When my co-founder and I independently chose Brazil as our second hub, we didn’t realize we had both found our Plan A. After completing the residency process ourselves and helping other families do the same, this guide summarizes the pathways, timelines, and lessons we’ve learned firsthand about establishing legal residency in Brazil.

How I Found My Plan A in Florianópolis

I first came to Brazil on a scouting trip — the goal was to evaluate the country as a potential second hub for international families. That trip led me to Florianópolis, the “enchanted island.”

Over time, the practical benefits became clear: a warm, family-oriented culture, reliable infrastructure, affordable cost of living, and easy access to nature. What began as a Plan B evolved into our chosen home base. My co-founder reached the same conclusion independently — proof that for many families, Brazil offers a rare mix of lifestyle and opportunity.

Understanding Your Residency Option Matters

Many families don’t realize how accessible Brazilian residency actually is. Brazil offers multiple legal pathways depending on your background — investor, remote worker, retiree, or parent.

There’s one common challenge: timing. The Polícia Federal, which processes applications, faces high demand in popular areas like Florianópolis. Even so, the system is reliable: if you meet the requirements, you will obtain residency. The main factor is patience, not uncertainty.

And for most of these procedures — you can live and function in Brazil while your application processes.

Quick Overview of Brazilian Residency Pathways

Below are the main legal pathways available to international applicants:

• Investment-Based Residency – for entrepreneurs and business owners
• Real Estate Investment Residency – for property investors
• Digital Nomad Visa – for remote workers and online entrepreneurs
• Retirement Visa – for retirees with proven income
• Family Reunification – for spouses and dependents of citizens or residents
• Birth-Based Residency – for parents of Brazilian-born children

Investment-Based Residency

Who This Works For
Entrepreneurs and investors who wish to establish or invest in a Brazilian business.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum investment of BRL 500,000 (~USD 100,000) in a Brazilian company
• Or BRL 150,000 (~USD 30,000) if the investment generates at least 10 local jobs
• Submission of a viable business plan approved by relevant authorities
• Maintenance of the investment throughout temporary residency

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 3–12 months
Initial visa: 2 years, renewable
Permanent residency after 4 years
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 5,000–10,000 (excluding investment)

Disclosure
For questions about how this investment may impact your tax situation in your home country, consult your local tax attorney. For Brazil-specific inquiries, we can connect you with our team. Use the contact us page from the top menu.

Real Estate Investment Residency

Who This Works For
Investors who want to combine lifestyle and residency through property ownership.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum real estate investment: BRL 1,000,000 (~USD 200,000) nationwide, or BRL 700,000 (~USD 140,000) in the North or Northeast
• Property must be urban residential or commercial, purchased in full (no financing)
• Funds must come from verified foreign sources and be registered with the Brazilian Central Bank

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 3–9 months
Initial visa: 2 years (temporary)
Permanent residency after 4 years
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 5,000–8,000

Disclosure
Owning property in Brazil can have implications under your home country’s tax laws. Consult your tax attorney before proceeding. For questions specific to Brazilian tax treatment, our team can assist.

Digital Nomad Visa

Who This Works For
Remote workers, freelancers, or entrepreneurs earning from companies or clients outside Brazil.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Proof of remote work for a foreign company or ownership of an online business
• Minimum monthly income: USD 1,500 or proof of USD 18,000 in savings
• Health insurance valid in Brazil
• Documentation verifying ongoing employment or business operations

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 1–6 months
Initial visa: 1 year, renewable for another year
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 2,000–4,000

Retirement Visa

Who This Works For
Individuals or couples with stable passive income from pensions, annuities, or investments.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Minimum monthly income: BRL 10,000 (~USD 2,000) per applicant
• Must be from a verifiable, stable source (pension, dividends, etc.)
• Clean criminal record from the country of origin
• Applicant generally must be 50 years or older

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 3–10 months
Initial visa: 2 years, renewable
Permanent residency after 4 years
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 3,000–6,000

Disclosure
Pension income and other cross-border payments may have tax consequences. Always consult your local tax professional before establishing foreign residency. Our team can assist with introductions to Brazilian specialists.

Family Reunification

Who This Works For
Spouses, partners, or dependents of Brazilian citizens or permanent residents.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Proof of relationship (marriage, birth certificate, etc.)
• Financial self-sufficiency or sponsorship by the Brazilian citizen/resident
• Clean criminal record

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 2–6 months
Temporary visa: 2 years, renewable or convertible to permanent
Immediate permanent residency available for spouses of Brazilian citizens
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 1,500–3,000

Disclosure
If you intend to live full-time in Brazil under this residency, discuss tax implications with a qualified professional. For assistance with Brazil-related topics, contact our team.

Birth-Based Residency

Who This Works For
Parents of Brazilian-born children.

Official Eligibility Criteria

• Child born in Brazil (citizenship is automatic at birth)
• Proof of the birth certificate and ability to support the child

Timeline and Costs
Processing: 2–6 months
Permanent residency granted immediately (no temporary stage)
Estimated legal/application costs: USD 2,000–4,000

Disclosure
Families should confirm how dual nationality and international income reporting are treated under their home country’s tax laws. For local context, we can connect you with our Brazil team.

Understanding the Backlog

Residency processing in Brazil has slowed due to demand in coastal and southern regions. In places like Florianópolis, expect to wait toward the upper end of official timelines.

However, your legal and lifestyle progress can continue while waiting. You can rent, enroll your children in school, and integrate into daily life even as your paperwork is being processed.

The Window of Opportunity for Families

For families, timing matters. Children adapt easily to new languages and cultures when they’re young. Once they’re older, schooling and social commitments make relocation/travel harder.

If your goal is to give your children cross-cultural exposure, there’s a limited window where it’s both logistically simple and emotionally natural. Brazil offers an environment that makes that transition smooth and rewarding.

Making Your Decision

Brazilian residency is practical for families seeking:

• A stable, welcoming environment
• Multiple legal residency pathways
• Affordable cost of living
• A community-oriented culture

Each pathway has its own requirements and benefits. The right choice depends on your family’s objectives — financial, lifestyle, and educational.

Final Thoughts: From Plan B to Plan A

For us, Brazil began as Plan B — a backup. But the more we lived here, the more it became clear this was the life we wanted: proximity, affordability, connection, and balance.

Your Plan A might look different — USA, Canada, Spain, Portugal, Mexico, or elsewhere. The destination matters less than the framework. Build options that give your family flexibility and security, wherever the next chapter leads.

Brazilian residency is accessible, structured, and legally transparent. If it aligns with your goals, now is a good time to start. The bureaucracy can wait. The opportunity window won’t.