Residence in Brazil

A complete guide to residency in Brazil for Italian citizens. Brazil offers visas for retirees, investors, workers, and spouses of Brazilians, with permanent residency obtainable after obtaining a temporary visa. The country applies a progressive worldwide tax system with personal income tax rates ranging from 7.5% to 27.5%. On this page: all available visas, requirements, documents, the 5-step process, taxation, security, regional comparisons, and FAQs.

See the infographic on residency in Brazil (PDF)

Brazilian Residency Guide: Visas, Taxes, and Citizenship (Updated 2026)

Residency in Brazil for Italians is highly sought after and has recently seen a surge in popularity. Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is located in the eastern half of South America. It covers an area of ​​8.5 million square kilometers and has a population of over 211 million, making it the largest and most populous country in Latin America and the fifth largest in the world. Its capital is Brasilia, although the most populous city is São Paulo, and the official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL).

Brazil's economy is the largest in Latin America, the sixth largest in the world by nominal GDP, and the seventh largest by purchasing power parity. The country is a founding member of the United Nations, the G20, Mercosur, and UNASUR, as well as being a BRICS country. Brazil is among the world's leading exporters of aircraft, electronics, automobiles, iron, steel, coffee, soybeans, and meat. Taking up residence in Brazil opens the door to this magnificent array of business opportunities.

Service Details

How to obtain residency in Brazil

Brazilian immigration law is governed by Migration Law No. 13,445/2017, regulated by Decree No. 9,199/2017. This law replaced the old Foreigner's Statute (Lei 6,815/1980) and represents an important step forward in protecting immigrants' rights. Applications for residence permits are processed through the MigranteWeb System of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and registration takes place with the Federal Police.

Foreign citizens can obtain residency in Brazil—both temporary and permanent—through various channels. Article 30 of Law 13.445/2017 establishes the conditions for residency authorization, while Article 14 defines the purposes of temporary visas.

Ways to obtain permanent residency in Brazil

• Marriage to a Brazilian citizen
• Child with a Brazilian citizen
• Retirement — for those who demonstrate a minimum pension income of R$ 6,000/month
• Family reunification — with a relative residing in Brazil
• scientist or researcher High-level
• Investment — minimum R$ 150,000 in a Brazilian company or property
• Administrator, manager or director of a Brazilian company
• Political refugee or asylum seeker
• Lay volunteer at voluntary organizations
• Religious mission — religious ministers and missionaries

Additionally, former residents who have lost their residency status (due to being outside the country for two or more years) may reapply. Residency may also be granted to political refugees or asylum seekers.

Types of visas and residence permits in Brazil

The Migration Law (Art. 12) provides for five types of visas: Visit, Temporary, Diplomatic, Official, and Courtesy. Temporary visas (Art. 14) can be granted for various purposes and entitle the holder to residency for a specified period. Permanent residency is governed by Art. 30 and requires compliance with specific conditions.

Documents for obtaining residency in Brazil

• Valid passport — with at least 6 months of remaining validity
• Passport-sized photo — recent, color, white background
• Birth certificate — certified by the consulate and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator
• Criminal record — from the local police of all countries where the applicant has lived in the last 5 years, apostilled and translated
• Marriage certificate (if applicable) or divorce decree
• Proof of income or investment — depending on the visa category applied for
• Declaration of ability to support oneself — for the categories that require it
• Fingerprints — filed with the Federal Police at the time of registration

The Retirement Visa in Brazil (Aposentado)

Individuals receiving a pension and at least 50 years of age can apply for residency in Brazil as retirees. The requirement is to demonstrate a minimum monthly income of R$6,000 (approximately $1,100) for themselves and up to two dependents. For each additional dependent, an additional R$2,000 plus $1,000 is required. The retiree visa entitles you to permanent residency and allows you to live and stay in Brazil indefinitely.

The Investor Visa for Brazil (Investidor)

Individuals who invest a minimum of R$150,000 (approximately USD 27,000) in a Brazilian company or real estate can qualify for residency. Residency must be renewed every three years, and the individual must demonstrate that the company is legal and creates local jobs. The investor visa is governed by the Normative Resolutions of the National Immigration Council (CNIg).

Residency through marriage to a Brazilian

Marriage to a Brazilian citizen entitles you to direct permanent residency. Proof of the Brazilian spouse's identity, a marriage certificate, and a statement confirming that the applicant is not separated or divorced from their spouse are required. Couples married by proxy who wish to move to Brazil must apply directly in the country. Citizenship is available after just 12 months of permanent residency.

Work visa in Brazil

Work visas are governed by Article 14, paragraph 1, letter e) of the Migration Law. Work-related residence permits are granted by the General Labor Migration Coordination of the Ministry of Justice through the MigranteWeb system. After approval, the worker must register with the Federal Police to obtain a work permit. Article 14, paragraph 8 allows for the possibility of changing the place of work.

How to obtain residency in Brazil in 5 steps

Taxes in Brazil: Updated 2026 Tax Framework

An individual is considered a tax resident in Brazil if they hold a permanent visa or stay in the country for more than 183 days in a 12-month period with a temporary visa. Tax residents are subject to income tax (IRPF) on their worldwide income. Non-residents pay exclusively on Brazilian-source income, generally at fixed withholding rates.

With Law 15.270/2025, which came into force on January 1, 2026, Brazil introduced important reforms: a total exemption for income up to R$5,000/month, a minimum tax (IRPFM) for income above R$600,000/year, and a 10% dividend tax. With a reformed VAT rate of 27.1% (CBS + IBS), Brazil is now among the countries with the highest tax rates in the world.

Progressive IRPF rates (Imposto de Renda Pessoa Física)

Main taxes in Brazil

Is it worth living and working in Brazil?

Living in Brazil is a dream for many, often born after a trip to explore the country. For those who decide to move, there are many factors to consider, more important than in other South American countries. São Paulo is the city par excellence for foreigners dedicated to work and business, with a labor force comparable to Mexico City and significantly less violence than other large Brazilian cities. Rio de Janeiro offers a more relaxed lifestyle but with greater work challenges. The cities of the South (Florianópolis, Curitiba, Porto Alegre) offer the best quality of life, with strong Italian and German cultural influences.

Brazilian society and security

Brazil remains a country with profound social inequalities, particularly visible in large urban areas. Crime is concentrated in the suburbs and densely populated areas. However, residential neighborhoods and cities in the South are generally safe for expatriates. The federal and state governments have intensified security operations. The choice of city and neighborhood is crucial to the quality of life.

Brazil vs. Argentina vs. Colombia: Residency Comparison

Frequently asked questions about residency in Brazil