal record;
- Good health condition;
- Sufficient income to support themselves and their family members.
Types of a residence permit in Brazil
Several types of VIPER visas are available:
Property buyers
Purchasing a residential or commercial property valued at a minimum of BRL 700,000 (USD 129,000) or BRL 1 million (USD 184,500) allows you to apply for a residence permit.
Business and innovation investors
An investment of BRL 500,000 (USD 92,000) in a new or existing business is required. An investor’s residence permit in Brazil is also offered for funding a start-up or innovation project of at least BRL 150,000 (USD 27,500). In this case, a minimum of 10 new jobs must be created.
Students and workers
Individuals who have come to the country to work or study are eligible to receive a visa.
Family reunification
Parents, spouses, or partners of Brazilian citizens can apply for a visa.
Retirees
Retirees may obtain residency if their income exceeds USD 2,000 per month. An additional amount of USD 1,000 per month is required for each dependent.
Documents to obtain a residence permit in Brazil
To apply for permanent residency, prepare the following:
- Passport;
- Negative certificate of criminal record;
- Birth and marriage certificates;
- Curriculum vitae;
- Letter stating the motive for relocating to the country;
- Proof of residence address;
- 2 passport-sized photographs;
- Medical examination report;
- Bank statement;
- Document confirming property ownership, free of debts and encumbrances;
- Declaration and confirmation from a financial institution regarding the international bank transfer of the required amount for the property purchase;
- Receipt of immigration tax payment.
The list may be supplemented. Documents must be certified by a consular authority and translated into Portuguese.
Brazilian citizenship
Although there is no direct programme for citizenship by investment in Brazil, residency through the VIPER programme can eventually lead to citizenship. After 4 years of living in the country with permanent residence, you are allowed to apply for citizenship. To obtain a passport in Brazil, you must pass an exam on the language, laws, and history of the country.
