Brazil

Permanent Residency in Brazil – Eligibility, Application Process, And Pathways

A permanent residency (PR) in Brazil allows you to live and work in the country indefinitely. Considered a good option for people who wish to relocate, Brazil offers multiple pathways to get PR.

What are the eligibility requirements and application process? What are the different routes to get PR? Let us find out.

Key Takeaways

  • Permanent residency (PR) in Brazil lets foreigners live and work indefinitely, with multiple routes like investment, work, study, family reunion, marriage, and retirement.
  • Eligibility requires a valid passport, police clearance, legal stay, and proof of investment, employment, or family ties.
  • Apply by selecting a pathway, submitting documents to the Brazilian consulate or Ministry of Justice, paying USD 100–300 in fees, and waiting 4–6 months.
  • PR holders can apply for Brazilian citizenship through naturalization routes based on residence duration and eligibility.

How to Get PR in Brazil?

Before applying for permanent residency in Brazil, you must know whether you are eligible for it or not. Some of the general requirements include:

  • You must have a valid passport as proof of identification
  • Proof of legal entry and stay in Brazil
  • Proof that you have either invested in Brazil, are employed, or have family ties
  • Marriage certificate (if applicable)
  • Police clearance certificate stating that you have no criminal record
  • You cannot be absent from Brazil for more than two consecutive years

Read: How to Migrate to Brazil – 6 Categories of Brazilian Permanent Visa

How to Apply For a Permanent Residency in Brazil?

Applying for PR in Brazil involves a few steps:

  1. Choose the relevant visa pathway – investment, work, family, retirement, study, etc.
  2. Gather all the required documents.
  3. Fill out the application form for a temporary visa and submit it along with the necessary documents. If you are applying from your home country, you can submit to the Brazilian consulate. If you are in Brazil, you can submit all the documents to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
  4. Pay the PR application fee of USD 100–300 (Rs 8,813- 26,440).  The fee typically includes the residence authorization fee and the national migration registration card.  Other associated costs include visa processing, translation, and notarization.
  5. You may be called for biometrics oran interview.  
  6. Wait for visa approval, which can take 4–6 months.
  7. Once approved, you will receive your permanent resident ID card.

With PR card, you can stay in Brazil indefinitely but your application and documents may be reviewed periodically.  

Pathways to Get Permanent Residency in Brazil

The Brazilian government provides multiple routes for getting PR.

Investment Visa

There are two pathways for entrepreneurs and investors to obtain an investment visa: investing in Brazilian companies (business investment visa) and real estate investment.

For business investment visas, foreign investors have to make an investment of a minimum of BRL500,000 (US$84,000) in a Brazilian company that creates jobs.  If the company is into innovation or research, the minimum investment required is BRL150,000 (US$25,000).

Real estate visas require a minimum investment of BRL 1 million (US$168,000). If you purchase property in the country’s north or northeast region, the investment amount can be reduced to BRL 700,000.  

Work Visa

Skilled professionals who secure a job from a Brazilian company and get sponsorship will get a temporary work visa. The temporary visa can be later converted to a PR based on eligibility.

Studies Visa

Students who have graduated from accredited Brazilian colleges and universities and have received job offers in the country, can apply for a two-year permit. This will help get permanent residency in Brazil.

Family Reunion Visa

If your parents, spouse, partner, or children are Brazilian citizens, you can apply for permanent residency under a family reunion visa. This is one of the most common routes to get PR in Brazil.

Retirement Visa

Retired foreigners can live in Brazil indefinitely if they have a stable minimum monthly income of US$2,000. The income can be from pensions and other sources, such as rent or investments. They are also required to stay two years in Brazil.

Residency By Marriage

Marrying a Brazilian citizen can help get a PR.

Can You Get Brazilian Citizenship?

According to Brazilian law, foreigners, including Indians, can become Brazilian citizens through four ways:

Ordinary Naturalisation

To be eligible for ordinary naturalization, the applicant must be above 18 years of age and have resided in Brazil for at least 4 years (this period can be reduced to 1 year under certain conditions).

The applicant should be proficient in Portuguese and have a clean criminal record. If the applicant has been convicted in the past, he/she must have undergone rehabilitation.

Extraordinary Naturalisation

To qualify for extraordinary naturalization, the applicant must have lived in Brazil continuously for more than 15 years and should not have any criminal record. If convicted in the past, the applicant must have undergone rehabilitation.

Special Naturalisation

Special naturalization is granted under specific circumstances. The applicant must have worked in a diplomatic mission or consular post in Brazil for a minimum of 10 continuous years. 

The applicant must have been married or in a domestic partnership with a member of the Brazilian Foreign Service or an individual serving the Brazilian State abroad for more than 5 years.

Provisional Naturalisation

This citizenship is granted provisionally to foreigners who have settled in Brazil before turning 10 years old.

It can be converted to permanent nationality if the application request is made within 2 years after turning 18.

Conclusion

If you have been granted permanent residency in Brazil, you can live there indefinitely. However, there are certain conditions that you must fulfill to maintain the PR status. One of the requirements is that you cannot be absent from the country for more than two continuous years.  

FAQs on Getting a Permanent Residency in Brazil

Can Indians get citizenship in Brazil?

Yes. Indians can get Brazilian citizenship through four different ways –
1. Ordinary Naturalization
2. Extraordinary Naturalization
3. Special Naturalization
4. Provisional Naturalization.
You can apply through any of the ways based on eligibility.  

How can I get permanent residency in Brazil?


There are many pathways to get a Brazilian PR, like an investment visa, a work visa, a family reunion visa, a retirement visa, and an education visa. The common requirements include:
1. A valid passport
2. Police clearance certificate stating that you have no criminal record
3. Proof of entry and stay in Brazil
4. Proof that you have invested in Brazil, or proof of income.
5. You should not be absent from Brazil for more than two consecutive years.

How long can I stay in Brazil with PR?

You can stay in Brazil for an indefinite period, but your application and documents may require periodic review. If you leave the country for a prolonged period, it can affect your PR status.

Can I apply for Brazilian PR from my home country?

Yes, you can apply from your home country by submitting the application form and documents to the Brazilian Consulate. If you are in Brazil, you can submit all the documents to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.

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