Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)

Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) enables foreign nationals who work remotely for employers or clients outside Brazil to live in the country for up to one year, with one renewal for a maximum of two years. Established by Resolução Normativa No. 45 of 2021 and administered jointly by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, the program targets remote workers, freelancers, and self-employed professionals who earn their income from foreign entities. With a minimum income requirement of just USD 1,500 per month (or USD 18,000 in savings), it is one of the most accessible digital nomad visas globally.

• Foreign national working remotely for employers or clients located outside Brazil
• Minimum monthly income of USD 1,500 from a foreign source, OR at least USD 18,000 in available bank funds
• No employment relationship with any Brazilian entity
• Valid health insurance covering Brazil for the entire visa duration (minimum 12 months)
• No specific educational or professional qualifications required
• No age restrictions

Applying from abroad (consular route):

• Valid passport (6+ months validity)
• Completed visa application form via e-Consular online portal
• Proof of paid consular fee
• Valid health insurance for Brazil (minimum 12 months coverage)
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin/residence
• Proof of transport or entry to Brazil
• Declaration attesting ability to perform work remotely
• Employment or service contract with a foreign employer/client
• Proof of monthly income of USD 1,500+ or bank funds of USD 18,000+
• Non-Portuguese/English/Spanish documents require certified translation
• Public documents must be apostilled per the Hague Convention

Applying from within Brazil (MigranteWeb):

• Residence authorization request form
• Valid travel document
• GRU payment receipt
• Criminal background certificates from all countries of residence in the last 5 years
• Statutory declaration of no criminal record
• Declaration of remote work capability
• Employment/service contract with a foreign entity
• Proof of income or funds

The visa is issued for up to 1 year and can be renewed once for an equal period, allowing a maximum total stay of 2 years. Renewal requires updated documentation including new criminal background certificates and continued proof of income and employment with a foreign entity. After the maximum two-year period, holders must leave Brazil or transition to another visa category. The digital nomad visa does not currently lead directly to permanent residency, though Brazil's draft National Plan on Migration (PlaNaMIGRA) includes plans to establish a formal pathway to permanent residence for VITEM XIV holders by end of 2026.

Dependants cannot be included in the primary applicant's digital nomad visa application. Instead, family members must apply separately for a family reunion visa (VITEM XI). Eligible dependants include spouses or partners in a stable union, children of any age, parents, and siblings. Each dependant requires their own passport and proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, or notarized declaration of stable union). An additional income of approximately USD 60 per month per dependant is required above the primary applicant's minimum income threshold.

Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income. Individuals present in Brazil for more than 183 days in any 12-month period become tax residents and must declare and pay tax on worldwide income at progressive rates up to 27.5%. Foreign income must be reported monthly through the Carnê-Leão system via the e-CAC portal, with payments due by the last working day of the following month. Those present for fewer than 183 days are generally considered non-residents and taxed only on Brazilian-sourced income at a flat 25% rate. Brazil has double taxation treaties with approximately 30 countries.

There are two application pathways:

From abroad: Submit a visa application at any Brazilian consular post worldwide via the e-Consular online portal. The streamlined process involves: completing the electronic request form online, printing the Receipt of Request Delivery (RER), submitting a service request, and attending an in-person appointment with original documents. Processing typically takes 2–4 weeks at most consulates, up to 12 weeks during peak periods. Consular fees vary by nationality: approximately USD 100 for most nationalities, EUR 120 at some European posts, and USD 290 for US citizens.

From within Brazil: Applicants already in Brazil (e.g., on a tourist visa) can apply for residence authorization through the MigranteWeb online system, paying the GRU fees (approximately R$ 204.77 for the residence card plus R$ 168.13 for processing). Standard processing takes 30–45 business days, with expedited processing available in 20–30 business days for an additional fee. EU nationals may enter Brazil as tourists for up to 90 days without a visa and apply via MigranteWeb during that period.

After entering Brazil or receiving approval, holders must register with the Federal Police to obtain the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório), required for opening bank accounts, signing contracts, and accessing public services.

As of April 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain an eVisa (USD 80) before entering Brazil. This is a separate entry requirement from the digital nomad visa and applies regardless of intended visa status.