Brazil Digital Nomad Visa

Who qualifies

The VITEM XIV is for foreign citizens who work remotely for a foreign employer or foreign clients. Someone who works for a Brazilian employer does not qualify, even if the work is performed remotely. Both employees on a foreign payroll and self-employed contractors are eligible.

The financial test

The application must show one of two things: foreign income of at least US$1,500 a month, or bank funds of at least US$18,000. The income test is about what arrives each month, not what sits in an account. The funds test is a balance. Either way, the application needs an employment or service contract with the foreign employer or client, plus proof of the income or funds. The visa does not permit work for Brazilian employers.

How to apply

The application starts on the SCI portal, where the form is completed and a receipt is printed. Public documents need an apostille or consular legalisation, and documents in languages other than Portuguese, English or Spanish need a sworn translation. A police clearance certificate is required, and US consulates ask for an FBI background check issued within the last three months. The completed application is submitted through the e-consular system, followed by an appointment at the consulate where original documents are presented. The visa is then issued, often electronically.

Where to apply

Applications are filed at a Brazilian consulate or embassy. The SCI portal generates the form, and the e-consular system handles document submission and appointment scheduling. Applicants already in Brazil on a tourist stay may file through MigranteWeb before that stay expires.

Costs and processing time

The standard consular fee is US$100. US passport holders pay US$290 under a reciprocity schedule. Processing takes about two weeks from a complete application. Consular queues differ by city.

Duration and renewal

The initial residence period is up to 12 months. It may be renewed for one more year. The consular pages cover the initial application, and renewal is handled at the same consulate as the first term nears its end. The route is a temporary permit, and the consular pages describe no path from it to permanent residency.

Health insurance

Health insurance valid in Brazil is required for the full stay. The policy must cover the planned stay, not a short tourist trip. Proof of the policy is submitted with the application.

Dependants

Spouses, children and other dependants may accompany the holder through a VITEM XI family reunification visa. They apply separately, even if they apply at the same time.

Registration and tax residency

Within 90 days of first entry, the visa holder registers with the Federal Police. A temporary visa holder becomes a Brazilian tax resident after 184 days of presence in a 12 month period. Once resident, Brazil taxes worldwide income.

The tax picture for residents

The 2026 monthly rates run from zero to 27.5 percent. Profits and dividends paid by a Brazilian company to a resident individual above R$50,000 in one month carry 10 percent withholding tax. There is no full US income tax treaty with Brazil, so no treaty relief applies to US citizens.