Deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. Maybe they wouldn’t seem to take up so much mental space if they weren’t plastered across calendars that also marked days filled with blowing snow, shovelling, slushy sidewalks, and icy driving conditions.
That’s when it’s easy for the mind to wander into daydreams of working remotely from the land of beaches and samba—Brazil!
If you’re ready for life as a digital nomad, Brazil awaits you! With the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa, you can legally live and work remotely in this vibrant country while soaking up its rich culture, warm weather, and breathtaking landscapes.
Here’s everything you need to know about the process to live and work in Brazil, officially, as a digital nomad.
What is the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa?
Introduced in January 2022, Brazil’s Digital Nomad Visa (also known as the VITEM XIV visa) was designed with the aim of attracting remote workers who earn income from sources outside of Brazil.
Unlike time-limited tourist visas, which tend to restrict your visit to a few months in duration, this visa allows you to live in Brazil for up to one year (with the possibility of renewal).
Who is it for?
- Remote workers who are employed by a company that is based outside of Brazil
- Freelancers or self-employed professionals with international clients
- Entrepreneurs who manage businesses operating outside Brazil
Note that the Digital Nomad visa is not for people who plan to work for a Brazilian employer or who intend to seek local job opportunities while in Brazil.
Visa requirements
To qualify for the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa, applicants need to prove they can financially support themselves while living in Brazil, including:
1. Proof of income
Applicants must demonstrate earnings of at least $1,500 USD per month or have $18,000 USD in savings.
2. Required documents:
- Valid passport (with at least six months of validity upon application)
- Proof of employment or self-employment (this could be a contract, client agreements, or letter from employer)
- Bank statements that confirm your income or savings
- Health insurance that covers travel, including the period of your stay in Brazil
- A clean criminal record check (you may need a police clearance certificate)
- Completed visa application form
How to apply
The first step to getting your Brazil Digital Nomad Visa is to gather up all your necessary documents. If required, have documentation translated into Portuguese.
Then, head to your nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy in your home country. You’ll have to be patient as you wait for approval as processing times may vary but can take anywhere between four to eight weeks.
Once approved, you can enter Brazil and register locally. You’ll need to head to the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival to receive a Brazilian residence card (known as CRNM).
Living in Brazil as a digital nomad
Once you have your Brazil Digital Nomad Visa, you can enjoy affordable living with a much lower cost of living than many cities across North America and Europe.
Cities like Florianópolis, Salvador, and Rio de Janeiro have become known as digital nomad favourites.
Stay connected with reliable internet, which is available in major cities, but an aloSIM eSIM for Brazil is also a good idea to ensure you always have affordable, hassle-free data, anywhere you go.
Have fun working and playing! Enjoy local delicacies like feijoada, pão de queijo, and fresh tropical fruits and all the other food, culture, and experiences Brazil has to offer you.
