Brazil
Level 2 — Exercise Increased Caution
Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America. It is also the world's fifth-largest country by area and the seventh-largest by population, with over 213 million people. The country is a federation composed of 26 states and a Federal District, which hosts the capital, Brasília. Its most populous city is São Paulo, followed by Rio de Janeiro. Brazil has the most Portuguese speakers in the world and is the only country in the Americas where Portuguese is an official language.
Exercise increased caution due to heightened risks to safety and security.
Visa Types & Categories22 visa options for foreign nationals visiting Brazil
New| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (USD) | Processing | Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Business Visa Short-term business activities: commercial contacts, meetings, conferences, trade fairs. No paid work or salary from Brazilian entities allowed. | Up to 90 days per visit, valid for up to 10 years (multiple entry) | $160 | 5-15 business days | Business |
| Digital Nomad Visa Remote work in Brazil for individuals employed by or providing services to companies located outside Brazil. | 1 year, renewable once for a total of 2 years | $125 | 15-30 business days | Digital nomad |
| Diplomatic Visa For diplomats, government staff, employees of international organizations with diplomatic status. | Duration of diplomatic posting/mission | $0 | Variable, typically expedited | Embassy |
| Official Visa For government officials on official missions to Brazil without diplomatic status. | Duration of official mission | $0 | Variable, typically expedited | Embassy |
| Family Reunion Visa (Marriage/Spousal) Family reunification for spouses of Brazilian citizens or foreign residents in Brazil. | Up to 1 year initially, renewable annually. Leads to permanent residency. | $100 | 15-30 business days | Family |
| Family Reunion Visa (Dependent) For dependent family members of foreign nationals holding a VITEM or residence permit in Brazil. | Matches the duration of the principal visa holder's permit | $100 | 15-30 business days | Family |
| Investor Visa — Business (Golden Visa) Permanent residency through investment in a Brazilian company. | Permanent (indefinite) | $105 | 60-90 days | Other |
| Research/Academic Visa For scientists, professors, and researchers participating in science, technology and innovation cooperation with Brazilian institutions. | Up to 1 year, renewable | $130 | 10-20 business days | Other |
| Religious/Missionary Visa For ministers, clergy, and members of religious orders performing missionary or religious assistance activities in Brazil. | Up to 1 year, renewable | $100 | 10-20 business days | Other |
| Volunteer Work Visa For foreigners volunteering with Brazilian non-profit organizations, without labor contract. | Up to 1 year, renewable | $100 | 10-20 business days | Other |
| Humanitarian Visa For individuals from specific countries (notably Haiti and Ukraine) seeking humanitarian protection or refugee status in Brazil. | 1-2 years, pathway to permanent residency | $0 | 15-60 days | Other |
| Mercosur Residence Visa Temporary residency for citizens of Mercosur and associated member states (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru, Uruguay). | 2 years initially, convertible to permanent residency | $70 | 15-30 business days | Other |
| Retirement Visa For retired individuals wishing to reside in Brazil, receiving pension or retirement income from abroad. | 2 years initially, renewable indefinitely. Can apply for permanent residency after 2 years. | $125 | 15-30 business days | Retirement |
| Student Visa Academic studies: undergraduate, postgraduate, doctoral programs, student exchanges, intensive language courses exceeding 90 days. | Up to 1 year, renewable for the duration of the study program | $160 | 10-20 business days | Student |
| Electronic Visitor Visa (e-Visa) Tourism, cultural activities, family visits, conferences, business meetings. Required since Jan 2026 for US, Canada, Mexico, France and other nationals. | Up to 90 days per visit, multiple entries, valid up to 10 years | $81 | 24-72 hours | Tourist |
| Visitor Visa (Consular) Tourism, recreation, family visits, cultural events, conferences, volunteer work, short-term study or research (under 90 days) for nationalities not eligible for e-Visa. | Up to 90 days per visit, extendable once for another 90 days | $160 | 5-15 business days | Tourist |
| Transit Visa Transit through Brazilian territory en route to another destination. | Up to 10 days | $40 | 5-10 business days | Transit |
| Temporary Work Visa Employment in Brazil under a temporary contract with a Brazilian employer. | Up to 2 years, convertible to permanent work visa after 2 years | $105 | 1-4 weeks (work permit) + 5-15 business days (visa processing) | Work |
| Permanent Work Visa Long-term employment for highly skilled professionals, executives, or technical specialists in high demand. | Permanent (indefinite) | $105 | 2-4 months | Work |
| Technical Cooperation Visa Technical assistance or technology transfer under international cooperation agreements. | Duration of the cooperation agreement, up to 2 years | $105 | 2-4 weeks | Work |
| Intracompany Transfer Visa For executives, managers, or specialists transferred from a foreign parent/affiliate company to a Brazilian subsidiary or branch. | Up to 2 years, renewable; can convert to permanent residency | $105 | 30-90 days | Work |
| Journalist/Media Correspondent Visa For journalists, photojournalists, press, radio or television correspondents working in Brazil for more than 90 days. | Up to 2 years, renewable | $130 | 2-4 weeks | Work |
Brazil Passport PowerVisa-free access & travel freedom
NewEntry Requirements for BrazilWhat U.S. citizens need to enter
Gov DataAs of January 2026, US citizens must obtain an e-visa before traveling to Brazil (~$80.90 USD, applied online, valid up to 10 years with 90-day stays). No COVID or yellow fever requirements for US travelers. Currency over BRL 10,000 must be declared. Return/onward ticket may be checked.
- Return Ticket
- Required
- Proof of Funds
- May be requested at immigration. Accepted forms: recent bank statements, credit card limits, employer letter for business travel.
- Prohibited Items
- Illegal drugs, firearms/explosives/ammunition, knives and deadly weapons, fresh fruit and vegetables, plants and plant products, all bird species, unauthorized pets/animals, dairy products, fish products, counterfeit money/goods, hazardous materials
- Customs
- Duty-free allowance: USD 500 in goods. Age 18+: up to 24 units of alcohol (max 12 per type), 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 250g tobacco, 10 cosmetic items, 3 watches/toys/electronics each.
- COVID-19
- None. All COVID-19 entry requirements have been lifted.
Immigration StatisticsBrazil nationals & U.S. immigration data
New- Top Destinations
- United States, Paraguay, Portugal, United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, Italy, Germany, Canada
- Top Origins
- Venezuela, Haiti, Bolivia, Colombia, Argentina, Paraguay, United States
- Annual Emigrants
- 400,000
- Net Migration Rate
- -0.2 per 1,000
- DV Lottery
- Not Eligible
Safety Overview — BrazilCrime, terrorism, and practical safety tips
Gov Data10 = safest
- Political Stability
- Mostly stable
- Women Travelers
- Exercise caution
- LGBTQ+ Safety
- Exercise caution
- Emergency Number
- 190
Favelas (informal housing communities) — State Dept rates Level 4: Do Not Travel. International land border areas within 160km of Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Venezuela (except Foz do Iguaçu and Pantanal parks). Brasilia satellite cities at night (Ceilândia, Santa Maria, São Sebastião, Paranoá). Isolated beaches and parks after dark. Downtown areas of major cities late at night.
1. Do not wear flashy jewelry, expensive watches, or display electronics in public. 2. Use ride-share apps (Uber, 99) instead of hailing taxis on the street, especially at night. 3. Never physically resist a robbery — comply and report to police afterward. 4. Do not accept food or drinks from strangers; watch your drink at all times. 5. Keep copies of passport and documents separate from originals; leave originals in hotel safe. 6. Avoid walking alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or poorly lit areas. 7. Use ATMs inside banks or shopping malls during business hours, never on the street. 8. Do not carry large amounts of cash; keep a small decoy wallet with some bills. 9. Be cautious with dating apps — arrange meetings in public places only. 10. Download offline maps; avoid stopping to look at your phone on the street.
Health InformationVaccinations, water safety, medical facilities
Gov Data- Malaria Risk
- Yes — Amazon basin states: Acre, Amapá, Amazonas, Maranhão, Mato Grosso (northern part), Pará, Rondônia, and Roraima. Low risk in forested areas below 900m. No risk at Iguaçu Falls or major coastal cities.
- Dengue Risk
- Yes — prevent mosquito bites
- Healthcare Quality
- Good — moderate cost
- Travel Insurance
- Strongly recommended
Dengue fever, Zika virus, Chikungunya, Yellow fever (in endemic areas), Malaria (Amazon region), Traveler's diarrhea, Chagas disease, Leptospirosis, Sun exposure/heat stroke
Strongly recommended to have evacuation coverage ($250,000+ recommended). Remote areas like the Amazon can be extremely costly for evacuation. Private air ambulance services available from major cities.
Cost of Living in BrazilAverage costs in major cities (USD)
NewCost of living is approximately 70% lower than the United States.
- Budget Traveler
- $1,200/mo
- Mid-Range
- $2,400/mo
- Comfortable
- $4,000/mo
- Rent (Outside Center)
- $249/mo
- Utilities
- $78/mo
- Taxi per km
- $0.77
Work & Employment in BrazilWork permits, salary requirements, and in-demand jobs
NewStudy in BrazilTop universities, tuition, and student visa
New- Student Visa
- Student Visa (VITEM IV) — $160 (Duration of enrolled program (must exceed 90 days))
- Avg. Tuition
- $0/year (international students)
- Work While Studying
- Not permitted
- Post-Study Work Visa
- Yes — 2 years
- Language
- Portuguese (primary); some English-taught programs at graduate level
- Academic Year
- Starts March
PEC-PG program (CAPES/CNPq): 650 fully funded scholarships for masters/PhD; stipends of R$2,100/month (masters) or R$3,100/month (PhD). PEC-G program for undergrad exchange students from developing countries. CNPq also offers individual research grants.
Local Laws & Customs — BrazilLaws visitors must know
Gov Data- Drinking Age
- 18
- Alcohol Restrictions
- Sale to minors under 18 is illegal. No strict public drinking bans nationally, though some municipalities have local restrictions. Alcohol advertising has time restrictions on broadcast media.
- Drug Laws
- Cannabis possession up to 25g decriminalized (not legal) — focus on rehabilitation over punishment. Trafficking any illegal drug carries 5-15 years imprisonment and heavy fines. Hard drugs carry severe penalties. Zero tolerance for drug trafficking.
- Photography
- Photography of public places is freely permitted. Commercial photography may require consent/fees. Military installations may have restrictions.
- Dress Code
- No national dress code laws. Modest dress expected at churches and government buildings. Beachwear should not be worn in public spaces away from the beach.
- LGBTQ+ Status
- Legal
- Death Penalty
- Abolished
- VPN Legal
- Yes
- Tipping
- 10% service charge (taxa de serviço) commonly added to restaurant bills; not mandatory but customary. Tip tour guides 10-15% of tour cost. Round up taxi fares. Hotel staff: R$5-10 per service.
Greetings involve handshakes, hugs, or cheek kisses even on first meeting. Punctuality is relaxed socially but expected in business. Avoid discussing politics, religion, or crime. Bring flowers or gifts when visiting homes. First names are preferred over titles.
Digital Nomad Guide — BrazilRemote work, connectivity, and coworking
NewDigital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) · 1 year, renewable once (up to 2 years) · $150 · Min income: $1,500/year
- Best Cities
- Florianopolis, Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Recife
- Tax Obligations
- If you stay 183+ days in a rolling 12-month period, you become a tax resident and owe progressive tax on worldwide income (rates: 0% to 27.5%). Under 183 days, foreign income is generally not taxed.
- Coworking
- Widely available
Citizenship & Residency — BrazilPathways to long-term residency and citizenship
New-
Naturalization 4 years of residence required. Portuguese (Celpe-Bras proficiency exam, Intermediate level minimum).
-
Marriage Spouse of citizen can apply after 1 years of residence.
-
By Birth Citizenship by birth (jus soli) — conditions may apply.
-
By Descent Citizenship by descent (jus sanguinis) — at least one parent must be a citizen.
- Dual Citizenship
- Allowed
- Renunciation
- Allowed
No direct citizenship-by-investment program; investment visa (VIPER) grants permanent residency, then standard 4-year naturalization applies. Reduced to 1 year for spouses of Brazilians or parents of Brazilian children. Portuguese-speaking country nationals also qualify for 1-year residency. Constitutional Amendment 131 (2023) ensures no Brazilian loses nationality by acquiring another.
Emergency Contacts
NewTransportation — BrazilGetting around in Brazil
New| Airport | IATA | City |
|---|---|---|
| Guarulhos International Airport | GRU | São Paulo |
| Galeão International Airport | GIG | Rio de Janeiro |
| Brasília International Airport | BSB | Brasília |
| Tancredo Neves International Airport | CNF | Belo Horizonte |
| Recife/Guararapes International Airport | REC | Recife |
| Porto Alegre International Airport | POA | Porto Alegre |
| Eduardo Gomes International Airport | MAO | Manaus |
| Pinto Martins International Airport | FOR | Fortaleza |
| Salvador International Airport | SSA | Salvador |
| Afonso Pena International Airport | CWB | Curitiba |
- Driving Side
- Right
- IDP Required
- No
- Rail Network
- Available — Poor
- Metro Cities
- São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Belo Horizonte, Porto Alegre, Recife, Fortaleza, Salvador, Teresina
- Ride-sharing
- Uber, 99, Cabify
- Road Quality
- Good
- Taxi Cost
- $1.00/km
- Ferry Routes
- Amazon River basin (essential transport), Salvador Bay, Paranaguá Bay islands, various coastal and river routes
Economy — BrazilEconomic indicators and tax information
- GDP per Capita (PPP)
- $20,078
- Industries
- Agriculture (soybeans, corn, coffee, sugarcane), Oil & gas (Petrobras), Mining (iron ore), Aerospace (Embraer), Steel production, Automotive, Construction, Information & communication technology, Financial services
- Exports
- Soybeans & soy products, Crude petroleum, Iron ore, Corn, Coffee, Cotton, Meat (beef, poultry), Sugar, Pulp & paper, Aircraft
- Imports
- Refined petroleum, Electronic components, Machinery & industrial equipment, Automotive parts, Chemicals, Fertilizers, Pharmaceuticals, Aerospace components
- Trade Agreements
- Mercosur (customs union with Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay), Mercosur-EU Partnership Agreement (signed 2024, pending ratification), Mercosur-EFTA FTA (signed September 2025, pending entry), Mercosur-Israel FTA, Mercosur-Egypt FTA, Mercosur-SACU, Brazil-Mexico ACE 53, WTO member
- Income Tax
- 0-27.5% progressive (4 brackets); exempt up to R$5,000/mo from 2026
- Corporate Tax
- 34% (25% IRPJ + 9% CSLL); financial institutions pay up to 45% (25% IRPJ + 20% CSLL)
- GST / VAT
- ~26.5% combined (CBS+IBS reform 2026-2033)
- Corruption Index
- 35.00/100 (Transparency International)
- Ease of Business
- #124 (World Bank)
- Region
- Americas
- Capital
- Brasília
- Area
- 8,515,767 km²
- Population
- 213,421,037
- Timezone
- UTC-05:00
- Languages
- Portuguese
- Calling Code
- +55
- Drives On
- Right
- ISO Code
- BR