Brazil's Business Investor Residence (Autorização de Residência para Investidor — Pessoa Física) lets foreign nationals reside in Brazil by investing at least R$500,000 (approximately USD 91,000) of their own foreign-sourced capital in a Brazilian company. Established by Resolução Normativa No. 13/2017 and administered by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security through the MigranteWeb platform, the program grants indefinite residence authorization with the primary aim of generating employment or income in Brazil. An innovation/startup track is available at a lower threshold of R$150,000 for companies meeting specific innovation criteria.
Eligibility is based on the investment amount and the business plan's potential to create jobs or income, not on personal qualifications. The residence is granted for investment purposes without an employment relationship, so the holder operates as an investor or entrepreneur in the company rather than as an employee. The full R$500,000 must enter Brazil from abroad as foreign currency — direct personal expenditures do not qualify.
The residence authorization is granted for an indefinite term from the date of approval, but 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, and the Ministry evaluates ongoing compliance considering economic context and employment potential. Processing typically takes 2-4 months for ministry review, with a total timeline of roughly 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 a separate investment but 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, and monthly income not subject to withholding is reported through the Carnê-Leão system. Brazil has double taxation treaties with approximately 35 countries. The receiving company must meet corporate obligations including CNPJ registration, regular tax filings, and employment law compliance.
The investor first establishes or invests in a Brazilian company, transferring the minimum R$500,000 in foreign currency registered as foreign direct investment with the Central Bank. A local representative or attorney typically handles company incorporation and investment registration. The residence authorization request is submitted electronically through MigranteWeb — now processed exclusively under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, whose authority over these procedures was formally established by Resolução CNIG/MJSP No. 51/2025. 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.
Holders may apply for ordinary naturalization after 4 years of continuous residence in Brazil, with proficiency in Portuguese and no criminal convictions. The required residency period may be reduced to 1 year for applicants recommended for professional, scientific, or artistic abilities.