Brazil’s Immigration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) and its implementing regulation, Decree No. 9,199/2017, created legal pathways for foreign nationals to obtain residence authorization through investment — either by contributing capital to a Brazilian company or by purchasing real estate in the country. This route typically appeals to entrepreneurs, individual investors, and families planning a medium- to long-term move to Brazil.
Who can apply
Foreign individuals who can demonstrate a qualifying investment in Brazilian territory — in an existing or newly formed company, or in the purchase of urban real estate — may apply for investment-based residence.
Investment routes
- Business investment — capital contributed to a Brazilian company, new or existing, that generates employment or produces goods and services. Certain categories, such as investment in startups and technology-based companies, may be subject to specific criteria set out in regulatory resolutions.
- Real estate investment — purchase of urban real estate in Brazil, subject to a minimum value set by specific regulation.
On minimum investment amounts
The minimum investment thresholds for each route are set by resolution of Brazil’s National Immigration Council (CNIg, Conselho Nacional de Imigração) and are updated periodically. For that reason, this article does not list specific figures — before making any plans, it is essential to confirm the current threshold with a qualified attorney.
Documents typically required
- Proof of the investment (registered articles of incorporation, or a registered property deed)
- Evidence of the lawful origin of the invested funds
- The applicant’s personal documents, apostilled and translated by a sworn translator when issued abroad
- A valid passport
How the process works
The residence application may be filed with the Brazilian consulate in the investor’s home country before traveling to Brazil, or, in certain cases, directly in Brazil if the applicant already holds another valid immigration status. The competent federal authority reviews the application and may request additional documentation depending on the complexity of the investment.
Duration and validity
Residence is initially granted for a fixed term. Once the investment has been maintained for the required period, the holder may apply to convert it into indefinite residence.
Final considerations
Every investment has its own characteristics — corporate structure, industry, form of contribution — that directly shape the application strategy. We recommend seeking specialized legal guidance as early as the investment-planning stage, to ensure the chosen structure meets both business goals and immigration requirements.