Retirement Visa for Brazil

@Pablo888 I must be honest, I don't know anyone in the South African expat community in Brasil, all of my friends, and I mean all of them, are Brasileiro(a) - so where the majority of South Africans find themselves in Brasil, I wouldn't be able to say.

I have decided on Florianópolis - something about the city appeals to me - I felt safe and at home there.

I know people find it strange when I say my second choice is Salvador, but although the city is overwhelming for the average gringo, I love it.  I remember my friend looking at me sideways when I ordered a tapioca with carne seca and banana da terra at a restaurant in Salvador. I like the food, what can I say.  Farofa, cuscuz, tapioca; I like them all.

Rio de Janeiro I both love and hate, far too expensive, but my daily walk from Copa Posto 3 to Ipanema Posto 9 when I am there, is a joy for me.

São Paulo, too big, too movimentado, okay to visit, but for me, not to live.  When I am there, I stay with a friend in Itaquera, and that 2 hour commute into the city centre is not for me, how he does it every workday I don't know.

@kilobravo, Floripa is definitely an expat favorite. Good choice.  Also like your other selections.

Re:  other SA citizens - there is a general misunderstanding that Brazil is not very safe.  I have found that this is not the case.

Since there are numerous SA citizens who are considering retiring outside SA, it would be good for them to know that Brazil is also a good place to go.

I am looking forward to the beaches of the North East - more similar to the beaches of Mauritius where I literally grew up on.

Thank you for sharing.

@kilobravo Much Appreciation. Great Update.

My daughter just submitted an application for a similar interview, though they say everything is done by email., at the Washington, D.C. Consulate.

Throughout my life I have been fortunate enough to be the outlier to the FAQ category.  (Frequently Asked Questions) My situation often is not usual, nor are my questions. Amazingly we have always made the impossible possible Hopefully I will not be enjoying the Cherry Blossoms during April in Washington, D.C.

I hope to have a good reply for your next update.

Roddie in Retirement

Congratulations!  I just celebrated the three years since I was admitted on a retirement visa.  No regrets whatsoever.  And yes, the folks here on this site were invaluable throughout the entire process, from my first inquiries through the renewal process last year.  I wish you the very best!

@roddiesho

I have said it before and I'll say it again. Brazil favors those who put effort in.

@Mikeflanagan Well you are certainly correct. My never cease to amaze me Brazilian wife has now connected with Simba's grandparents who say they will now help our quest to get the Visa to return to Brazil.  Simba is my Beagle Mix that I inherited from Brazilian Diplomats when they first came to the United States for their tour. Their neighbors did not appreciate them having a dog in their fancy neighborhood and now almost 10 years later I am that much closer to being back with Simba and my wife and mother.

Roddie in Retirement

You can never know too many Brazilian contacts.

Hello all,

Currently trying to get the retirement visa through the consulate in Chicago, but stuck at getting the letter from my bank saying that they can transfer $2000 to my account in Brazil. I have US bank and they wont write any letters except for ones preapproved by legal. So If anyone has any advise on this or if they have gotten a letter from a bank chain that I could change my bank to, I would appreciate it. As a side note/gripe the Chicago consulate as of a few weeks ago was allowing you to send in the fbi report that was mailed to you, So I paid for fingerprinting at usps got it mailed then went to check at e-consular. They just changed it to where you have to use a specific third party company in Chicago, you can do it out of state at ups stores for fingerprinting, the only difference being that this company adds their own watermark to the department of justice background report, I asked if I could use mine because they just changed it and was denied so I have to pay and do it all over again sigh. I was also wondering if I would be able to apply in Brazil or if this can only be done at my regional consulate in the US.

    Hello all,Currently trying to get the retirement visa through the consulate in Chicago, but stuck at getting the letter from my bank saying that they can transfer $2000 to my account in Brazil. I have US bank and they wont write any letters except for ones preapproved by legal. So If anyone has any advise on this or if they have gotten a letter from a bank chain that I could change my bank to, I would appreciate it. As a side note/gripe the Chicago consulate as of a few weeks ago was allowing you to send in the fbi report that was mailed to you, So I paid for fingerprinting at usps got it mailed then went to check at e-consular. They just changed it to where you have to use a specific third party company in Chicago, you can do it out of state at ups stores for fingerprinting, the only difference being that this company adds their own watermark to the department of justice background report, I asked if I could use mine because they just changed it and was denied so I have to pay and do it all over again sigh. I was also wondering if I would be able to apply in Brazil or if this can only be done at my regional consulate in the US.        -@dpayter

I had mine written by BB Americas located in Florida (yes, they are BB as in Banco do Brasil).  You can open an account via the internet.  You can also probably get Wise (formerly Transferwise) to write a letter.

All the letter needs to say is that you have an account and that THEY (The Bank) have to capability to transfer funds to Banco do Brasil S.A. or to any other institution in Brasil through an International Wire Transfer (or whatever they use), and that there is no minimum or maximum limit imposed on the transfers as long as there are available funds in the account at the time of request (or something that says yeah, they can transfer $2000 if you have the money in your account).

IMO this requirement is a bit odd since this is the 21st Century and I can't think of any bank that couldn't do this, but whatever.

As far as US Bank, whomever you are talking to sounds like they are reading off a script or something.  If it needs to be approved by legal, then politely ask them to do it.  If they can't do something as simple as write that letter, you need to find another bank.

Regarding the question of can you do this in Brasil instead of doing it through the consulate.  Yes, but if I were you, I wouldn't.  You're going to have to get apostatized translations, etc.  Save that headache for when you get your residency renewed.  It's much easier (believe it or not) to go the temporary Visa route via the consulate.

None of this is particularly difficult, it just takes perseverance and patience.  Keep your sense of humor about it and above all, remember to stay polite at all times. 

@mikehunter Thank you for the quick response. Yeah I am already trying to find a new bank the process just takes time to transfer my pension etc. I do have a wise account but the letter has to be notarized and apostilled. Not sure how I would go about that with wise. Also does the apostille have to be done in the same state as the notary, I am confused about this. I am going to look into opening a BB account online, was curious about getting the letter apostilled though.

    @mikehunter Thank you for the quick response. Yeah I am already trying to find a new bank the process just takes time to transfer my pension etc. I do have a wise account but the letter has to be notarized and apostilled. Not sure how I would go about that with wise. Also does the apostille have to be done in the same state as the notary, I am confused about this. I am going to look into opening a BB account online, was curious about getting the letter apostilled though.        -@dpayter

You don't need an apostille for something being used in the US.

From the consulate website: "Letter from a bank abroad, signed by the applicant's account manager, informing that the bank can transfer, monthly, an amount equal to or greater than US$ 2,000.00 to an applicant's bank account in Brazil."

For future reference, to get an apostille (which is basically a verification of the notary signature) you need to:

1. Request the document be notarized
2. Send the document to the secretary of state in the notary jurisdiction and request an apostille.

For example, if they are demanding a apostilled document (which sounds completely bizarre to me), for the Bank letter and you got it from BB Americas, you would have to request BB Americas provide a notarized letter, mail it to you and then you'd have to send that notarized letter to the Secretary of State office for the state of Florida to request an apostille.  If you got something from Texas, then send to Secretary of State for Texas, etc.

But again, their website isn't asking for it.  It is just asking for a letter.

The one thing you do need an apostille for is your Birth Certificate.  This will need to be apostilled and translated into Portuguese when you go to the PF in Brazil. 

If opening an account with BB to use, be advised they have minimum balance requirements, or you have to have one direct deposit per month or they will charge you $10 / month.

@mikehunter

Thanks again mike. yeah I was confused about the apostille too because the consulate webpage doesnt say it, but e-consular says "Upload a letter from a bank, on letterhead, signed by the applicant's account manager, notarized and apostilled, informing that the bank can transfer, monthly, an amount equal to or greater than US$ 2,000.00 to an applicant's bank account in Brazil". So I emailed the consulate and they confirmed it needs to be notarized and apostilled which makes no sense since it isnt being used in Brazil. I have already had my birth certificate apostilled, my last step is this letter now. I only have two months left now till I leave the country (europe then hopefully brazil), so I hope I can get everything done in time or I will be coming back to the US before Brazil.

I opened the bank account online at bbamericas just awaiting approval. Thank you for the info, when I asked about the letter they just said sure no problem call back when your account is open. Thank for the heads up about the monthly fee, I had checked for fees before I applied just to be sure. They allow you to maintain the minimum balance across different accounts as to not incur the fee so I plan to put the money in a cd as it still qualifies.

@dpayter Ugh, I can't believe it needs to be apostilled either, but whatever I suppose.  It's just going to take some time for you to mail it back to Florida.  Don't forget to let BB know they need to have the letter notarized. 

One other thing to be aware of when you go to the PF... I don't know about the PF in other cities, but in Sao Paulo, they ask to have a photocopy of EVERY SINGLE PAGE of your passport.  So to save some time and money, just in case before you go to Brazil, get the copies yourself and then after you arrive you only need to get 1 page copied. 

Also for the translation of the Birth Certificate, you can check out Fast Translation located on Alameda Santos in Sao Paulo.  You should be able to find them with a web search.  I've used them multiple times, they are fast, efficient and reliable.

@mikehunter

Thanks again for all the tips mike. I will be going to PF in Rio, I have some friends there who are going to show me where to get the translations and help me at the PF because my Portuguese is severely lacking, I plan to take classes once I move. I had another question about what forms you have to upload for the visa application, do you just upload the same ones as for e-consular?

@dpayter There are two steps to obtaining your CRNM in this manner.  The first one which you are doing is going to consulate and obtaining a VITEM visa, which is the procedure you are currently doing with the Chicago consulate. When they return your passport with the VISA they will also include instructions on what to do at the PF (which is the second step).  Here is the web portal if you want to get a advance look.  Basically, you will fill out an online form, make a payment and then schedule an appointment.  https://www.gov.br/pf/pt-br

@mikehunterThanks again mike. The visa application process I was talking about was the initial one though. The one that you do here https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br

You have to complete that before e-consular, which I have filled out, just haven't sent it in because at the end it asks you to upload documents but there is no directions on what documents need to be uploaded. E-consular lists exactly what documents to attach which includes the delivery receipt from the completed application form.

My understanding is you complete the form and get a number and receipt.  Then you use the link on the consular site to upload the required documents.  The only document I can see that they are asking for on the e-consular form is the photo.

@mikehunter

Yeah e-consular only wants the receipt that you did the online application, but at the end of the online application it say attach documents ( I believe this is because the online application is for every visa type). It is a drop down menu that lists a bunch of different documents that you can attach to the application. I was just wondering if I shouldn't attach any documents and just attach all the required documents to e-consular. Also back to trying to find another bank sigh, for some reason BBamericas denied me an online checking account and told me if I want to apply then go to a branch (wont tell me the reason why).

@dpayter You could just go ahead and attach the documents in both places, just to be on the safe side.  Regarding BB, that's weird.  If US Bank won't budge, I'll just get ahold of Wise and see if they could do it.

04/27/24 I opened the bank account online at bbamericas just awaiting approval. Thank you for the info, when I asked about the letter they just said sure no problem call back /when your account is open. Thank for the heads up about the monthly fee, I had checked for fees before I applied just to be sure. They allow you to maintain the minimum balance across different accounts as to not incur the fee so I plan to put the money in a cd as it still qualifies.
   

    -@dpayter

Good morning!  I hope that you've resolved your bank issues.  It sounds like you may have.

If not, though, membership in American Citizens Abroad (https://www.americansabroad.org/) includes the ability to open an account, whether still in the US or already abroad, at the State Department Federal Credit Union (SDFCU), a full-service US-based banking institution that's geared to the needs of expats.  Solving issues like this is their bread and butter.  Sorry that I didn't think of it sooner, but I wanted to share the info just in case.

@abthree Thank you for that. I am still trying to get my letter. I had to give up on my current bank because they would not relent. Currently still trying BBamericas, I just applied a second time and seems to be going better, except for the fact that it is extremely slow. I have looked into the credit union you mentioned and it looks promising. I also saw that you can get an account with them if you are a member of the ACC, (https://americanconsumercouncil.org), $15 one time payment vs $70 per year for the ACA.

04/30/24 I also saw that you can get an account with them if you are a member of the ACC
   

    -@dpayter

Out of curiosity, what is ACC in this context?

@abthree The ACC is an organization that advocates for consumers rights in the US. It has no correlation to being an expat, it just also gives you the right to join state department federal credit union if you are a member, and the dues are much lower.

@Viajanete What is the process of renewing your current 1-year retirement visa? I got my retirement visa while living in Brazil. Did not go through the U.S. consulate. Since I got the RNE with my retirement visa, I have opened a Brazil bank account and   now I have my pension direct deposited in my Brazil bank account. So my question is, what is the process to renew after 1-year? I already had all my documents translated and apostiled when I got my retirement residency visa. Fingerprints were done too. I never left Brazil since I got my residency and do not plan on leaving Brazil. Can I just go to the Policia Federal myself to renew? I do not speak Portuguese. I speak English.

@nicholsharvey You don't renew your retirement visa, at least not normally.  The purpose of the VISA is to obtain your CRNM.  It appears from your post you have done that.  Typically, the initial term of the CRNM is 2 years.  If your CRNM is expiring, you need to renew it.  I'd recommend you start at least 90 days before the expiration date.  As you have no doubt read in this forum, it takes time.  Unfortunately, you'll have to get new documents for proof of income - which will need to be apostatized and translated.

@nicholsharvey

As MikeHunter says, if you have your unexpired card showing residency, you don't need a visa.  Check the expiration date on your card ("validade"). If it says 2024, yes, it's  at least time to start thinking about renewal, perhaps past time.  When I renewed, a year and a half ago, it was confusing because most of the forms seemed designed for people who were here to work, not for retirees.  Hopefully, the process has been reviewed and revised by now.  In any case, the place to start is on the DOJ website MigranteWeb2.0 (maybe there's a 3.0 ?). 

I needed updated financial info (statement from Soc Sec as to my monthly benefit for coming year), crime report from FBI (as I hadn't been Brazil long enough to qualify only for the Brazilan crime report), copy of passport page, etc.  Truthfully, the clicks and links of the online site and finding the "best" formulário was the most difficult thing at the time.  I swore I'd use a lawyer / despachante the next time. I still might.  My second renewal is coming up in early 2025.

Janet

There is a difference between a VISA  and a CRNM. The difference is CRNM is a resident separate from a Visa in your passport. It’s a card issued indepentantly of your passport. It does have renew date if your under 60. If your 60 then it said indeterminate which means no renewal required. Hope this helps

My residency cards (I'm on my 2nd) have both been valid for two years.  I'll renew after the turn of the year. I'm 76.  Hoping to convert to permanent status as soon as I  can. (After 5 years, I've heard.)

@Viajanete I must be missing something here because certainly if you are 76 you qualify for "indeterminado" status - which is basically permanent.

In fact you should have gotten it on your first card.

    08/06/24 @Viajanete I must be missing something here because certainly if you are 76 you qualify for "indeterminado" status - which is basically permanent.
In fact you should have gotten it on your first card.
   

    -@mikehunter

I don't think that a consistent practice for applying age to VITEM  XIV visas has been developed yet.  The official definition of the visa type -- "temporary visa immigration policy" is all we really know about the two that currently exist in the category  - Digital Nomad and Retirement - and any others that may join them later, along with whatever's written in the portarias that created them.

I doubt that the Digital Nomad visa will ever develop into permanent residency:  it seems to have been specifically designed as temporary, without any suggestion that it could ever "age" into anything else, or even be renewed indefinitely.

I had hoped (in vain!) that a consistent policy would have been developed for the Retirement Visa before the first wave of renewals hit, but that didn't happen.  When the VIPER for Family Unification was suppressed, it was immediately replaced by the VITEM XI, a "temporary" visa with more surveillance  but still retaining many aspects of permanence.  That did not happen with the VIPER for Retirement; it was simply suppressed with no one-for-one replacement.   And when  a new Retirement Visa was finally created, it was not a stand-alone, but segregated with Digital Nomad in what looks like a provisional, experimental category.  For those who believe, as I do, that the way regulations are organized can communicate as much as the actual words on the page, the message on the Retirement Visa still seems to contain a great deal of uncertainty.

Expats over sixty who renew should certainly ask - pleasantly, of course  - if the renewal will be "validade indeterminada".  But don't give up hope if the answer is  "no".  Things change, and it could be different next time.

@Viajanete It look like you don’t have a CRNM. This is a residency card is a separate document is what you want. With your age it would be permeate. Since you said your having to renew it every 2 years sounds like a VISA. I not sure how that converts to a permeate residency or to a CRNM. 

Expats over sixty who renew should certainly ask - pleasantly, of course  - if the renewal will be "validade indeterminada".  But don't give up hope if the answer is  "no".  Things change, and it could be different next time.
   

    -@abthree

@abthree... at least 12 months ago on the renewal form they have 2 choices under "Tipo",

either Renovacao do Prazo or Prazo Indeterminado.  I selected Prazo Inderterminado and that is what I got.

I'll also mention that when I first went through the process, I picked the wrong legal authority.  I was told to use: Resolucao do CNIg RN 40/19.

My understanding is that this is for people who are renewing their Retirement CRNM. 

08/06/24 @mikehunter Did you start your retirement on a VIPER or a VITEM XIV?

    08/06/24 @mikehunter Did you start your retirement on a VIPER or a VITEM XIV?
   

    -@abthree

My first CRNM (valid for 2 years, even though I was over 60) was based on the Consulate Temporary Visa VITEM XIV.

My renewal was via Brasilia Justice using RN 40/19.

08/07/24 @mikehunter Did you start your retirement on a VIPER or a VITEM XIV?        -@abthreeMy first CRNM (valid for 2 years, even though I was over 60) was based on the Consulate Temporary Visa VITEM XIV.My renewal was via Brasilia Justice using RN 40/19.        -@mikehunter

Thanks.  Anyone over 60 who is offered the option "prazo indeterminado" during renewal should take it, I think, as you did.  If the system accepts it, it must be ok.

@abthree One more thing to note... when I initially used the wrong protocol (I believe it was 31/18) I was asked for alot of what I thought was excessive redundant documentation (such as a Police Report).  When I changed to 40/19 all that was gone.  The requirements were more closely aligned to what you would expect for a renewal of a person who has been in Brasil already for 2 years - although a new proof of income (with the apostle and translation) were still required. 

Another thing - only give them EXACTLY what is asked, nothing more. 

@mikehunter

I definitely have the CRNM, my second, expiring in March 2025.  As I said, I did the renewal myself, online, turning to local friends when I had questions.  It was not easy to work through the website as, at that time (18-19 months ago), so many of the questions were geared to renewing temporary residence for work, not for retirement.  I don't recall having seen an option regarding length of residency, just "renewal" of my current status.  I'll definitely watch for that on the next go-round. 

I'm more convinced than ever to get professional assistance this next time.  Yeah, it was ultimately great to know I could do it without the help of professionals,  but I'm willing to pay for the efficiency, experience, and peace of mind.

Still having fun!

Two quick questions:

1) For the life of me I can't find the thread on what documents are required for the Policia Federal appointment after arriving in Brazil with a freshly minted retirement visa.  I had it in my head that some apostiled/translated documents were required, but can't find any reference to that  here or elsewhere either...maybe that's only when starting the visa process in Brazil.   Anyway, what docs are required? 

2) While waiting for the CRNM, are there any restrictions on leaving the country?  Trying to sequence various activities in the months to come.

Thank you.

@thetravelfox

Search for the thread ”Retirement Visa Snag”. In it is discussed things to be done at the PF.

Contained in the webpage below is the following statement: “

NOTE: Once in Brazil, you must present at Federal Police the birth certificate authenticated by an Apostille. It should be also translated by a certified translator in Brazil (“tradutor juramentado”).  “  FYIW

[link under review]

VITEM XI - Family reunion with a Brazilian citizen or a foreign citizen who is resident in Brazil — Ministério das Relações Exteriores

Due to the famous ”Link under review”,  here’s the text at the link.

THE FOLLOWING IS TEXT VERSION OF THE WEB LINK INCLUDED IN MY POST.

VITEM XI - Family reunion with a Brazilian citizen or a foreign citizen who is resident in Brazil

Publicado em 11/08/2022 17h13 Atualizado em 24/01/2024 17h20 Compartilhe:     "

ELIGIBILITY

Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI) allows family members (spouses or partners, children, parents, siblings, grandparents or grandchildren) of Brazilian nationals or foreign nationals with legal residency status in Brazil (RNE card holders or Temporary Visa holders) to establish residence in Brazil.

Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI) may occur concurrently with the request for the temporary visa of the family member sponsor and its issuance shall be conditioned to the prior granting of the temporary visa to the family member sponsoring.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) PASSPORT: Signed, valid up to the end of your trip and with at least one blank visa page available (amendment pages are not accepted).

2) VISA APPLICATION FORM: One per applicant, completely filled out online and signed by the passport holder or his/her parents/guardians. You will need to print only the receipt page with the bar code.

3) PHOTO: One recent 2” x 2” passport-photo size, front view, white background.

4) BACKGROUND CHECK: FBI Clearance or Local Police Department Clearance issued within the last six months.

5) BIRTH CERTIFICATE: copy of your birth certificate.

(NOTE: Once in Brazil, you must present at Federal Police the birth certificate authenticated by an Apostille. It should be also translated by a certified translator in Brazil (“tradutor juramentado”).

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS:

1) FAMILY REUNION BASED ON MARRIAGE:

1.1) Proof of relationship with Brazilian national or foreigner with a permanent resident status in Brazil. (e.g.:

marriage certificate).

1.2) Original Brazilian identification card (RG) and Brazilian passport, if the spouse is a Brazilian national.

1.3) National Registry of Foreigners card (RNE) and foreign passport, if the spouse is a foreign national with a permanent resident status in Brazil.

1.4) Full Responsibility Affidavit Form: It must be signed in the presence of the consular authority upon presentation of the passport and/or identification card or the signature must be notarized. If the spouse (a Brazilian national or foreign national with a permanent resident status) is in Brazil, the document must have the signature certified by a notary public in Brazil.

1.5) Joint Declaration of Residence: Brazilian national and foreigner must sign this form.

2) FAMILY REUNION FOR DEPENDANTS:

2.1) Proof of relationship with the Brazilian national or foreigner with a permanent resident status in Brazil. (e.g.: birth certificate).

3) FOREIGN RESIDENTS: Copy of the US Alien Resident Card and/or a Valid Visa.

4) MINORS:

4.1) Visa Request Form Receipt – RER must be signed by both parents or legal guardians;

4.2) Original or notarized copy or birth certificate;

4.3) Copy of parents' passports; and

4.4) Notarized authorization form signed by both parents / legal guardians. Click here to download the form.

FEES

Click here to check the visa fees and more information on payment.

PLEASE NOTE: The documents listed above are not all-inclusive. Additional documents may be requested at the

discretion of Consular Authority.

QUESTIONS?

Get in contact with the Consulate by e-mail: visa.boston@itamaraty.gov.br—-