Retirement and Pension Residence Permit

Brazil's Retirement and Pension Residence Permit (Visto Temporário XIV) enables foreign retirees and survivors' pension beneficiaries to reside in Brazil by demonstrating a stable monthly income of at least USD 2,000 from abroad. Governed by Resolução Normativa No. 40/2019, the program is administered by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for in-Brazil applications and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through consulates for visa issuance. The program accepts not only pension income but also other regular and continuous sources such as investment returns and rental income, making it accessible to a broad range of retirees.

• Proof of retired or pension beneficiary status (retirement benefits, survivors' pension, or equivalent)
• Minimum monthly income of USD 2,000 in foreign currency, transferable to a Brazilian bank account
• Income may combine pension with other regular passive sources (investment returns, rental income)
• Valid health insurance or travel insurance covering Brazil for the duration of stay
• No specific educational, professional, or age requirements
• Criminal background certificate from country of origin and each country of residence in the past 5 years (issued within 90 days, apostilled)
• Holders may not engage in local economic activity in Brazil

• Valid passport (6+ months validity, minimum 2 blank visa pages)
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-style colour photograph (white background)
• Birth certificate (apostilled and translated into Portuguese)
• Marriage certificate if applicable (apostilled and translated)
• Criminal background certificates (apostilled and translated)
• Official proof of retirement or pension status from the issuing institution
• Bank letter confirming ability to make international transfers to Brazil
• Bank statements demonstrating monthly income of at least USD 2,000
• Proof of health insurance valid in Brazil
• Consular fee payment receipt

There are two pathways. The first is applying for a VITEM XIV visa at a Brazilian consulate abroad: gather and apostille all documents, have them translated by a sworn translator if needed, complete the online application, submit in person, and pay the consular fee. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days, though some consulates may take 6-8 weeks during busy periods. The second is applying for residence authorization directly in Brazil via the MigranteWeb system, available to those already present on a valid status. After receiving the visa or authorization, registration with the Federal Police is required within 90 days (consular route) or 30 days (in-Brazil route) to obtain the CRNM identity card.

The initial temporary residence is granted for up to 2 years and is renewable by filing a renewal request with the Federal Police or Ministry of Justice, demonstrating continued retirement status and income capacity. After the initial period, holders may apply for permanent residency (prazo indeterminado) provided they continue to meet income requirements. The permanent visa requires a higher minimum monthly income of R$6,000 plus R$2,000 per additional dependant beyond two.

The base income of USD 2,000/month covers the applicant plus up to two legal dependants. Each additional dependant beyond two requires an extra R$2,000/month. Dependants include spouses and dependent minor children, who may apply together with the main applicant or separately through the family reunification visa (VITEM XI). All family members must provide apostilled and translated relationship documents and register independently with the Federal Police.

Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income. Tax residency is established after 183 days of physical presence in a 12-month period or upon holding a permanent visa. Progressive rates range from 0% to 27.5%. Since January 2026 (Lei nº 15.270/2025), monthly income up to R$5,000 is fully exempt from income tax, with partial relief up to R$7,350/month. Brazil has double taxation treaties with over 35 countries that may provide relief on pension income. Holders must file annual income tax declarations and register for a CPF (taxpayer identification number).

Naturalization is available after 4 years of uninterrupted residence with permanent status. The period may be reduced to 1 year in certain cases, such as marriage to a Brazilian citizen.