Brazil Visa - How to Obtain the Golden Visa
In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on the Brazilian Real Estate Investment Visa, commonly known as the Golden Visa, and its benefits.
Invest and obtain a residence visa
What is the Brazilian Golden Visa?
Brazil offers strong opportunities for international investors. One of the most attractive options is the Brazilian Real Estate Investment Visa, which allows foreigners to obtain legal residency through property investment.
This investment visa in Brazil was created to encourage foreign capital and support the urban real estate market. As a result, it has become a popular solution for investors seeking long-term residency in the country.
To qualify for a real estate investment visa in Brazil, investors must meet specific financial requirements.
The standard minimum investment is R$1,000,000. However, investors purchasing property in the North or Northeast regions benefit from a reduced threshold of R$700,000. Therefore, these regions offer a more accessible entry point for foreign buyers.
In addition, the investment must involve urban real estate, either residential or commercial. Rural properties do not qualify for residency through property investment.
Benefits of the Golden Visa
This investor visa in Brazil grants a temporary residency valid for four years. During this period, the property must remain under the investor’s ownership. Consequently, the government ensures that the investment remains active.
After four years, the investor may apply for permanent residency. Once approved, residency becomes indefinite, allowing full legal residence in Brazil.
Good return on investment
Real estate investment in Brazil continues to attract international buyers. Major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo remain especially appealing.
According to market projections, the sector should grow by more than 6% between 2022 and 2027. Moreover, luxury property sales and new developments increased by 10% in 2021 in both cities.
This growth is not accidental. Brazil faces a structural housing shortage. Data from IBGE, the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics, estimated a deficit of 5.6 million homes. As a result, demand remains strong, which supports rising property values over time.
STEPS AND DOCUMENTS REQUIRED TO APPLY FOR THE GOLDEN VISA
The application process depends on the type of property and the investor’s location. However, the overall structure remains similar.
Required Documents
Applicants generally must provide the following documents:
Proof of property ownership or a purchase agreement
Building permit and memorial de incorporação imobiliária
Proof of international fund transfer meeting the minimum investment
Valid passport
Proof of affiliation
Criminal records from countries of residence over the last five years
Where to Submit the Application
If the investor is already in Brazil, documents are submitted to the Ministry of Justice, and the decision is forwarded to the Federal Police. If the applicant is abroad, the Ministry of Justice sends the decision to the relevant Brazilian consulate.
Upon entering Brazil, the investor must register with the Brazilian Federal Police. Therefore, completing this step is essential to finalize legal residency.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use this guide to familiarize yourself with rules, laws and other important information relating to the Brazil Visa.
The Brazil visa is a document that allows non-Brazilian citizens to enter, stay and engage in certain activities within the country for a specific period of time. The Brazil visa may be required for activities such as visiting, studying, working, or investing.
Generally, yes. Family members such as the spouse, partner, children, grandchildren, parents, and in some cases, siblings and son-in-law/daughter-in-law, can join the visa holder in Brazil by obtaining a family reunion visa.
The decision will depend on the couple’s ability to prove that each individual has invested at least R$1,000,000 from their own personal accounts. If they are able to do so, it may be better to apply for two independent golden visas. This allows for greater autonomy in case the couple separates.
The process can take up to 60 days from the time all necessary documents are submitted. However, the timeline can vary depending on the specific case.
The requirement for a visa holder to file for tax purposes in Brazil depends on the amount of time they spend in the country. For the first four years of the temporary visa, if the visa holder stays in Brazil for less than 183 days per year, they do not need to file for taxes. After the visa is renewed and becomes permanent, the holder must file for taxes as they will be considered a tax resident.
Yes, the Brazilian real estate investor visa and the VITEM IX visa refer to the same visa for individuals who invest in Brazil, whether in real estate or in a business.
To maintain the validity of the visa, the holder must spend at least 14 days in Brazil every two-year period, either consecutively or not, from the date of registration with the Federal Police.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Brazilian real estate investment visa offers a reliable path to residency through property acquisition. With steady market growth and long-term demand, Brazil remains a strategic destination for international investors.
Oabitat assists clients throughout every stage of the process. Moreover, our team ensures smooth administrative procedures and professional guidance, from property selection to residency approval.
Get in touch with us and we will help you today
Our experts and developers would love to contribute their expertise and insights and help you today.