Visa de Transeunte Rentista (TR-RE)

Venezuela's Visa de Transeunte Rentista (TR-RE, also abbreviated TR-R by SAIME) allows foreign nationals who live from legitimate passive income or pensions generated abroad to reside in the country. Established under the Ley de Extranjeria y Migracion (Gaceta Oficial No. 37.944, 24 May 2004), the program is administered by SAIME, with consular visa policy coordinated by the Ministry of Popular Power for Foreign Affairs (MPPRE). It targets individuals who can demonstrate regular foreign-source passive income of at least USD 1,200 per month without needing to engage in local employment.

• Minimum monthly passive income of USD 1,200 from foreign sources (pensions, rental income, investment returns)
• Additional USD 500/month per accompanying family member
• Valid passport with minimum 6-12 months validity (varies by consulate)
• Criminal background certificate issued within 3 months, apostilled and translated into Spanish
• Certificate of pension amounts or documentation proving monthly income
• Three months of recent bank statements showing income deposits
• Letter of intent (exposicion de motivos) stating the reasons for entering Venezuela
• Two recent colour passport photos (white background)
• Official medical certificate (some consulates require legalization by the local medical board)
• A handwritten promise (promesa manuscrita) not to engage in any remunerated or lucrative activity
• All foreign documents must be apostilled and translated into Spanish

• Holders must not engage in remunerated work or business activities in Venezuela
• Income must come exclusively from foreign passive sources
• A handwritten declaration (promesa manuscrita) promising not to engage in any paid or lucrative activity is required as a standard part of the application

The visa is valid for 1 year with multiple entries and equal length of stay. It is renewable for equal 1-year terms provided foreign income sources continue. After two continuous years of transeunte status, holders may apply for permanent resident (residente) status, valid for 5 years and renewable.

Applications are submitted through Venezuelan embassies and consulates abroad. Procedures vary by consulate -- some accept postal mail submissions, others require in-person appointments. Processing takes approximately 5 business days after receipt of complete documentation, though timelines vary by request volume. The consular fee is set per consulate; current official pages direct applicants to confirm the amount with the relevant mission (European consulates have charged around EUR 60) and it is non-refundable.

Upon entering Venezuela, holders must register with SAIME within 30 days to obtain a Cedula de Identidad (identity card). The registration and card issuance process may take several weeks after arrival.

After 10 years of legal residency, holders may apply for Venezuelan citizenship through naturalization. The timeline is reduced to 5 years for nationals of Spain, Portugal, Italy, or Latin American and Caribbean countries, as well as for those married to a Venezuelan citizen.

Venezuela applies worldwide taxation for tax residents. Individuals present for more than 183 days in a fiscal year are considered tax residents and subject to progressive income tax rates from 6% to 34% on worldwide income. Foreign tax credits are available for taxes paid abroad on foreign-source income.

To maintain residente status (obtained after two years), holders must not be absent from Venezuela for more than 24 consecutive months. A brief return to Venezuelan territory within 24 months resets the clock.