Brazilian visas for people going to Porto Alegre
Visa policy is federal. The agency that handles it in Brazil is the Polícia Federal on Avenida Ipiranga.
If you are only a tourist
US, Canadian and Australian citizens need a tourist eVisa since April 2025. The fee is US$80.90. You get 90 days on arrival. The Polícia Federal can extend toward 180 days in your migratory year (12 months from first entry). Apply before day 90 on gov.br(opens in a new tab). It is for scouting. It does not authorise work.
Mercosul citizens have a simpler residence path. Use it.
Digital nomad, VITEM XIV
CNIg Resolution 45/2021. In 2026 it still asks for:
- US$1,500/month foreign income or US$18,000 in savings
- Remote work for a foreign employer or foreign clients
- A police certificate with apostille
- An application at a consulate, or in-country via MigranteWeb after a legal entry
Valid for 1 year, renewable once on paper (two years total). It is not permanent residence.
One important thing about this visa: you will probably stay 184 days or more in Brazil, and in any 12-month window the Receita treats you as resident. Read taxes.
Work, VITEM V
This is a sponsored visa. If a local company is hiring you as CLT, it is the simplest, least bureaucratic path for the individual; the company will probably handle the paperwork. If you are keeping a foreign employer, see VITEM XIV.
Family
Brazilian spouse, união estável (including same-sex), or a Brazilian child. This path can lead to permanent residence. The paperwork goes through civil registry: apostilles, sworn translations, and a cartório.
Retirement and investment
Pension income of US$2,000/month or more (CNIg RN 40/2019). Investor routes want real money in a company or property. Only do this if you were going to invest anyway.
After you arrive
A visa in the passport is not the end. You usually still need:
- Entry stamp / border control
- An appointment at the Polícia Federal
- Biometrics
- CRNM (the residence card, formerly RNE)
- A CPF, if you skipped it
The PF (Polícia Federal) is a fairly efficient agency in Brazil, and this process is rarely slow. Book only through official gov.br / MigranteWeb links. If you do not speak Portuguese, they will often help, or try. When in doubt, bring a translator or a Portuguese-speaking friend.
Citizenship, later
Ordinary naturalisation wants years of residence, Portuguese, and a clean record. Portuguese speakers have a shorter path. Ask a lawyer.