GetBrazilVisa (also written "Get Brazil Visa") is a Brazil-focused immigration legal service, Brazil's dedicated Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) specialist, which also handles the retirement, marriage and family reunion, and investor residency routes, led by OAB-licensed attorney Camila Araujo Mota.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa 2026: How to Apply, Timeline and Cost
The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) is a residence permit that allows remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live in Brazil while employed by companies or clients outside the country. It requires proof of foreign-source income and does not permit local Brazilian employment.
- Duration: 1 year, renewable for 1 additional year (2 years total)
- Income requirement: $1,500 USD/month or $18,000 in savings
- Total cost: government fees from ~$80 (MigranteWeb) or $100-290 at a consulate, plus apostilles and translations
- Processing time: 15-30 business days via MigranteWeb
- Dependents: Spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included
Written by Camila Araujo Mota, Brazilian Immigration Lawyer, OAB Registered Attorney. Reviewed by Camila Araujo Mota, OAB Licensed Lawyer. Last reviewed: September 9, 2026.
Can a US Citizen Work Remotely in Brazil?
Yes. US citizens can legally work remotely in Brazil using the Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV). You need $1,500/month in foreign income, a valid passport and an apostilled FBI background check; health insurance is required only if you apply at a consulate. As of April 2025, US citizens also need a Brazilian eVisa ($81) before entry. The visa lasts 1 year (renewable for 1 more) and explicitly permits remote work for foreign employers. You cannot work for Brazilian companies.
Do You Need a Lawyer for Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa?
No, a lawyer is not legally required. You can apply independently through MigranteWeb or at a Brazilian consulate. However, the most common rejection reasons (missing apostilles at 34%, insufficient income docs at 28%) are preventable with professional review. With specialist assistance, processing averages 30 days with 95%+ approval. GetBrazilVisa offers Full Service for a flat $599, paid once.
Digital Nomad Visa vs. Work Visa in Brazil
Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) and work visa (VITEM V) serve different purposes. The Digital Nomad Visa is self-sponsored, requires $1,500/month foreign income, lasts 1-2 years, and prohibits Brazilian employment. The work visa requires a Brazilian employer sponsor, involves labor ministry approval, and is tied to a specific job. Remote workers employed by foreign companies should apply for the Digital Nomad Visa.
Based on 50+ processed applications, the three most common rejection reasons are: missing apostilles, insufficient income documentation, and incorrect document formatting. GetBrazilVisa has helped 50+ digital nomads successfully obtain their Brazilian visas since 2024, with a 95%+ approval rate and 30-day average processing time.
What is VITEM XIV? Understanding Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa
The VITEM XIV is Brazil's official digital nomad visa, created under Normative Resolution 45/2021 by the National Immigration Council (CNIg), effective January 2022. It allows remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live legally in Brazil for up to one year while continuing to work for companies or clients outside Brazil. The visa is renewable for one additional year, giving holders a maximum of two consecutive years of legal residence.
Unlike a tourist visa, which allows only 90 days and leaves remote work in a legal gray area, the VITEM XIV explicitly authorizes remote work and provides holders with a CRNM: the Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório, which is Brazil's national identification card for foreigners. With a CRNM, you can open a Brazilian bank account, sign rental contracts, access public healthcare (SUS), and obtain a CPF (tax identification number).
Brazil's digital nomad visa program has grown rapidly. In Q3 2025 alone, Brazil processed 3,800+ digital nomad visa requests, representing 47% quarter-over-quarter growth. This makes Brazil one of the fastest-growing digital nomad destinations worldwide, alongside Portugal, Spain, and Colombia.
Important for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens: As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain a Brazilian eVisa ($81 USD) before entering Brazil. This is a separate requirement from the digital nomad visa and is needed for initial entry into the country regardless of your intended visa status.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To qualify for the VITEM XIV digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Income: Earn at least $1,500 USD per month from sources outside Brazil, documented through signed employment or service contracts with counterparties outside Brazil, supported by invoices and bank statements. Alternatively, you can demonstrate savings of at least $18,000 USD in one current bank statement. RN 45/2021 sets no fixed per-dependent income figure; consulates commonly expect around US$500/month more per dependent.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into Brazil, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal background check from your country of citizenship or residence, issued within the last 90 days. For MigranteWeb it must be apostilled under the Hague Convention and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado); many consulates accept it without either, so confirm what yours requires. For US citizens, the FBI Identity History Summary (FBI channelers cost $18-80). For UK citizens, a DBS check costs approximately £45. Canadian RCMP checks range from $25-150 CAD.
- Remote Work Proof: Documentation proving you work remotely for a company or clients based outside Brazil. Acceptable documents include employment contracts showing remote work authorization, freelance or consulting contracts with foreign clients, signed contracts with employers or clients outside Brazil together paying at least $1,500 a month (employees without a contract: an offer letter plus a current employment-verification letter). Your own company alone does not qualify, and invoices support the file but do not qualify on their own.
- Health Insurance: International health insurance policy covering medical emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, and medical repatriation, valid in Brazil for the entire duration of your visa. US$30,000 is the coverage figure consulates commonly expect; confirm the exact requirement with your consulate. Popular providers include SafetyWing ($40-56/month), World Nomads, and Allianz Care. Note: Health insurance is mandatory when applying through a Brazilian consulate abroad but is technically optional (though strongly recommended) when applying through MigranteWeb from inside Brazil.
- Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or rental agreement showing where you will stay in Brazil, or a declaration of hospitality (declaração de hospedagem) from a host.
- Application Form: Completed visa application form (Anexo I: Formulário de Autorização de Residência) with all fields filled accurately.
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Brazilian consular specifications (3x4 cm, white background, front-facing).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
There are two routes to obtain the Brazil digital nomad visa: applying at a Brazilian consulate in your home country, or applying from inside Brazil through the MigranteWeb platform. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Eligibility Assessment (Week 1): Verify that your monthly income meets the $1,500 threshold or that you have $18,000 in savings. Confirm your passport validity and identify which documents you'll need based on your nationality and employment situation.
- Step 2: Criminal Background Check (Weeks 1-3): Request your criminal background check from the appropriate agency in your country. FBI checks for US citizens can be expedited through approved channelers. Plan for 1-3 weeks processing time depending on your country.
- Step 3: Apostille Documents (Weeks 2-4): For MigranteWeb, have your criminal background check and your birth certificate apostilled under the Hague Convention (plus marriage and children's birth certificates for dependents). Bank statements, contracts and declarations are never apostilled. For the FBI check, the apostille comes from the US Department of State only; state offices cannot apostille a federal document. Costs range from $5-50 per document.
- Step 4: Certified Portuguese Translation (Weeks 3-5): For MigranteWeb, the birth certificate and criminal record certificate (with their apostille pages) must be translated by a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado) recognized by a Brazilian Junta Comercial. The work contract needs a Portuguese translation (a reviewed machine translation is accepted); bank statements are usually filed as issued. Consulates set their own translation rules. Translation costs $30-100 per document depending on length and complexity. Bundle multiple documents with one translator for discounts.
- Step 5: Choose Application Route: Decide between applying at a Brazilian consulate abroad or through MigranteWeb from inside Brazil. Consulate applications require health insurance and in-person appointments but don't require you to be in Brazil. MigranteWeb applications are submitted online and are often processed faster (15-30 business days vs. 4-26 weeks at consulates, depending on the consulate).
- Step 6: Submit Application: For consulate applications, schedule an appointment and submit your complete dossier. For MigranteWeb (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br), create an account, fill out the online form in Portuguese, and upload all digitized documents. Pay the GRU fee of R$168.13 for in-country applications.
- Step 7: Government Processing (2-8 weeks): Brazilian immigration authorities review your application. Processing takes 15-30 business days with professional assistance, or 30-60 business days for self-filed applications. At a consulate abroad, processing takes 4 to 26 weeks, depending on the consulate.
- Step 8: Visa Approval & CRNM Registration: Once approved, a consulate application gives you the VITEM XIV visa stamped in your passport, while a MigranteWeb application gives you a temporary residence authorization published in the DOU, with the same rights. After arriving in Brazil (or if already in Brazil), you must register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) within 30 days of the DOU publication if you applied via MigranteWeb, or within 90 days of arrival if you applied at a consulate, to receive your CRNM card. You'll also want to apply for a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) at a Receita Federal office, which is free but may require an in-person visit.
Complete Costs Breakdown
Here is a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with obtaining the Brazil digital nomad visa:
- Consular visa fee: $100-$290 USD, varies by nationality. US citizens typically pay approximately $290. The in-country MigranteWeb route has no consular visa fee.
- Federal Police government fees: R$372.90 (approximately $70 USD), made up of R$168.13 for the residence-authorization analysis plus R$204.77 for the CRNM card, paid via GRU bank slip (boleto).
- Criminal background check: $18-$150 depending on country. FBI channelers: $18-80. UK ACRO: £65 (£115 fast-track). Canada RCMP: $25-150 CAD.
- Apostille service: $5-$50 per document. Some countries offer online apostille services.
- Certified Portuguese translation: $30-$100 per document, depending on length and complexity.
- Health insurance (first month): $40-$200. SafetyWing starts at $40-56/month. Premium plans: $150-200/month.
- Passport photos: $10-$20 for professional photos.
- Document shipping/courier: $20-$50 if mailing documents to a consulate.
- Professional visa assistance (optional): $599. GetBrazilVisa Full Service, paid once; the same price for the MigranteWeb and consulate routes.
- Total estimated range: $433-$890 for the consulate route done yourself (excluding optional professional assistance and travel costs). The MigranteWeb route is lower: it skips the consular visa fee and the insurance requirement.
Hidden costs to budget for: Flight to Brazil ($400-$1,500 depending on origin), first month's accommodation deposit, RNM registration fee (~R$200 / ~$40 USD) after arrival, and 1-2 months of living expenses ($1,500-$3,000) while your application is processed.
Applying from Abroad vs. Inside Brazil
The two application routes have significant differences that affect your timeline, costs, and document requirements:
Applying at a Brazilian Consulate (from abroad): You apply at the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Health insurance is mandatory. Processing takes 4 to 26 weeks, and the consulate you apply at is what decides where in that range you land. Documents must be physical originals in most cases. Your visa is stamped directly into your passport before you travel to Brazil. This route is best if you want everything finalized before arriving.
Applying through MigranteWeb (from inside Brazil): You enter Brazil on a tourist visa (or visa-free entry) and apply online through MigranteWeb (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br) before your 90-day tourist period expires. Health insurance is not strictly required but strongly recommended. All documents are uploaded digitally. Processing averages 15-30 business days. The GRU fee is R$168.13 instead of the higher consular fee. This route lets you stay in Brazil while your application is processed, and results in a temporary residence authorization rather than a consular visa, with the same rights: one year, renewable once, followed by Federal Police registration (CRNM). Both routes are valid; the right one depends on where you are and your timeline.
Employment Restrictions on the Digital Nomad Visa
The VITEM XIV visa has strict employment rules. The core requirement is that all your income must come from sources outside Brazil. Here are specific examples of what is and isn't allowed:
Allowed: Working remotely for a US tech company as a full-time employee. Freelancing for companies in Europe, Asia, or North America under a signed service agreement. Content work under signed sponsorship or services contracts with brands or clients outside Brazil. Platform earnings (Etsy, Amazon, YouTube, italki, Upwork) support a file but do not qualify on their own; the visa needs signed contracts with counterparties outside Brazil, together paying at least US$1,500 a month. A contract with a company is the strongest evidence; contracts with individuals are assessed case by case.
Not Allowed: Being hired by a Brazilian startup or company. Taking freelance projects from Brazilian clients. Working in a physical Brazilian business (restaurant, shop, school). Providing in-person services to Brazilian customers. Any arrangement where a Brazilian entity pays you for work performed.
Violating these employment restrictions can result in visa revocation, deportation proceedings, fines, and a 1-10 year ban from re-entering Brazil. If your situation is complex (e.g., you have some Brazilian clients), consult an immigration lawyer before applying.
Tax Rules for Digital Nomads in Brazil
Understanding Brazilian tax obligations is essential for digital nomads. The key threshold is the 183-day rule:
Under 183 days in any 12-month period: You are generally NOT a Brazilian tax resident. You do not need to file a Brazilian tax return and your foreign-source income is not taxable in Brazil. Days are counted cumulatively across all visits within any rolling 12-month window, not just the calendar year.
183 days or more in any 12-month period: You become a Brazilian tax resident and must file an annual tax declaration (Declaração de Ajuste Anual) with the Receita Federal. As a tax resident, you are subject to Brazilian income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates: 0% up to R$26,963.20/year, 7.5% from R$26,963.21 to R$33,919.80, 15% from R$33,919.81 to R$45,012.60, 22.5% from R$45,012.61 to R$55,976.16, and 27.5% above R$55,976.16. You must also report foreign bank accounts and assets above R$1 million through the DCBE (Declaração de Capitais Brasileiros no Exterior).
Brazil has tax treaties with several countries (France, Japan, India, and others) that may prevent double taxation. Consult a Brazilian tax advisor (contador) early in your stay to understand your specific obligations and plan accordingly.
Bringing Family and Dependents
The VITEM XIV visa allows you to include dependents in your application. Eligible dependents include your legal spouse or registered domestic partner, children under 18 (or under 25 if enrolled in university), and dependent parents or elderly relatives. Each dependent increases your income requirement by approximately $60 USD per month. A family of four (two adults, two children) would need to demonstrate approximately $1,680/month in income.
Each dependent needs their own set of documents: valid passport, criminal background check (for adults), marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children), with the marriage and birth certificates apostilled and given a sworn Portuguese translation on MigranteWeb (at a consulate, it depends on the consulate). Dependents can be included in the initial application or added later through a separate family reunification request. Dependent children can enroll in Brazilian public schools (free) or international schools. A dependent spouse cannot work for Brazilian companies but can work remotely for foreign employers under the same rules as the primary visa holder.
Living in Brazil as a Digital Nomad
Brazil offers an exceptional quality of life for digital nomads at a fraction of the cost of North America or Western Europe. Monthly living costs range from $1,200-$1,800 in smaller cities like Florianópolis or Recife, to $2,000-$3,500 in São Paulo or luxury areas of Rio de Janeiro. Popular digital nomad hubs include:
- Florianópolis: Known as "Silicon Island" for its tech scene, with excellent beaches, coworking spaces, and a strong expat community. Average rent: $400-800/month for a furnished apartment.
- São Paulo: Brazil's economic capital with world-class restaurants, culture, and nightlife. Hub for coworking (WeWork, Spaces, Selina). Higher costs but more job networking opportunities. Average rent: $600-1,200/month.
- Rio de Janeiro: Iconic beaches, mountains, and outdoor lifestyle. Popular neighborhoods for nomads include Copacabana, Ipanema, and Botafogo. Average rent: $500-1,000/month.
- Recife/Porto de Galinhas: Affordable northeast coast with warm weather year-round, growing tech hub (Porto Digital), and beautiful beaches. Average rent: $300-600/month.
Brazil has reliable 4G/5G coverage in urban areas, with average internet speeds of 100-300 Mbps in major cities. Most cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations offer high-speed WiFi. The country operates on the BRT timezone (UTC-3), which overlaps well with US Eastern time and European afternoon hours.
Visa Renewal Process
Your initial VITEM XIV visa is valid for 1 year. You can renew it for 1 additional year (2 years total maximum). To renew, submit your application through MigranteWeb before your current visa expires. RN 45/2021 sets no minimum lead time; we recommend filing 30-60 days ahead so there is time to gather documents. You'll need updated versions of your original documents: recent criminal background check (issued within 90 days), current proof of income, and proof of continued residence in Brazil (health insurance only for a consulate renewal). The renewal fee is another GRU payment of R$168.13. Processing typically takes 15-30 business days. If your renewal is pending when your current visa expires, you remain in legal status until a decision is made. After 2 years on the digital nomad visa, you would need to explore other visa categories (work visa, investor visa, or family-based visa) to remain in Brazil legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Brazil digital nomad visa valid for?
The VITEM XIV visa is valid for 1 year initially and can be renewed for 1 additional year, giving you up to 2 years total of legal residence in Brazil. Confirm your visa's entry-validity window with the issuing consulate (often up to one year) before you travel.
Can I work for Brazilian companies on a digital nomad visa?
No. The VITEM XIV visa requires that your income comes from sources outside Brazil. You cannot be employed by Brazilian companies or work for Brazilian clients. Remote work for foreign companies and freelancing for clients abroad are permitted when the income comes through signed contracts with counterparties outside Brazil. You can combine several contracts to reach US$1,500 a month. A contract with a company is the strongest evidence; contracts with individuals are assessed case by case.
Do I pay taxes in Brazil as a digital nomad?
If you stay under 183 days in a 12-month period and remain a non-resident, foreign income outside Brazil's reach is not taxed here. Once you are a Brazilian tax resident (typically after 184 days), your worldwide income, including foreign-source income, is taxable in Brazil, often via the monthly carne-leao; foreign taxes paid may be credited. Consult a Brazilian tax accountant for your specific situation.
Can I leave and re-enter Brazil while on the digital nomad visa?
Yes. The VITEM XIV visa allows multiple entries and exits. You can freely travel in and out of Brazil during your visa validity period. Extended absences don't extend your visa. It still expires on the original date.
What is the difference between VITEM XIV and a tourist visa?
Tourist visas allow 90 days max and remote work is legally ambiguous. VITEM XIV allows 1-2 years, explicitly permits remote work, and provides a Brazilian ID card (RNM). VITEM XIV also lets you open a bank account, sign rental contracts, and access public services.
What happens if I overstay my digital nomad visa?
Overstaying incurs an administrative fine of R$100 per day, capped at R$10,000 total (Lei 13.445/2017, Art. 109), usually paid on departure. It is an administrative infraction, not a crime, so it creates no criminal record. Repeated overstays can affect future entries. Always renew on time or leave before expiration.
Can I apply for permanent residency after having a digital nomad visa?
Yes, it's possible to transition to permanent residency through marriage to a Brazilian citizen, having a Brazilian child, significant investment, or employment with a Brazilian company. The VITEM XIV visa itself does not directly convert to permanent residency.
What is the CRNM and how do I get it?
The CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) is Brazil's national ID card for foreigners. Registration windows depend on your route: 90 days from entry if you applied at a consulate abroad, or 30 days from the Diário Oficial publication if you applied in-country via MigranteWeb. You register with the Federal Police to receive your CRNM. You'll need it for banking, phone contracts, and rental agreements.
Can I open a Brazilian bank account on a digital nomad visa?
Yes, after receiving your CRNM card and CPF (tax identification number) from Federal Police. Major banks like Nubank, Inter, and Itaú accept VITEM XIV holders. Digital banks are typically easier to open than traditional banks.
What is a CPF and do I need one?
A CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) is Brazil's individual taxpayer identification number. You'll need it for banking, phone contracts, apartment rentals, online purchases, and most services. You can apply at Receita Federal offices or some Brazilian consulates abroad.
Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?
Dependents who receive residence through family reunification (Lei 13.445/2017, Art. 37) generally obtain full work authorization in Brazil and may be employed by Brazilian companies, unlike the primary digital nomad holder, whose own qualifying income must remain foreign-sourced under RN 45/2021. Your spouse can therefore work locally or continue remote work for foreign companies.
What are the best cities in Brazil for digital nomads?
Top choices include Florianópolis (beach + tech scene, $1,200-1,800/mo), Rio de Janeiro (iconic culture, $1,500-2,500/mo), São Paulo (networking, nightlife, $1,800-3,000/mo), and Porto Alegre (lower cost, high quality of life, $900-1,400/mo). All have strong coworking communities.
Can a US citizen work remotely in Brazil?
Yes. US citizens can legally work remotely in Brazil on a Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV). The visa explicitly permits remote work for foreign employers and clients. You need $1,500/month in foreign income, a valid passport, and an apostilled FBI background check. Health insurance is required only if applying at a consulate abroad. It is not required when applying inside Brazil via MigranteWeb. You cannot work for Brazilian companies. All income must come from outside Brazil.
Do I need a lawyer to apply for Brazil's digital nomad visa?
No, a lawyer is not legally required. You can apply independently through MigranteWeb or at a Brazilian consulate. However, the most common rejection reasons (missing apostilles, insufficient income documentation) are preventable with expert review. GetBrazilVisa offers Full Service for a flat $599, paid once, a fraction of the $1,000-$1,500 typically charged by traditional immigration lawyers.
What is the difference between a digital nomad visa and a work visa in Brazil?
The Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) is for remote workers employed by companies outside Brazil, no Brazilian employer needed. A work visa (VITEM V) requires a Brazilian employer to sponsor you and allows local employment. Digital Nomad Visa: $1,500/month foreign income, 1-2 years, self-sponsored. Work visa: employer-sponsored, tied to a specific job, different income rules. If you work remotely for a foreign company, the Digital Nomad Visa is the correct category.
How much money do you need for Brazil's digital nomad visa?
You need to prove a minimum income of $1,500 USD per month, or $18,000 USD in savings as an alternative. RN 45/2021 sets no fixed per-dependent income figure; consulates may request additional proof of means case by case (commonly around US$500 per month more per dependent). Confirm your case with us. This income must come from outside Brazil, through remote work for foreign employers or clients. This is the income you qualify with; it is separate from the visa's cost (government fees, apostilles, translations, and any service fee), which are paid on top.
Can I qualify for Brazil's digital nomad visa with savings instead of monthly income?
Yes. Brazil's VITEM XIV allows you to qualify with savings of at least $18,000 USD instead of the standard $1,500/month income requirement. Provide bank statements from the past 6 months showing the required balance. This works well for freelancers between contracts, entrepreneurs, or those with variable income. All other requirements (criminal record certificate, passport, proof of remote work) remain the same. Health insurance is only required if applying at a consulate abroad.
Legal basis: Normative Resolution 45/2021 (CNIg), effective January 2022. 3,800+ digital nomad visa requests processed in Q3 2025, 47% QoQ growth. For official information, visit Brazil's Ministry of Justice immigration portal at portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br or consult the Receita Federal for tax-related questions.