Brazil is one of the most renowned tourist destinations in the world and is an excellent destination for those interested in exploring its famous beaches, stunning national parks, and famous cities such as Rio de Janerio, Sao Paulo, and Brasilia. Brazil is the largest country in South America and the 5th largest country by area. Brazil receives over 6 million tourists annually, making it one of South America’s most famous tourist destinations.
In recent years, Brazil has emerged as an attractive destination for digital nomads from all corners of the globe. Its breathtaking beauty, vibrant culture, and myriad of activities have made it a hotspot for remote workers seeking opportunities to combine work and exploration. Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa program has played a pivotal role in this transformation, simplifying the process for workers to enjoy the country's diverse offerings while pursuing their careers.
For potential applicants, the process begins with gathering the necessary documents. The visa application requires proof of income, a work contract, and a record of your professional activities. Unlike traditional work visas, the Digital Nomad Visa in Brazil does not tie workers to a specific employer, offering the flexibility to work on multiple projects or engage in freelance work. This appeals to the growing numbers of digital nomads who value independence in their careers.
The Brazilian digital nomad visa has many favourable features, which allow digital nomads to use Brazil as a hub to explore the country or the region if they are interested in doing so. While most western countries can visit Brazil for up to 90 days on a tourist visa, this digital nomad visa presents an excellent opportunity for digital nomads to extend their stay in Brazil. Brazil also recently relaxed vaccination requirements, which is good news for many people who have been unable to travel to Brazil.
Copacabana Beach and Ipanema beach in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Brazil has many beautiful beaches, most notably Ipanema Beach, made famous by the song Girl From Ipanema (Garota de Ipanema). Other must-see tourist attractions include Christ the Redeemer, Iguaçu Falls, Pelourinno historical city center, Cathedral of Brasilia, Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açucar), and the art museums of Sao Paulo. Brazil is a geographically diverse country that occupies nearly half of South America’s land mass, so there is certainly no shortage of places to explore. There are over 20 UNESCO heritage sites to visit in Brazil, and it is ranked 13th globally.
In the past, Brazil was already a popular digital nomad destination, as many tourists took advantage of the 90-day tourist visa and moved around to other countries after 90 days. However, this visa provides a clear legal framework and gives digital nomads more time to explore the country.
The cost of living in Brazil varies depending on the city, but overall, it is known for being affordable, making it an attractive option for those seeking economic benefits. This affordability extends to its diverse food culture, allowing applicants to savor delicious cuisine without breaking the bank. From feasting on traditional Brazilian dishes to exploring international flavors, the food scene is a reflection of the country's rich cultural diversity.
While preparing your application, you'll find support at the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. Their services are designed to assist applicants through the process, ensuring a smooth journey to Brazil. The embassy's role is not limited to paperwork; it's also a gateway to understanding the local culture, as they can provide insights into customs and traditions.
Brazil is a low-cost destination for digital nomads. The average salary in Brazil is around $510 USD, meaning many digital nomads can comfortably live in Brazil for $1,500 USD/month. Cities like Rio de Janerio have a lot of tourists and expats, so they also have coworking spaces and other facilities to support digital nomads. Brazil is relatively easy to navigate, although learning Portuguese is necessary if you live outside of larger cities, as it may be virtually impossible to get by with English or Spanish.
Related article: The Basics Of How To Get A Second Passport Or A Second Residency.
Brazil stamp of visa
The Brazilian government launched this digital nomad visa program in January 2022. Like many South American countries, Brazil wanted to help boost its tourism industry to help recover from the drop in tourism due to Covid. Foreigners are allowed to apply for this digital nomad visa if they perform work for a company outside of Brazil and can work for the company remotely in Brazil. The visa is a one-year residency permit that you can later extend for another year. The program is excellent for solo digital nomads who want to establish a base in South America and is not the best fit for families, as each person has to apply on their own.
One of Brazil's most iconic cultural events is Carnival, which attracts visitors from all over the world. With the Digital Nomad Visa, you have the flexibility to participate in this vibrant celebration of music and dance, offering a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Brazilian culture.
The internet and communication infrastructure in Brazil is well-developed, allowing workers to stay connected from virtually anywhere in the country. Whether you're working from a beachside bungalow, a bustling city, or the heart of the Amazon rainforest, you can rely on a stable connection through your computer, phone, or any other portable device. This level of connectivity has fostered a thriving digital nomad community, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa is your ticket to experience the beauty, culture, and economy of this incredible nation while continuing your work activities. With the freedom to work anywhere and explore everywhere, the benefits of this visa program are evident. So, if you're a worker with a nomadic spirit, consider Brazil as your next destination, and let the adventure begin.
Related content: Is Brazil A Good Destination for Expats?
Brazil on map
Brazil’s digital nomad visa has lower income requirements than other South American digital nomad visa programs. To be eligible, you only need to prove that you make $1,500 USD/month or show that you have $18,000 USD in savings. The flexibility of financial requirements is excellent, as someone living off of savings or passive income could also be eligible for this program. Since the visa is new, it is unclear if there is additional support provided for individuals who want to travel with their families. It is best to consider other digital nomad programs, such as Belize, if you're going to bring your family.
Unlike some digital nomad visa programs, you are unable to apply online. You will need to travel to the nearest Brazilian consulate to submit all the documentation, which may be time-consuming and costly for those living in smaller cities. If you want to schedule an appointment, then click here to search for the correct city and to set an appointment.
To apply, you need to submit the following:
Copy of your valid passport;
Recent passport-size photo;
Proof of health insurance for your stay;
Proof of travel and accommodation to Brazil;
Clear criminal background check;
Signed declaration stating that you are a digital nomad;
Notarized letter from your employer verifying that you work for them remotely;
Proof of income or savings that meet the visa program requirements;
Bank statement for the last three months;
Digital nomad visa application, which you can find on the Brazilian visa government website.
It is crucial to double-check all the requirements before applying and even provide multiple types of supporting documentation to be on the safe side. For example, sending information about your savings account and investments is still a good idea if you meet the income requirements.
After submitting your application, you should hear back in 3-4 weeks; however, be prepared for a possibly longer wait, as things in Brazil sometimes work at their own pace. You must sign the application form, including passport photos, and include all the correct documentation to avoid being rejected and travelling back to the Consulate. It is also important to note that you still need to register in Brazil once you arrive to be eligible to stay. You have 90 days from the time you enter Brazil to register your stay at the Federal Police.
One final factor is that Brazil has begun to relax its vaccination requirements. Brazil used to be one country requiring travellers to be vaccinated before arriving. Travellers may enter if they have a negative test one day before the flight. This may change in the future, as many countries are beginning to remove these requirements. Currently, only 22 countries require a negative Covid test, while 183 have no restrictions.
Related content: Obtaining Citizenship Under The Mercosur Agreement
Brazil is a very intriguing digital nomad visa to consider if you are interested in South America. The income requirements are low relative to other regional countries that offer similar digital nomad visa programs, and you also have the opportunity to use your savings instead of income to prove that you are eligible. This digital nomad visa application process is more time-consuming, as you have to apply in person.
It is an excellent opportunity, not only for tourism but also for those who desire residency in Brazil. Though the country is going through a turbulent election period, it still offers many advantages to those who have a love for the tropical lifestyle. Personally, it is a place I do plan on living in the future.