BRAZIL RESIDENCY BY INVESTMENT

Permanent Residency by Investing in a Brazilian Startup

Obtain permanent residency in Brazil through a qualifying investment of approximately $30,000 USD. Invest in or open an innovation-driven business and gain long-term access to one of the world’s largest emerging economies—without relocating full-time.

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Invest Once.
Stay Connected for Life.

Brazil’s startup investor residency (RN 13/2017 Art 3) offers a direct pathway to permanent residency through investment in an innovation-driven business.

Designed for founders and investors, the program focuses on economic contribution and long-term engagement with Brazil, without requiring continuous physical presence.

Invest in pre-existing company or open your own

Minimum investment of 150,000 Brazilian reais, generally just under $30,000 USD

Business must demonstrate innovative activity and meet certain criteria

verified startup investor approvals, 2021-2025

Over the past five years, fewer than 20 people worldwide have obtained Brazilian permanent residency through the startup pathway.

The Most Overlooked Residency Program in the World

The low number of approvals reflects how little known the program is—not a lack of viability, but a lack of awareness.

Who this pathway is designed for:

Investors seeking low-capital global residency options
Entrepreneurs expanding into international markets
Dual citizens building geographic flexibility
Individuals looking for long-term optionality outside Europe

One of the Lowest Investment Thresholds Globally

Here's the thing most people don't realize: getting residency in another country usually costs hundreds of thousands of dollars and still only gives you a temporary visa.

Brazil is the outlier — the lowest cost of entry for permanent status in any major economy.

Country

Min. Investment

Residency Type

Status

🇧🇷 Brazil

$29K

Permanent from Day 1

open

🇨🇴 Colombia

$35K

Temporary (3 yrs)

open

🇲🇽 Mexico

$255K

Temporary, renewable

open

🇵🇦 Panama

$500K

Permanent from Day 1

open

🇵🇹 Portugal

$540K

Temporary, renewable

restricted

🇪🇸 Spain

$540K

Temporary, renewable

restricted

Advantages of the
Brazil Startup Investor Pathway

Permanent Residency from Day 1

Once you are registered with the Federal Police in Brazil, obtain the CRNM card for 9 years, but residency is for indefinite term.

Live or Nomad—Your Choice

Maintain your residency status with as little as 15 days in Brazil every two years. No need to relocate or track annual stay requirements.

Rapid
Processing

Once your complete application is filed, approval comes in as little as 45 days.

The CRNM
Opens Doors

Enter and exit Brazil in the Brazilians line. Open a bank account from day one, even if you're normally subject to FATCA.

Two Paths to Qualify

You can qualify for Brazil’s Startup Investor Visa through one of two structured pathways:

Investing in a qualified innovative Brazilian startup

Creating your own innovative startup in Brazil

In addition, the startup company will need certain criteria, generally through established startup ecosystems or structured programs like accelerators.

What Counts as “Innovative”

The company must meet one of the following criteria:

Located in a tech park or incubator

Backed by a government innovation agency (e.g. FINEP, CNPq)

Finalist in a government startup program

Association with a university innovation program

Or: demonstrate originality, reach, and value creation (Art. 3 §2).

Full-Time Physical Presence
Is Not Required

Physical presence in Brazil of at least 15 days every 2 years to maintain permanent residency status

After 3 years, a verification of the investment plan occurs to confirm compliance

If you've been living in Brazil, apply for citizenship as soon as 1 year later

Streamlined Process

Based on our own personal experience with Brazil's startup investor residency program, we have developed the following process to best support you.

one

Investment Strategy

Identify a qualifying startup or structure a compliant business plan

two

Capital Deployment

Execute the investment and complete required registrations

three

Application Filing

Submit residency application through OAB-licensed legal counsel

four

Entry & Registration

Enter Brazil, complete Federal Police registration, and receive your CRNM permanent residency card

The Process
Step by Step

Built on First-Hand Experience

StartBrazil founder Daniel Atz received his own startup investor permanent residency in February 2026. His approval was published in Brazil's Diário Oficial da União, the federal gazette of the country's government.

StartBrazil's analysis of every startup investor approval published in the DOU from 2021 to February 2026 revealed less than 20 total successful applications under the Startup Investor pathway, including Daniel's.

StartBrazil is built on first hand experience and knowledge of one of the most underused residency programs on the planet.

Our Services

Startup Sourcing & Diligence

We identify, screen, and assess Brazilian startups, coordinating founders and evaluating fit before investment.

Incorporation & Investment

We help clients opening their own business comply with the requirements. We support all clients with investment compliance and logistics.

Legal Filing & Compliance

We manage legal processes through qualified local partners, including all KYC, documentation, immigration filings, and compliance.

Concierge Support Across the Process

Built on unique insights through our own application process. We provide practical support across language, translation, logistics, and day-to-day problem solving so clients can move through the process with greater clarity and less friction.

The first step is to
book a consultation

If you move forward, your consultation fee will be fully deducted from the package price.

Book Consultation