Brazil
Explore Brazil visitor rules, visa exemption, family residence, and work pathways with official immigration guidance.
18 visa types · 11 guides · 8 forms
Immigration to Brazil — at a glance
Brazil's immigration system is governed by the Migration Law of 2017 (Law 13.445/2017), administered jointly by the Ministry of Justice's National Immigration Coordination (CGIG) and the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Brazilian consulates abroad issue entry visas and authorisations; the Federal Police register foreign nationals after arrival, issue the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), and manage residence-permit conversions. The Federal Revenue (Receita Federal) issues the CPF tax identification number that gates banking, real estate, and most regular life in Brazil.
The 2017 reform shifted Brazilian migration policy from a control-and-deport mindset to a rights-based residence framework. There are now two main categories: Visa (Visto) for entries lasting up to a defined period, and Residence (Residência) for longer or permanent stays. Residence permits are granted on broad humanitarian, family, work, study, retirement, and investment grounds. The visa exemption framework (Acordo de Isenção de Vistos) covers more than 90 nationalities for tourism and short business stays — typically 90 days renewable to 180 days within a 12-month window.
What makes Brazil distinctive is the mercosur framework: nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Suriname) can apply for a 2-year temporary residence based purely on nationality, convertible to permanent after 2 years. This is one of the most liberal regional migration regimes in the world. The guides in this hub focus on the documentation choreography between the consulate, the Federal Police, and the Receita Federal.
After arrival, the administrative sequence is what most newcomers underestimate. Within 90 days of entry on a residence visa, you must register with the Federal Police, generate a CRNM (residence card), obtain a CPF tax identification number from the Receita Federal, and — if working — sign an electronic CTPS labour contract. Failing to register on time can convert an approved residence into an irregular stay, requiring a fine and re-registration. Most steps now run through the SISMigra and gov.br portals, replacing the older paper-based queue model that dominated through 2019.
Main pathways into Brazil
Pick a route based on whether you have visa-free access (over 90 nationalities for tourism), a MERCOSUR passport, a Brazilian family member, a Brazilian employer, retirement income, or qualifying investment funds. Most long-term residence permits start as a temporary residence and convert to permanent after 2–4 years.
- Visa Exemption90 days renewable to 180 days within 12 months for tourism and short business; over 90 nationalities eligible.
- VITEM XI — Family ReunionFor spouses, partners, parents, and dependent children of Brazilian citizens or residents.
- VITEM V — WorkTied to a CGIG-approved work authorisation; typically 2 years renewable.
- MERCOSUR Residence2-year temporary residence on nationality alone for MERCOSUR member and associate states; convertible to permanent.
- VITEM XIV — RetirementFor retirees with a documented monthly pension of at least roughly US$2,000 plus US$1,000 per dependant.
- VITEM XII — StudyFor full-time enrolment at recognised institutions; allows part-time work after 1 year of residence.
Key facts about Brazil immigration
Quick reference for the agencies, currencies, and rules that govern most applications.
As of
Issuing authority
Brazilian consulates abroad + Federal Police (Polícia Federal) in Brazil
Receita Federal issues the CPF tax ID.
Currency
BRL (R$)
Application portal
E-Consular (consulates abroad) + Federal Police MIGRANTEWEB and SISMigra
Visa exemption window
90 days, renewable for another 90 within a 12-month period (most exempt nationalities).
CPF
Tax ID required for banking, real estate, telecom, and most non-tourist activity.
Permanent residence
Available 4 years after most temporary residence permits; 2 years for MERCOSUR nationals.
Citizenship
Generally 4 years of residence; reduced for spouses of Brazilians and Portuguese-speaking-country nationals.
Typical fees and processing windows (Brazil)
Indicative ranges drawn from official authority pages. Confirm the exact figures on the agency website before applying.
As of
| Pathway | Typical fee | Typical processing |
|---|---|---|
| VITEM XI — Family Reunion | Approx US$80–US$100 consular fee + emolumentos | 4–8 weeks at most consulates |
| VITEM V — Work (CGIG-approved) | Approx US$100 consular fee | CGIG decision within ~30–60 days; consular stamp ~2–4 weeks afterwards |
| MERCOSUR temporary residence | BRL 168 administrative fee | Application can be filed inside Brazil within 90 days of entry; decision typically 30–90 days |
| VITEM XIV — Retirement | Approx US$100 consular fee | 4–8 weeks at most consulates |
| CRNM card issuance after arrival | BRL 168 + GRU fees | 4–12 weeks after Federal Police appointment |
Start with your goal
Choose what you want to do in Brazil and get a tailored guide.
Explore visa types
18 visa types with step-by-step guides, requirements, and official sources.
Which Brazilian route fits your situation?
Pick the situation that best matches you to see the most common starting point in Brazil.
Situation 1
I am from a visa-exempt country and want to visit Brazil for tourism.
No visa needed for stays up to 90 days; you can extend once at the Federal Police for another 90 days within a 12-month window.
Situation 2
I am a citizen of Argentina, Chile, Colombia, Peru, or another MERCOSUR/Associated State.
Use the MERCOSUR residence route — the simplest and most permissive. File either at a Brazilian consulate or directly at the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival.
Situation 3
My partner is a Brazilian citizen or resident.
Apply for a VITEM XI Family Reunion visa or, if already in Brazil, file the residence directly with the Federal Police using the marriage/civil-union evidence.
Situation 4
I have an offer from a Brazilian employer.
The employer applies for a CGIG work authorisation; once approved, you collect the VITEM V at a Brazilian consulate. Expect a 30–60 day CGIG decision before consular stamping.
Situation 5
I am retired with a foreign pension.
Apply for the VITEM XIV Retirement visa. Document monthly retirement income above the consulate threshold; budget for medical insurance valid in Brazil.
Recent Brazil immigration updates
Editorial summaries of policy changes our team has tracked. Always confirm details with the relevant agency before submitting an application.
Visa exemption restored for several nationalities
Brazil restored visa-exempt entry for nationals of the United States, Canada, and Australia (visit/business), reverting an earlier policy that briefly required visas for these passport holders.
Federal Police digitised CRNM appointments
The Federal Police completed the migration of all CRNM (residence card) applications to the SISMigra online appointment system, reducing in-person backlog at most state offices.
Brazil immigration FAQ
The questions readers ask most about applying to live, work, study, and visit Brazil.
How long can I stay in Brazil on a visa-free entry?
For most visa-exempt nationalities, you receive 90 days on entry, renewable for another 90 days within the same 12-month window — meaning a maximum of 180 days per rolling 12-month period. The Federal Police decides whether to grant the renewal; you must apply at a Federal Police office before your initial 90 days expires.
How does MERCOSUR residence work?
Citizens of Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, and Suriname can apply for a 2-year temporary residence in Brazil based purely on their MERCOSUR nationality. The application can be filed at a Brazilian consulate or directly at the Federal Police inside Brazil within 90 days of arrival. After 2 years, residents can apply for permanent residence.
What is a CPF and how do I get one?
The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is the Federal Revenue's tax identification number for individuals. It is required to open a bank account, sign a lease or buy real estate, register a phone, and most non-tourist activities. Foreign nationals can request a CPF at any Brazilian consulate, at Receita Federal offices in Brazil, or at authorised Banco do Brasil and Caixa branches.
How does the retirement (VITEM XIV) visa income requirement work?
You must demonstrate a documented monthly pension or retirement income of at least roughly US$2,000 (or its BRL equivalent) — plus US$1,000 per dependant moving with you. Income must come from a foreign source (pension, social-security payment, retirement account distributions). Specific consulates may require certified bank statements covering the prior 6–12 months.
Can I work on a Family Reunion (VITEM XI) visa?
Yes. Family-reunion residents may work freely in Brazil — there is no separate work permit required once the residence is granted. You'll still need a CPF and a CTPS (digital labour-record card) to be hired by a Brazilian employer.
When can I apply for Brazilian citizenship?
Permanent residents can apply for naturalisation after 4 years of legal residence (or less in specific cases). The waiting period drops to 1 year of residence for spouses of Brazilian citizens, parents of Brazilian children, and nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries. Naturalisation requires Portuguese-language proficiency, no criminal record, and proof of regular income or employment.
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