Brazil guides

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.