Retirement Visa in Brazil
The Retirement Visa is a type of visa available to foreign retirees who wish to live in Brazil. To be eligible, applicants must have a stable income or financial means to support themselves during their stay in Brazil. The income requirement is usually set at a minimum of approximately USD2,000 per month. Applicants must also provide to the Brazilian immigration a clean criminal record and proof of health insurance coverage in Brazil if applying through a consulate (not required when applying while physically in Brazil). The Retirement Visa is valid for up to two years, and it can be renewed for additional periods.
TIP: you can enter Brazil as a tourist and later on apply for the Brazil Retirement Residency! When you apply in the US, the visa is issued through a Brazilian consulate or embassy as VITEM XIV. When you apply in Brazil, there is no visa issued. Instead, you will go straight to the Brazil Retirement Residency under Regulation No 40 from 2019.
Brazil Retirement Visa: Top 5 Retirement Visa in the World
With a Retirement Visa, foreign retirees can enjoy the warm climate, beautiful beaches, and cultural richness of Brazil, while also taking advantage of the country’s affordable cost of living. As an immigration law firm, we can provide guidance on the eligibility requirements and application process for the Retirement Visa in Brazil, as well as assist clients with the necessary documentation to ensure a successful application with the Brazilian immigration system.
Interested? Make sure to schedule a consultation with one of our immigration attorneys now:
Why Brazil is the Ideal Destination for Retirees
Brazil is the best destination for retirees. These are just some of the reasons why retirees are taking advantage of the Retirement Visa in Brazil:
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Cost of living: Brazil has a lower cost of living compared to many other countries, which means that retirees can live comfortably on a lower budget.
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Climate: Brazil has a tropical climate with warm temperatures year-round, making it an attractive destination for retirees seeking warmer weather.
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Beautiful scenery: Brazil is known for its stunning natural beauty, with gorgeous beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities.
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Culture: Brazil has a rich cultural heritage, with a diverse population and a unique blend of African, European, and indigenous influences.
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Health care: Brazil has a high-quality health care system when it comes to private options. Private health care is affordable compared to many other countries.
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Outdoor activities: Brazil offers a wide range of outdoor activities, including hiking, surfing, and other water sports, which can keep retirees active and engaged.
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Retirement visas: Brazil offers a specific visa for retirees, which allows them to live in the country for up to two years and can be renewed.
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Food: Brazilian cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with plenty of fresh produce and seafood. It is also relatively affordable.
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Language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil, which can be an advantage for retirees who want to learn a new language and immerse themselves in a different culture.
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Community: Brazil is known for its friendly and welcoming people, which can make it easy for retirees to build a community and make new friends.
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Sample List of Required Documents
Required documents may differ depending on (1) your specific situation and (2) where you apply.
Consulates have discretion when assessing how you meet the requirements and, in our experience, the consulate officers have broader discretion than the Brazilian immigration handling applications for foreign citizens already physically in Brazil.
For most of our clients, applying in Brazil makes more sense than applying via a consulate. We recommend that you schedule a consultation to have your specific situation reviewed.
Documents required (when applying physically in Brazil):
This is just a sample list. The actual required documents may change depending on the applicant’s specifics.
- Birth certificate
- Background check
- Proof of traditional retirement income of at least USD2,000
- Proof of other passive income (if retirement income is not enough)
- Bank statements
- Proof of ability to wire funds to Brazil
- Valid passport
- Most of the documents should have an Apostille attached
- All the documents should be presented in their original form along with a matching translation
- For the birth certificate a sworn translation is advised
- Health insurance is required only when applying outside of Brazil
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Why a Brazil Retirement Residency is better than a Brazil Retirement Visa
There are two official ways to obtain the Brazil Retirement Visa, and which one you choose depends largely on your circumstances. The first path is through a Brazilian consulate abroad, where you apply for the VITEM XIV retirement visa before traveling. This route is best suited for retirees who prefer to have their status resolved before arrival and who don’t mind preparing health insurance coverage in advance (a requirement at most consulates). After approval, you’ll enter Brazil with the visa stamped in your passport and must register with the Federal Police within 90 days.
The second option is to apply for a residence authorization inside Brazil using the MigranteWeb platform. This process, also based on Normative Resolution No. 40/2019, skips the health insurance requirement and allows you to transition directly from tourist or visitor status into retiree status. It is often the most practical choice for those who want to “try living in Brazil first” before committing. For the consular route the initial grant of residency is typically valid for two years while for the one in Brazil you may get it for a single year. After two years of residency under the Retirement route, you can apply for renewal or permanent residence no matter whether you started your journey through a consulate or while physically in Brazil.
Brazil visas are issued always abroad while Brazil residencies are always issued in-country. Here are some of the reasons while our clients usually prefer to go straight to the Retirement Residency in Brazil instead of seeking a consulate for a visa:
1. Dealing with a Consulate
Consulates may require in-person visits and have broader discretion when reviewing retirement visa applications. In Brazil, we can handle the entire process on your behalf without any involvement of a Brazilian consulate or embassy.
2. Trying out Brazil
You can come to Brazil on a visitor visa or enter visa-free (if eligible), explore the lifestyle, and see if it’s truly the place you want to spend the next few years. And, if you decide Brazil is the right choice for your, you can apply for the Brazil Retirement Residency without leaving the country.
3. Full Support of a Brazilian Law Firm
We have limited authority to represent applicants in a consulate or embassy. On the other hand, we can fully represent you when applying for a Retirement Residency in Brazil.
4. More Predictable Outcomes
Consulates may deny visa applications for a variety of subjective reasons. In Brazil, the rules for the Brazil Retirement Residency are clearer and the process more transparent.
5. Lower fees and No “For Gringo” Health Insurances
Application fees may be substantially higher at a consulate while the health insurance requirement does not exist when you apply while physically in Brazil.
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Mandatory Federal Police Registration
No matter which path you choose – the VITEM XIV retirement visa issued abroad or the residence authorization in Brazil through MigranteWeb—there is an essential next step that cannot be skipped. After you arrive in Brazil with a consular visa, you must complete your Federal Police registration within 90 days. If you applied inside Brazil and your residence authorization is approved, the rule is slightly different: you must register within 30 days of the publication of your approval. This registration results in your CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) card, the official document proving your legal residency. Without it, you cannot open bank accounts, sign property contracts, or access many services, so handling this step correctly is as important as securing the Brazil retirement visa itself.
Even if you obtained your visa through a consulate without professional assistance, our firm can still step in to guide you through the registration stage and ensure your status is properly activated. We routinely help retirees who arrive with the Brazil retirement visa for US citizens or UK citizens in hand but find the local procedures confusing. Missing deadlines can lead to fines, delays, and unnecessary stress, but with our support, you’ll have every document checked, your appointment booked, and your compliance guaranteed. This way, you enjoy peace of mind knowing your transition into Brazilian residency is smooth and fully legal from the start.
Why You Should Hire Us to Apply for the Brazil Retirement Visa
Foreign citizens interested in applying for the Retirement Visa in Brazil can benefit from hiring our immigration law firm in several ways:
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Expertise: As an immigration law firm, we have the expertise and experience to navigate the complex process of applying for a Retirement Visa in Brazil. We can provide guidance on eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and application procedures.
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Efficiency: Applying for a visa can be a time-consuming and stressful process. Our law firm can help streamline the process, ensuring that all necessary documentation is submitted on time and in the correct format.
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Personalized service: Our law firm can provide personalized service, taking the time to understand the unique needs and circumstances of each client. This can help ensure that the application is tailored to meet the specific needs of the client.
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Peace of mind: Applying for a visa can be a stressful process, especially if you are not familiar with the process. Hiring a law firm can provide peace of mind, knowing that you have an experienced team handling the application on your behalf.
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Language support: For clients who do not speak Portuguese, our law firm can provide language support, ensuring that all communication with the Brazilian authorities is clear and accurate.
Overall, hiring our law firm can provide foreign citizens with the immigration support and guidance they need to successfully apply for a Retirement Visa in Brazil and enjoy all the benefits of spending their retirement years in this beautiful country.
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New Entry Rules for U.S., Canadian, and Australian Citizens
As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia are no longer able to enter Brazil under the old visa-free regime. Instead, these travelers must now apply for an e-Visa before boarding their flight. The e-Visa is requested online, processed quickly, and linked electronically to your passport. While this is a relatively simple requirement, it’s important to plan ahead and secure the e-Visa before traveling, especially if you intend to begin the process of applying for a Brazil retirement visa once you arrive.
This update means that retirees from these countries can no longer rely on a casual visa-free stay to “test the waters” in Brazil. Instead, the Brazil retirement visa for US citizens, Canadians, and Australians will typically start with entry on an e-Visa, followed by a formal residence authorization or consular VITEM XIV filing. Our team can assist you not only with the e-Visa application but also with aligning it seamlessly with your retirement residency plans, so there are no interruptions in your move. This ensures you remain fully compliant with the new entry rules while still taking advantage of Brazil’s retirement pathways.
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Frequent Questions
1) What is Brazil’s Retirement Visa (VITEM XIV)?
Brazil’s “retiree/pensioner” pathway lets a foreign national who is retired (or receives a survivor’s pension) live in Brazil by proving a monthly transfer to Brazil of at least USD 2,000. You can start outside Brazil via a consular VITEM XIV or start inside Brazil by applying for residence authorization via MigranteWeb. Initial residence is one or two years depending on how you apply.
2) What are the two application paths, and which makes sense for me?
You have two legitimate tracks:
Consulate route (VITEM XIV): Apply at a Brazilian consulate in your country, enter Brazil with the visa, then register locally.
In‑Brazil residence authorization (MigranteWeb): If you’re already in Brazil (e.g., on a visitor status), you may file for a residence authorization based on retirement/pension and complete registration in Brazil.
Choose the consulate path if you want everything issued before traveling and have health insurance valid internationally; choose the Residency path if you’re already in Brazil and prefer to complete the process locally or if you do not currently have a qualifying health insurance (NOT travel insurance).
3) Who qualifies for the Retirement Visa?
You must receive a traditional type of retirement (ideal ones being social security, pension, or disability – VA benefits also work well) and be able to transfer at least USD 2,000 per month into Brazil. Other regular passive income can complement your pension to reach the threshold but CANNOT be the main retirement. No minimum age is specified in the rule and we have several clients who secured the residency under 40 years of age.
4) How much income do I need to show?
The baseline is USD 2,000/month transferred to Brazil. Multiple consulate pages reiterate this figure in practice when issuing VITEM XIV.
5) What documents are required?
Documents vary by track, but core items include: valid passport, background check, proof of retirement/pension, proof of receiving the funds in your account, proof that you have a bank account capable of transfering funds to Brazil, the USD 2,000/month transfer, and application forms/fees. If you apply at a consulate, health insurance valid in Brazil is explicitly required by the rule (NO travel insurance accepted). For the in‑Brazil route, you follow the general residence‑authorization checklist (RN 01/2017) plus the retirement proof.
6) Do I need health insurance?
Consulate (VITEM XIV): Yes. The regulation requires a health insurance policy valid in Brazil for the visa application.
In‑Brazil (MigranteWeb): The insurance item is not listed among the core RN 01/2017 documents; however, private coverage is still strongly recommended for newcomers.
(As residents, migrants are included in federal guidance for access planning within the public SUS network, but enrollment and service quality vary locally.)
7) What happens after arrival? What is the 90/30‑day rule?
Registration with the Polícia Federal is mandatory and time‑sensitive:
If you enter on a temporary visa (VITEM XIV), register within 90 days of first entry.
If you were granted residence authorization in Brazil, register within 30 days of the authorization’s publication.
Late registration can trigger fines and delays in getting your ID.
8) What ID will I receive – RNE or CRNM?
Brazil replaced the old RNE with the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório). This is your foreign resident ID card and it’s issued by the Federal Police after registration/biometrics.
9) What are the government fees for registration?
For residence processing and your CRNM card, the Federal Police lists two common fees as of August of 2025:
- Authorization processing fee (code 140066) – R$ 168,13
- CRNM issuance fee (code 140120) – R$ 204,77
10) Can I work in Brazil with a Retirement Visa?
The VITEM XIV does not automatically grant work authorization. If you wish to work for a Brazilian employer, you typically obtain a work‑authorized status (e.g., VITEM V), which requires employer pre‑approval of a residence authorization in Brazil before you apply for the visa.
However, after just two years of temporary residency you can apply for the permanent residency, which opens the doors for any type of employment or business entrepreneurship.
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11) Can I bring my spouse or dependents?
Yes. Dependents typically come under family reunification (VITEM XI or in‑Brazil reunião familiar residence). Spouses/partners and certain relatives of a resident may qualify; documentation proves the relationship and, where applicable, economic dependence.
12) How long can I stay? Can I renew or become “permanent”?
The initial residence for retirees is two years. You may renew this status; official guidance indicates the period “may be renewed indefinitely” when you continue to meet the conditions. After the qualifying residence period, many retirees convert to an indefinite (no‑expiry) residence.
13) Can I travel outside Brazil and return?
Yes. Keep your CRNM valid and observe re‑entry rules. Long absences can jeopardize residence: Brazilian law provides that being abroad for over two years can lead to residence loss in certain categories. Always check your specific status before lengthy trips.
14) Do I need to know Portuguese to apply?
No Portuguese proficiency is required for the retirement visa itself. However, to apply later for naturalization, ordinary cases require 4 years of residence and the ability to communicate in Portuguese, among other conditions.
15) Can I apply for Brazilian citizenship one day?
Most retirees first obtain (or convert to) indefinite residence, then apply for ordinary naturalization after four years as a resident (some scenarios allow reduction). Proof of Portuguese communication ability is part of the process.
16) Can I rent or purchase property in Brazil?
Yes. Foreigners commonly rent or buy urban property. Rural land has special restrictions under Law 5.709/1971 and related rules (e.g., municipal caps, border‑strip approvals). Get specialized counsel if you’re considering rural or coastal acquisitions.
17) Can I obtain a Brazilian driver’s license (CNH)?
Yes. After registration, residents can exchange or obtain a CNH via the state DETRAN. Requirements vary by state; for example, DETRAN‑SP lists CRNM/RNM among accepted IDs and sets procedures for holders of foreign licenses.
18) Can I bring my pet?
Yes. For dogs and cats, Brazil requires a CVI (International Veterinary Certificate) or a recognized pet passport from the country of origin meeting Brazil’s health rules. As of Portaria MAPA 741/2024, Brazil updated formats and timelines for certificates (including MERCOSUR travel).
We provide referrals for clients who use our service to apply for the Brazil Retirement Visa.
19) Do US/Canada/Australia passport holders need an entry visa now?
Yes. Since April 10, 2025, citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Australia must obtain an e‑Visa for entry (no more blanket visa‑free entry). Apply on Brazil’s official e‑Visa portal before travel.
20) Will I be a Brazilian tax resident?
You become a tax resident either upon holding an indefinite residence, or after 183 days of physical presence in a 12‑month period if you’re on other temporary statuses without a local employment contract. Tax residents are generally taxed on worldwide income. Always confirm with a Brazil‑licensed tax professional.
21) How long does the process take?
Timelines vary by consulate and case volume. Some cases may take 10–15 business days while an application in Brazil will typically take around a couple of months. Retiree cases can take longer depending on document checks and local workload. Plan for several weeks or more.
You can find a translation of the specific law here: Regulatory Resolution No 40.
How our firm helps
Whether you pursue VITEM XIV abroad or residence authorization via MigranteWeb in Brazil, we handle the heavy lifting: eligibility review, document prep (including apostilles and sworn translations), consulate filing support, PF registration within 90 days (or 30 days post‑publication), and follow‑through until your CRNM is in hand. If you already obtained a VITEM XIV abroad without our help, we can still step in to manage registration and local compliance on arrival.
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