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.
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
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
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
1.
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.
2.
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.
3.
Rapid
Processing
Once your complete application is filed, approval comes in as little as 45 days.
4.
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
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
Incorporation & Investment
We help clients opening their own business comply with the requirements. We support all clients with investment compliance and logistics.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to live in Brazil full-time?
How much investment is required?
Does this lead to citizenship?
How long does approval take?
Can I include family?
Looking for a Short-Term Option?
Move to Brazil Now
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa
Looking to move to Brazil in the short term? This is a great option for digital nomads & professionals who can work remotely from abroad.
Ready To Start Your
Journey to Brazil?
Begin your path to Brazilian residency with expert guidance, vetted opportunities, and a transparent step-by-step process.
