Brazil Digital Nomad Visa: Application and Residency Guide
Obtain a one-year VITEM XIV visa to work remotely from Brazil. This guide covers financial requirements, document legalization, and Federal Police registration.
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Provide an employment or services contract with a company located outside Brazil. The visa prohibits working for any Brazilian entity or receiving local salary.
Employment contract or freelance service agreement
Declaration from employer stating remote work is permitted
Verify monthly income of at least $1,500 USD
Submit bank statements from the last 3 months showing consistent deposits. If your salary is lower, you must meet the savings requirement instead.
Verify savings of at least $18,000 USD
Use this option if you do not have a steady monthly income. Provide a certified bank statement showing the full amount available in a liquid account.
Check passport validity
Ensure your passport has at least 2 blank pages and is valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended stay. Renew your passport first if it expires within a year.
Document Collection and Legalization
Obtain an original birth certificate
The Federal Police require a certificate containing your parents' full names for registration. A passport often lacks this information, making the birth certificate mandatory.
Request a national criminal background check
Get a federal-level check from your country of origin or residence for the last 5 years. In the US, this must be an FBI Identity History Summary; state checks are often rejected.
FBI Background Check (USA)
ACRO or DBS (UK)
RCMP Fingerprint Check (Canada)
Apostille all foreign documents
Apply the Hague Apostille to your birth certificate and background check at the issuing authority. Documents from countries not in the Hague Convention must be legalized at a Brazilian Consulate.
Apostille on birth certificate
Apostille on criminal record
Secure health insurance coverage
Purchase a policy valid for the entire 12-month stay in Brazil. The policy must include repatriation of remains and a minimum coverage of $30,000 USD.
Order sworn translations
Hire a Brazilian 'Tradutor Juramentado' to translate your background check and birth certificate into Portuguese. Use the official state board of trade (Junta Comercial) website to find certified translators.
Consular Application Process
Complete the online Visa Request Form (RER)
Fill out the form on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and upload digital copies of all documents. Print the delivery receipt (Protocolo) generated at the end.
Schedule an appointment via E-Consular
Create an account on the E-Consular portal for your specific jurisdiction. Upload your documents for pre-approval before the system allows you to book a physical slot.
Pay the visa fee
Fees vary by nationality and consulate, typically ranging from $100 to $290 USD. Most consulates only accept US Post Office Money Orders; check the specific consulate website for payment rules.
Attend the visa interview
Bring all original documents, apostilles, and translations. Processing times usually range from 5 to 15 business days after the interview.
Arrival and Federal Police Registration
Register with the Federal Police within 90 days
This step is mandatory to obtain your CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) card. Failure to register results in daily fines and potential deportation. Consult an immigration lawyer if you cannot secure an appointment in time.
Schedule the 'Registro de Visto' appointment
Use the Polícia Federal 'SISMIGRA' booking system online. Slots in major cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo fill up weeks in advance; check the site at 12:00 AM for new openings.
Generate and pay the GAU fees
Create a 'Guia de Arrecadação da União' (GAU) on the Federal Police website. Use revenue code 140449 for the residence permit (R$ 204.77). Pay this at any Banco do Brasil branch or via a lottery shop (Lotérica).
Generate GAU for code 140449
Pay fee and keep the physical receipt
Prepare the registration packet
Two 3x4 recent color photos with white background
Original passport and copies of all used pages
Visa application form (RER) copy
Original apostilled birth certificate and sworn translation
Submit fingerprints and collect residency receipt
The officer will take your biometrics and issue a temporary paper receipt (Protocolo). This paper serves as your legal ID until the plastic CRNM card arrives 30-90 days later.
Local Setup and Tax Compliance
Obtain a CPF (Tax ID)
Apply for a Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF) at a Brazilian Consulate or via email to the Receita Federal. You need this number to buy a SIM card, rent an apartment, or use delivery apps.
Track your days for tax residency
You become a Brazilian tax resident after spending 183 days in the country within any 12-month period. Consult a tax professional once you hit the 150-day mark to understand your global income reporting obligations.
Secure a long-term rental contract
Most landlords require a 'Fiador' (guarantor) or a 'Seguro Fiança'. As a foreigner, offer a 3-month cash deposit (caução) as an alternative to bypass the guarantor requirement.
Visa Renewal
Apply for renewal 90 days before expiry
The digital nomad visa is renewable for one additional year. You must prove you still meet the $1,500 monthly income requirement via updated bank statements.
Submit the renewal via MigranteWeb
Unlike the initial application, renewals are handled digitally through the Ministry of Justice's MigranteWeb portal. You will need a digital certificate (e-CPF) or a high-level Gov.br account to sign the documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply for the Brazil Digital Nomad visa while already inside Brazil?
Yes, you can enter Brazil as a tourist and apply for a 'Residence Permit' for digital nomads through the MigranteWeb system. You must submit the same documents required for the consular visa, including the apostilled background check and birth certificate, but you skip the consulate entirely.
Can I bring my spouse and children on this visa?
Yes, family members can apply for a Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI) linked to your Digital Nomad Visa. You must provide apostilled marriage or birth certificates to prove the relationship and demonstrate additional financial means to support each dependent.
Do I need to pay Brazilian income tax on my foreign salary?
Only if you become a tax resident, which usually happens after 183 days of physical presence in a 12-month period. Once you are a tax resident, you are required to report your global income to the Receita Federal, though tax treaties with countries like the US or UK may prevent double taxation.
What happens if I leave Brazil for a few months during my visa period?
The VITEM XIV allows for multiple entries and exits. However, your residency card (CRNM) can be canceled if you remain outside Brazil for more than 90 consecutive days without prior authorization from the Federal Police.