Visa options for investors in Brazil

One of the questions I receive the most from my clients want to invest in Brazil is on the possibility of obtaining a visa for partners, directors and managers of their company.

Basically, in Brazil there are 3 visas that relate to business:

1) For investments above 600,000.00 Brazilian Reais, the company has the right to appoint one foreigner as a director. This foreigner will receive a visa automatically. Each 600,000.00 allow for one director.

2) For investments above 150,000.00 Brazilian Reais, one investor may obtain a Visa, as long as he can prove that the company will bring a relevant social impact to the area where it is located, or that the company will generate jobs for Brazilians. Again, each investor must bring at least 150,000.00 (lower investments may grant a visa if the social impact is proven to be outstanding).

The social impact is evaluated according to the business plan presented along with the visa request. The main criterion is always the creation of jobs. But the use of new technology and te empowerment of local communities are also important.

A relevant social impact would be, for instance, the installation of a factory in a very poor region. If the business plan is solid, the social impact can be easily accessed by the Brazilian government.

Some of my clients, for example, invested only 100,000.00 BRL and obtained a visa. In one specific case, the new company brought new design for wood furniture, and would employ a few workers in the production of such furniture. The business was also located in a poor region of a big city in the Northeast of Brazil.

  

3) Finally, a foreigner may obtain a work visa if a Brazilian company hires him for a permanent job. Possessing a bachelor or graduate diploma makes the granting of the visa more probable. The Brazilian company must have 2 Brazilian employees in similar functions to every foreigner it hires for that function.

Should you or your company have any problems or questions concerning visas in your business in Brazil, do not hesitate to contact us for further information.