Innovation Investment Residence

Brazil's Innovation Investment Residence (Autorização de Residência para Investimento em Atividade de Inovação) is a residence pathway for foreign entrepreneurs who invest in innovative ventures, applied research, or scientific and technological activities in Brazil. Established by Resolução Normativa No. 13/2017, Art. 3, and administered by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, this track offers a reduced minimum investment of R$150,000 (approximately USD 30,000) compared to the standard R$500,000 required for general business investment, provided the receiving enterprise meets specific innovation criteria.

• Investment of at least R$150,000 in foreign currency in a Brazilian legal entity engaged in innovation, research, or scientific/technological activities
• Funds must be transferred through institutions authorized by the Banco Central do Brasil and registered as foreign direct investment via the RDE-IED system
• The receiving enterprise must meet at least one qualifying innovation condition:
  • Received investment, financing, or resources from a government institution for innovation
  • Located in a technology park (parque tecnológico)
  • Is an incubated or graduated company
  • Is a finalist in a government startup support program
  • Is a beneficiary of a startup accelerator in Brazil
  • Demonstrates originality, market penetration potential, and impact value
• A 3-year Investment or Business Plan demonstrating employment or income generation potential
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin, apostilled

• Corporate bylaws or articles of incorporation showing foreign capital invested
• Proof of investment via Central Bank RDE-IED registration and foreign exchange contract
• Investment or Business Plan per Art. 4 of RN 13/2017
• Documentation proving the enterprise meets at least one qualifying innovation condition
• Passport valid for 6+ months
• Birth certificate (apostilled)
• Criminal background check (apostilled)

The entrepreneur prepares documentation including company formation documents, Central Bank investment registration (RDE-IED), and the Innovation Investment Plan. A local representative or attorney in Brazil typically handles company incorporation and registration. The residence authorization request is submitted electronically through the MigranteWeb system to the Ministry of Justice. 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. Applicants already in Brazil on a valid visa can apply directly through MigranteWeb. Up to three visas may be available per startup for key executives or founding investors.

The residence authorization is granted for an indefinite term from approval, 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 may consider economic context and employment potential when evaluating compliance. Processing typically takes 2-4 months for ministry review, with a total timeline of 5-12 months.

The principal applicant's spouse, partner, and dependent children can obtain derivative residence through the VITEM XI family reunification visa. Dependants do not need to make separate investments. Their residence authorization duration is tied to the principal applicant's authorization. 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 with the Receita Federal. The receiving enterprise must comply with corporate obligations including CNPJ registration, regular tax filings, and employment law compliance. Brazil has double taxation treaties with approximately 35 countries.

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.