Applying for a Brazilian visa is the first step for anyone wanting to move to one of the most diverse and appealing countries in Latin America. Whether for work, study or personal reasons, Brazil offers a wide range of opportunities for foreign nationals seeking quality of life, a warm climate and a welcoming culture. From cosmopolitan cities such as São Paulo to quieter destinations such as Florianópolis, the country has plenty of options to suit your lifestyle.
In recent years more and more foreign nationals have decided to move to Brazil for work, study or retirement. Mikel García, a Spanish influencer, described on TikTok what his experience was like after just two days in the country: he was struck by how safe certain areas were, by the healthy lifestyle and by the warmth of Brazilians. Source:HuffPost).
Even celebrities such as Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have considered making their home in Brazil, drawn by its natural wealth and cultural diversity, according to media such as Terra Brasil. That shows the country attracts not only tourists but also those looking for a new life.
“Moving to Brazil is not just a change of location; it is a transformative experience if you come with an open mind.”
— Mariana Carvalho, immigration adviser in São Paulo.
The main reasons to live in Brazil
1. A pleasant climate all year round
Brazil offers warm, sunny temperatures across most of the country. That makes it easy to enjoy outdoor living, beach activities and constant contact with nature.
2. Affordable quality of life
The cost of living is lower than in many European or North American countries, especially for housing, food and services. That allows you to maintain a good standard of living on a tighter budget.
3. Cultural and social diversity
Brazil is a multicultural country, with indigenous, African, European and Asian influences. That mix shows in the music, food, religion and everyday life, creating a welcoming environment for expatriates.
4. Friendly, hospitable people
Brazilians are known for their warmth, their community spirit and their knack for making foreign nationals feel welcome.
5. Unrivalled nature and landscapes
From tropical beaches to rainforest, vast rivers and mountains, Brazil has one of the greatest levels of biodiversity in the world. Living there means being surrounded by natural beauty.
6. Job opportunities in key sectors
Brazil has growing sectors such as technology, energy, education, food and tourism, which offer opportunities for qualified foreign nationals.
7. An accessible public health system
The SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) guarantees free medical care for legal residents, which is not the case in every country.
8. Easier integration if you learn the language
Portuguese is essential, but it is an accessible language with some similarities to Spanish. Once you have learned it, your experience of life in the country improves enormously.
9. A visa for digital nomads
Brazil has introduced a specific visa for remote workers, making it a viable option for anyone working online.
10. A relaxed, cheerful lifestyle
Life in Brazil is less hectic than in many European capitals. Free time, music, food and family are all valued.
Types of visa in Brazil
Brazil offers different types of visa depending on the reason for your stay. This table summarises the most common ones:
| Visa | Purpose | Duration | Allows work | Requires a contract |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist (VIVIS) | Short visits (tourism/business) | Up to 90 days | No | No |
| Work (VITEM V) | Formal employment with a Brazilian company | Variable | Yes | Yes |
| Student (VITEM IV) | Study at Brazilian institutions | As per programme | No | No |
| Investor (VIPER) | Capital investment in Brazil | Permanent | Yes | No |
| Family reunification | Relatives of Brazilian citizens | Permanent | Yes | No |
| Digital nomad (VITEM XIV) | Remote work for a foreign company | 1 year, renewable | Yes | No |
The visa types in more detail
Brazil offers different types of visa depending on the purpose of the visit or residence. Below we explain in detail the most common visas you can apply for as a foreign national.
1. Tourist visa (VIVIS)
Who is it for?
This visa is for people visiting Brazil for tourism, family visits, attendance at events or unpaid activities. It also covers some business activities, provided they do not involve an employment relationship with Brazilian companies.
Duration:
Up to 90 days, extendable once by a further 90 days.
General requirements:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Return ticket.
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, credit cards).
- Accommodation booking or letter of invitation.
Important:
Some nationalities (Spanish, for example) are exempt from this visa for short stays. They must still meet the entry requirements, however.
2. Work visa (VITEM V)
Who is it for?
It is aimed at foreign nationals who are going to work in Brazil under contract with a Brazilian company. The company must first have filed an application with Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Duration:
Depends on the type of contract, with the possibility of renewal or conversion into a permanent visa.
Key requirements:
- Employment contract signed with a Brazilian company.
- Documents from the applicant company (CNPJ tax number, operating licence).
- Proof of professional qualifications (diplomas, experience).
- Sworn translations and apostilles for the documents.
Notes:
The process usually takes between 30 and 60 days and should be started well in advance. The permit is initially granted on a temporary basis but can be renewed.
3. Student visa (VITEM IV)
Who is it for?
For those who want to study at Brazilian educational institutions: universities, language courses, exchange programmes or technical training.
Duration:
The same as the length of the course, renewable.
General requirements:
- Letter of acceptance issued by an institution recognised by the MEC (Brazil’s Ministry of Education).
- Proof of sufficient financial means.
- Medical insurance valid in Brazil.
- Criminal record certificate and proof of previous studies.
Useful tip:
Although the student visa does not allow formal employment, some programmes offer unpaid placements. Learning Portuguese is key to integrating academically.
4. Digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV)
Who is it for?
Designed for people who work remotely for foreign companies and want to live in Brazil temporarily without entering into local employment relationships.
Duration:
1 year, renewable for a further year.
Key requirements:
- Contract or proof of a link with a foreign company.
- Proof of stable income (at least 1,500 USD a month or 18,000 USD in an account).
- Medical insurance with cover in Brazil.
- Valid passport and application form.
Advantages:
You can live legally in Brazil without changing jobs or having to apply for permanent residence. Ideal for freelancers and remote workers.
5. Investor visa (VIPER – permanent)
Who is it for?
For those who want to settle in Brazil through a direct investment in a local company or business. It is a route to permanent residence.
Key requirements:
- Minimum investment of 500,000 BRL (around 90,000 EUR) in a Brazilian company.
- A business plan demonstrating job creation or technological innovation.
- Registration of the company in Brazil and authorisation from the Ministry of Development.
Duration:
Permanent from the outset, with renewal after 2 years subject to a review of business results.
Note:
The amount can be reduced to 150,000 BRL if the investment is in strategic sectors or less developed regions.
6. Family reunification visa (VIPER – permanent)
Who is it for?
Aimed at spouses, children, parents or financial dependants of Brazilian citizens or legal residents in Brazil.
Requirements:
- Documentation proving the family relationship.
- Proof that the resident relative has the means to support the applicant.
- Sworn translations of certificates and documents.
- Criminal record certificate and valid passport.
Duration:
Permanent residence from the outset, with the right to register with the Federal Police and obtain a CPF tax number.
Important:
It can be applied for from outside Brazil, or used to regularise your stay if you are already in the country on another visa.
7. Humanitarian or refugee visa (special cases)
Who is it for?
For people at risk for political or humanitarian reasons or because of violence. It is processed through the National Committee for Refugees (CONARE).
General requirements:
- Documentary evidence of the risk or persecution.
- A personal statement given in an interview.
- Support from a lawyer or a specialist NGO.
Note:
It grants a residence and work permit while the application is being assessed.
General requirements for a visa application
Although each type of visa has its own specific requirements, a number of documents are commonly requested:
| Document | Compulsory | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Valid passport | Yes | Valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry |
| Passport-type photograph | Yes | White background, 3×4 cm |
| Application form | Yes | Completed online on the official website |
| Proof of financial means | Yes | Bank statements or a letter from your employer |
| Medical insurance | Recommended | Compulsory for long-stay visas |
| Letter of motivation/invitation | Depends on the visa | Needed for work, study or investment |
Some documents may also require an apostille and a sworn translation into Portuguese.
How to apply for a visa, step by step
1. Identify the type of visa you need
Before starting any procedure you have to work out which visa best fits your case: tourism, work, study, investment, family reunification or digital nomad.
- Going to study at a university? → Student visa (VITEM IV)
- Received a job offer? → Work visa (VITEM V)
- Want to work remotely for your foreign employer? → Digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV)
- Want to settle permanently as an investor or relative of a Brazilian? → Permanent visa (VIPER)
Tip: always check the official website of the Brazilian consulate in your country to confirm which category applies to you.
2. Gather all the required documents
Each type of visa has its own specific requirements, but the common documents usually include:
- Passport valid for at least 6 months.
- Application form completed online (this may vary by consulate).
- Recent photograph (passport format, white background).
- Proof of financial means (bank statements, payslips, contracts).
- Documents proving the reason for the visa: university letter of acceptance, employment contract, letter of invitation, investment deed, etc.
- Medical insurance with international cover (recommended).
- Apostilled criminal record certificate (in some cases).
- Sworn translation of all documents not drafted in Portuguese.
Tip: at Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas we provide sworn translations into Portuguese that are valid for Brazilian immigration procedures.
3. Apostille and translate your documents
Brazil is party to the Hague Convention, so any official document (such as birth certificates, criminal record certificates or academic qualifications) has to be apostilled by the authorities of the country where it was issued.
These documents then have to be translated by a sworn translator into Brazilian Portuguese.
Careful: not every embassy accepts non-sworn translations. Check beforehand.
4. Complete the online application
Once you have all the documentation ready and checked, go to the official Brazilian visa website:
On this portal you will have to:
- Create an account.
- Choose the type of visa.
- Complete the corresponding form.
- Upload digital copies of your documents.
- Pay the relevant consular fee (this can vary by country).
- Book an in-person appointment at the consulate or embassy.
5. Attend your appointment at the consulate
Most visas require an in-person appointment. During the consular interview:
- You will have to present the original documents and copies of them.
- In some cases you will be asked about your reason for travelling, your financial means or your ties to Brazil.
- You may have to leave your passport for a few days.
Tip: arrive early and make sure all your documents are organised and complete.
6. Wait for the decision on your visa
Processing times can vary:
- Tourist or business visas: 5 to 15 working days.
- Work, study or residence visas: between 20 and 60 working days.
You can follow the progress of your application on the consulate’s portal or through email notifications.
7. Collect your visa and enter Brazil
Once approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamped in it. From that moment you have the stated legal period (generally 90 days) in which to enter the country.
On arrival in Brazil you may have to:
- Register your residence with the Polícia Federal within the first 30 days.
- Apply for your CPF (Brazilian tax number).
- Obtain a foreigner’s identity card (RNE).
Why get professional help?
Mistakes in documentation, invalid translations or incomplete forms are common causes of visa refusals. That is why, at Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas , we offer you:
- Official sworn translations into Portuguese for legal and administrative documents.
- Tailored Portuguese courses to make settling in easier.
- Advice on international communication for companies relocating staff to Brazil.
Recommended cities to live in Brazil
| City | Lifestyle | International community | Estimated monthly cost (€) |
|---|---|---|---|
| São Paulo | Cosmopolitan and business-oriented | High | 900 – 1.300 |
| Rio de Janeiro | Cultural and coastal | High | 850 – 1.200 |
| Florianópolis | Quiet and modern | Medium | 700 – 1.100 |
| Curitiba | Orderly and safe | Medium | 750 – 1.050 |
| Salvador de Bahía | Historic and tropical | Low | 700 – 950 |
The cost of living in Brazil
The cost of living in Brazil can vary a great deal depending on the city and your lifestyle, but it is generally more affordable than in Europe or North America.
| Item | Monthly range (€) | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Rent (one bedroom) | 300 – 700 | In an urban area and furnished |
| Food | 150 – 250 | Supermarkets and the local market |
| Public transport | 40 – 70 | Buses, metro and Uber |
| Internet + mobile | 25 – 45 | Good coverage in the main cities |
| Estimated total | 700 – 1.300 | Can be higher in premium areas |
The advantages of living in Brazil
- A competitive cost of living compared with Europe.
- Free access to the public health system (SUS).
- Job opportunities in sectors such as technology, energy, tourism and education.
- A vibrant culture with a strong national identity.
- Geographical and climatic diversity, letting you choose your lifestyle.
Common challenges when you move
- Slow bureaucracy for immigration and banking procedures.
- A knowledge of Portuguese is all but essential.
- High social inequality, visible in the big cities.
- Initial difficulties renting without a local credit history.
The digital nomad visa
Brazil has launched the VITEM XIV, a visa exclusively for digital nomads. It allows you to live in Brazil while working for a foreign company.
Key requirements:
- A contract with a company outside Brazil.
- Proof of minimum income (1,500 USD a month).
- Medical insurance valid in Brazil.
- Apostilled documents translated into Portuguese.
This visa is valid for 1 year and renewable for another.
Real cases of expatriates
| Name | Profession | Destination city | Reason for moving |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mikel García | Digital influencer | Rio de Janeiro | Change of lifestyle |
| Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie | Actors | Not specified | Privacy and connection with nature |
| Raquel Rebollo | Chef and entrepreneur | São Paulo | Her own food project |
Advice for settling in successfully
- Learn Portuguese before you arrive or during your first month.
- Apply for your CPF (tax registration) on arrival: it is essential for opening accounts or signing contracts.
- Make sure you register with the SUS if you are going to stay for more than 90 days.
- Connect with expatriate and Brazilian communities to build a support network.
- Adapt to the local pace of life: cultural flexibility is a key advantage.
Useful resources
Prepare for Brazil with professional help that makes the difference
If you are considering the move and have already started the process of applying for your Brazilian visa, the right support can make a great difference to your experience. Not only for the legal formalities, but for the linguistic and cultural adjustment that living in another country involves.
At Alos Soluciones Lingüísticas, we support you from the outset with sworn and certified translations of every document required by consulates and official bodies. Our specialist team makes sure each text complies with the rules set by the Brazilian authorities.
We also offer tailored language courses — including Portuguese — so that you feel confident and prepared from day one. Whether you need training for yourself, your family or your professional team, we have bespoke solutions, both in person and online.
Rely on us to make your move to Brazil smooth, professional and free of linguistic surprises.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
No, not for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
No. You need a work visa (VITEM V) or a digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV).
From 500,000 BRL (roughly 90,000 euros).
Yes, provided you have been admitted to a recognised educational institution.
Between 2 weeks and 3 months, depending on the visa and the embassy.
Yes, in some cases. It depends on the type of visa and on approval by the Federal Police.
Yes, they have to be translated by a sworn translator to be legally valid in Brazil.
It is valid for 90 days, with the option of an extension for a further 90 days on request.