Brazil’s Golden Visa: Residency by Real Estate Investment

The Real Estate Route in Numbers

Every figure on this page comes from StartBrazil’s structured review of investor-residency approvals published in the Diário Oficial da União, Brazil’s federal gazette. Explore the full dataset on our research dashboard.

How the Pathway Works (RN 36/2018)

• Minimum qualifying property investment of R$1 million — reduced to R$700,000 in the North or Northeast regions.
• Urban real estate, completed or under construction — in 2025, 88% of approved investors bought existing construction.
• Approval grants a residency authorization that converts to permanent residency after the initial period.
• No full-time relocation required — maintain your status by returning to Brazil within every two-year period.

The route skews toward lifestyle buyers: the largest age cohorts among 2025 investors were 50–59 and 40–49 — a profile consistent with second homes, income property, and retirement planning.

Who Buys Their Way to Brazilian Residency

The real estate route is the most internationally diverse pathway, with investors from 36 countries in 2025. The United States leads at 17% of approvals, followed closely by Germany (16%), France (11%), and Italy (10%). Unlike the company route, Chinese investors are almost entirely absent here.

Most buyers favor completed, income-ready assets: 88% of purchases were existing construction, against 12% for new construction.

Want Permanent Residency for Less Capital?

Brazil’s startup-investor route grants direct permanent residency from roughly R$150,000 (about $30,000 USD) — a fraction of the property threshold. Compare the Startup Investor Visa, or see the Company Investor Visa from R$500,000.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do I need to invest?

R$1 million (about $185,000 USD) in qualifying urban property, or R$700,000 (about $130,000 USD) in Brazil’s North or Northeast regions.

Can I buy any property?

The property must be urban real estate meeting the requirements of RN 36/2018. Both completed buildings and qualifying new construction are eligible — in 2025, 88% of approved investors bought existing construction.

How long does approval take?

The average processing time across 2025 approvals was 54 days once a complete application was filed.

Do I have to live in Brazil full-time?

No. Maintain your residency by returning to Brazil within every two-year period — there is no annual stay requirement.

Can I include family?

Yes — spouses and dependent children are eligible as dependents.