Business Investor Residence

Brazil's Business Investor Residence (Autorização de Residência para Investidor — Pessoa Física) allows foreign nationals to reside in Brazil by investing at least R$500,000 (approximately USD 91,000) of their own foreign-sourced capital in a Brazilian legal entity. Established by Resolução Normativa No. 13/2017, Art. 2, and administered by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security through the MigranteWeb platform, the program grants indefinite residence authorization with the primary objective of generating employment or income in Brazil.

• Investment of at least R$500,000 in foreign currency into a new or existing Brazilian company (pessoa jurídica)
• Funds must be transferred through institutions authorized by the Banco Central do Brasil and registered as foreign direct investment (investimento externo direto) via the RDE-IED system
• A comprehensive 3-year Investment or Business Plan demonstrating job or income generation potential
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin, apostilled under the Hague Convention

• Corporate bylaws or articles of incorporation of the receiving company, showing foreign capital invested
• Proof of investment via Central Bank RDE-IED registration and foreign exchange contract from an authorized institution
• 3-year Investment or Business Plan covering: economic sector, geographic location, product/service description, hiring plan, salary structure, employee training investment, and financial plan
• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Birth certificate (apostilled)
• Criminal background check (apostilled)

The investor first establishes or invests in a Brazilian legal entity, transferring the minimum R$500,000 in foreign currency registered as foreign direct investment with the Central Bank. A local representative or attorney in Brazil typically handles company incorporation and investment registration. The residence authorization request is submitted electronically through the MigranteWeb system. Upon approval, the authorization is communicated to the Brazilian consulate, which issues the VITEM IX investment visa. After entering Brazil, the holder must register with the Federal Police within 90 days to obtain the CRNM (national identity card for immigrants). Applicants already in Brazil on a valid visa can apply directly through MigranteWeb.

The residence authorization is granted for an indefinite term from the date of approval. However, it remains contingent on compliance with the approved Investment or Business Plan. Documentation proving plan execution must be submitted to the Ministry of Justice up to 90 days before the end of the initially granted review period. The Ministry evaluates compliance considering economic context and employment potential maintenance. Processing typically takes 2-4 months for ministry review, with a total timeline of 5-12 months including preparation and registration.

The principal applicant's spouse, partner (including common-law partnership), and dependent children can obtain derivative residence through the VITEM XI family reunification visa. Children under 21 are eligible as dependants, while those aged 18-24 must prove dependence through enrollment as students or financial dependence. Dependants do not require separate investment. Family members must independently register with the Federal Police to obtain their own CRNM cards.

Holders become Brazilian tax residents from the date of arrival and are subject to worldwide income taxation under progressive rates from 0% to 27.5%. Annual income tax declarations must be filed by April 30. Monthly income not subject to withholding must be reported through the Carne-Leão system. Brazil has double taxation treaties with approximately 35 countries. The receiving enterprise must comply with corporate obligations including CNPJ registration, regular tax filings, and employment law compliance.

Holders may apply for ordinary naturalization after 4 years of continuous residence in Brazil, with proficiency in Portuguese and no criminal convictions. The residency period may be reduced to 1 year for applicants recommended for professional, scientific, or artistic abilities.