Retirement Visa for Brazil

NewBrazil wrote:

Also do copy of all your passport pages. They will require this also there will be a couple of fees to pay. You many be able to go to a local grocery store pay center to get this done. Normally people go to the bank. We did this went to a local store was very quick and the Federal Police acceptance this.

I had copied every page of my UW Passport prior to my arrival this last trip into SP for my PF appointment.  they did not like my copies not showing my latest entry into Brazil. This was not a problem, but I could see how it might have been.  So, be sure your copies of certain things are current.

Just wanted to give a quick update to all who provided information and support to me during my quest for a retiree visa.  As reported earlier, yes, I successfully got the visa and soon thereafter my CPF. And now I am HERE, safely (for the time being) tucked into my apartment in Governador Valadares, Minas.

I arrived 10 days ago and my dog arrived a day later. Covid is serious here. Reportedly 100% of public and private hospital beds are full, and we're in an "onda roxa", with a city-wide curfew between 8pm and 5am.  Obviously, MANY services and shops are closed.

I'm doing fine. In fact, I kind of appreciate having some time for planning and list-making without having to worry about making or receiving courtesy calls.  I did get my first Moderna vaccine before leaving (it was close), but didn't have time for the second. The consensus I'm seeing is that with Moderna booster not being available, a Pfizer should be ok, as they both were developed along similar protocols..  Still don't have a good plan should Pfizer not be available.

Anyway, just wanted to say Hi and Thanks!

Welcome!  Thanks for letting us know.  Stay safe.

Thanks for the update; be interesting to hear how things progress in Brazil over the next six months with the new wave (COVID-19) and the presidents stance on playing down the risks that COVID-19 presents.

I am planning to arrive in Florianópolis on a  Investor VISA around August. However, I may choose to postpone moving to Brazil for 6 months to a year, if that would be advantageous with regards to the currency deflation (BR$ vs £), buying my Investments in real estate and safety concerns.

I have heard that a lot of some parts of Brazil have before very dangerous during the pandemic, those these are mainly confined to areas where there are large favelas settlements.

Thanks Chris

Welcome to Brazil good you were able to get through the system. I think the whole Covid thing is being over blown. First I going to point out no one has gotten the flu which kill as many people as Covid. Second since Brazil has been more open we are getting close to heard infection. Brazil is a great place to live and it's sad many  people have been reported loosing there life to Covid. This is for both posters don't be fooled. First to the investor it now the best time to put money in Brazil. You can time the bottom of a crisis but we are close. Brazil will recover they have great people here and over 70% of business are not corporations. This country has so many beautiful things and people who need to be employed. If you think about people living off the grid. Brazil is already there everyone I know owned a farm. I just installed Solar on our home. It was a fight with the electric company to get our meter. But after a month and one half. We finally got it installed. To show you how great there people treat you the owner fought and even hire a Attoney to get the Electric Company to finish the job. We are now friends  where would you find this type of help. The Brazilian people are truly a family you can be part. I am from the USA and my wife is Brazilian

Hey, nice to hear from someone who shares my love of the unique nature of Brazilian people. I just love being around them. I've been told I'm a very warm, passionate person, so perhaps that's why we click (?). That's the only reason I want to invest and get a passport to live in Brazil.

In London here most of my friends are from Brazil. Over the past twenty years most of my partners have also been Brazilian. That's why I'm fluent in Portuguese, owing to the fact my ex partner didn't speak any English when he arrived and never both to learn it, as most of are friends were from Brazil - I just call it being lazy.

The majority of my Brazil friends here in London, I've known for 15+ years. As such, we still only speak in Portuguese from the days when they first arrived. I've been going to Brazil for month long holidays for about the same amount of time.

I also lived in Portugal for three years, so I feel I'm coming to Brazil a lot more prepared than most people (I hope). In addition, a really good Brazilian friend of mine is planning to come to Florianópolis with me and will hopefully run the real estate investment business for me, once I've got it all set-up. He's very reliable and trustworthy, so I'm hoping he'll be a fit.

I'm still in the process of applying for the investment VISA. I think I have most of it worked out now. However, I still feel uncomfortable with the investment process for a foreigner. It's very risky, which is why I have chosen to do pretty much all of it myself. I'm not sure if you are aware but as an unmarried foreigner you can't own a Brazilian bank account or set up a company. There appears to be a very high risk process for attaining the VISA. Requiring a Brazilian Power of Attorney, who you then instruct to carry out these things and purchase the properties. Later that individual is expected to transfer it over to you once the VISA has been approved and there lies the inherent risk.

However, I have a strong feeling that as most of the information that is on the Brazilian website is completely out of date. I believe there is now a safer method involving a reputable local lawyer firm to be power of attorney. I have a firm in mind in Florianópolis.  Even the Brazilian Consulate in London gave me emails addresses for Brazil, with a Legacy domain. I finally managed to speak to the team in Brazil last week and they were completely unaware that the documents they had directed me to were for the legacy Migrantweb system for processing investment VISA's.

I don't suppose you know how to get proof of foreign direct investment from SISBACEN? As I think this will mean that some of the risky steps can be sidestepped.

My concerns regarding the Brazilian currency relate to inflationary pressures, which has already be reported at 4.5%. The Brazilian central bank raised interest rates last week to reduce those inflationary pressures. That process has the added effect of raising the value of the currency, which is why the Real has been a lot stronger recently. I believe through a period of adjustments by the Brazilian central bank, we are likely to see the Real increase in value before continuing to devalue with the reversal of the interest rate measures to ease the pressure on large companies and corporations.

In the U.K. as well as Europe and the US, we are already seeing inflation, but as the economies are stronger and the inflationary controls are generally more advanced, we are likely to see a delayed increase in interest rates. So I'm thinking that's probably going to be the best time to invest. Maybe, sometime next year I'm going to see if I can arrange a good forward rate, but I'll only convert the currency at the time of doing the transfer, as there are just too many fluctuations in all the currencies at the moment to risk sitting on 1million Real.

Additionally, my Brazilian friend thinks it will be better to go to Brazil early next year, as there is likely to be further local lockdowns at least until this next Covid-19 wave has passed. He has a lot of contacts in Brazil who have advised him to stay put in the U.K. until things improve. I think the U.K. is most likely to weather the rest of the year well, due to the success of its vaccine program allowing the lockdown to being lifted in April.

We are both very eager to get to Brazil, but practically there is little point if he can't work, with the tourist high season in Florianópolis (Jan-March) likely to be cancelled again.

Where about are you situated in Brazil? It's good to hear the Covid-19 outbreak from a different perspective, as everyone I've spoken to so far has said it's awful and just getting worse.

On the other points I have raised, if you can provide any useful advice, that would be much appreciated.

Thanks Chris

How do these posts have to do with obtaining a retirement visa?
If we stay on topic it helps many. You can always start new questions for discussions.

Yeah, I appreciate that the conversations have moved on to COVID-19 and the best time to buy property in Brazil, but these are factors of interest to all parties thinking of moving to Brazil, whether that be with a Retirement VISA or an Investment VISA. Or in the case of the guy who retired in Brazil with his Brazilian wife, a permanent residence VISA. All three VISA's share common areas of interest, but I do get your point and I noticed that a lot of the other forums do tend to go off subject.

Just a quick check-in / update...
I've now been in Brazil on my retiree visa since March 10. Things have gone amazingly smoothly.  I'm now registered with Unimed for health insurance, although I'm keepingy Cigna for another month or so as I wait for Unimed to decide I'm not harboring any hidden conditions.  And yesterday, I picked up my official carteira, identifying me as a temporary resident, good now until March 10, 2023.  I recall that, previously, folks had reported they were authorized for only one year before having to reapply. I was pleased I got the two that we know CAN be authorized.  The agent who handed me my carteira did inform me that I should begin the process of renewal with the Dept of Justice, online, in January of 2023, not to wait till the last minute. He also informed me that I will be able to apply for permanent residency after 5 years.  So now my biggest challenge is to get a Pfizer booster.  I don't meet the criteria (neither pregnant nor vulnerable youth), but I've been advised that vaxes other than Moderna or Pfizer MAY have adverse effects.  The local clinic has put in a request for "authorization" to inject me.  It's not so much the vaccination I'm looking forward to; it's the documentation. In case I ever want to travel again. 😊

Welcome I have Unimed it's been great but you will have a 4 month wait before you can use any services. I had eye surgery for cataract no cost and the doctor visit no cost. I also just went through a battery of test for a full physical no cost that includes labs and Doctors visits and ultrasounds they ordered. Also I was able to see specialist with out any Doctor recommended. The one thing you need to get use to is the day of your Doctor appointment you will have to go early it first come first serve. So even when you get a time it only mean get there and wait hours like my experience average 4 hours in the Doctor office. The only negative was my rates did go up but we have myself and wife and one adult daughter on the policy. As far as vaccines here they are having problem running out. Right now the town I am in is out of vaccines. They are doing it by age depends what city you are in. Give you a example I got the Chinese Vaccine that was one of the first they had. Then Pfizer was available for awhile. I hear the next one could be available is  Russian vaccines. Good luck finding Pfizer. Hope this helps

Great news, great progress!

In the US right now they have more vaccine doses than people who want them ...they are starting to hand out prizes to new volunteers ....and there is quite a bit of talk about giving some of them to other countries, Im sure Brazil is on the list.

06/20/21

Viajanete,

Such wonderful news  - congratulations!   You really did everything right, starting with your planning upfront, and it paid off.

The most readily available vaccine in Brazil right now seems to be the Oxford/AstraZeneca from Fiocruz.  Almost all of our family members who qualified so far have had it.  Two of us had minor reactions to the first shot, that were gone the next day; none of us had reactions to the second shot.  If that's what's offered where you are, I'd recommend it.

I don't think that Moderna even requested approval in Brazil.  Pfizer is supposed to be on the way; I don't know locations or quantities.

I cannot figure the schedule. My Tudor received Pfizer, her mother, and my wife Astra. These 3 have 90 days wait for 2nd jab. I Received CoronaVac as scheduled in a timely manner.
Additional Pfizer just arrived and beginning at 39 years old and up are scheduled for jabs.
It is concerning that all educators (who elected vaccination) received the first jab, but it will be late July for the second.
Schools open next week!
It seems as here we are now have gone from prevention to "wait for vaccine" mentality

abthree wrote:

06/20/21

Viajanete,

Such wonderful news  - congratulations!   You really did everything right, starting with your planning upfront, and it paid off.

The most readily available vaccine in Brazil right now seems to be the Oxford/AstraZeneca from Fiocruz.  Almost all of our family members who qualified so far have had it.  Two of us had minor reactions to the first shot, that were gone the next day; none of us had reactions to the second shot.  If that's what's offered where you are, I'd recommend it.

I don't think that Moderna even requested approval in Brazil.  Pfizer is supposed to be on the way; I don't know locations or quantities.

_
The Pfizer vaccine is now all around Sao Paulo and should be readily available to those currently qualifying and wanting it. I'm sorry, but have no knowledge about medicine in the other states.

Texanbrazil wrote:

I cannot figure the schedule.

It's not you, Tex, it's the schedule:   it seems to change every time that vaccine availability does.  Everyone I know here got their second shot "early":  vaccines began arriving more quickly.  I hope that trend continues.  🤞

Thanks for the responses and feedback. Yes, Pfizer has arrived in Governador Valadares. I visited the local clinic last week and learned I wasn't eligible (at least at the time), because it was reserved for pregnant women and youth with compromised health conditions.  I explained my situation, i.e., that it was the only approved vax for me, so they had me write to the Secretary of Health to request an exception.  Just learned that doses were available for the asking two days ago because they couldn't find enough "qualified" people to take the vax before the batch expired.  So it goes. Thoroughly content with my decision to retire here, nevertheless.

Texanbrazil wrote:

You can apply upon arrival for a cpf

Been trying to get one for some time. Recetia federal tells me go do it online. Online says go recetia federal. Been a long annoying process lol

Mikeflanagan wrote:

Been trying to get one for some time. Recetia federal tells me go do it online. Online says go recetia federal. Been a long annoying process lol

That's weird.  Try the Post Office.

Hey all,

I got my cpf through the consulate. Filled out a form, uploaded some documents and had my cpf-number in my mailbox a few days later.

It is not the "official" card, but a pdf from the consulate containing the number   my name. So far everyone accepted it, including at the policia federal and the Cartorio.

Once I receive my CRNM, it will have my cpf printed on it (right?).

Good luck!

Mikeflanagan wrote:

Texanbrazil wrote:

You can apply upon arrival for a cpf

Been trying to get one for some time. Recetia federal tells me go do it online. Online says go recetia federal. Been a long annoying process lol

___
Got my original through the Consulate in San Francisco, It was super easy and very fast to get.  Later, when I was in Brazil, I discovered an error on it, from,m the Consulate.  The PF in Spo when NUTS when I went there and showed them the Consulates error.  In retrospect, I should never have said anything.

08/01/21

I got mine at the Receita Federal while I was still on an old VITEM II business visa.  We were just trying to square away as much Brazilian documentation as possible in preparation for our upcoming marriage in the US.  The lady at the RF seemed a little surprised that I wanted it, but she issued it right away.  I later downloaded the pdf, printed it on a color printer, and plasticized it:  presto, a card! 

Things in Brazil seldom seem to get done the same way twice; be nice to everybody,  keep trying different ways, and one of them will work.

Corrieo issued mine. No problem

What's the generalized process for doing it via correrios

I just walked up with the application signed and paid

Viajanete wrote:

Just a quick check-in / update...
I've now been in Brazil on my retiree visa since March 10. Things have gone amazingly smoothly.

@Viajanete Do you mind summarizing how you applied for the retirement visa? Do you have a pension or social security income? Or was it on the basis of assets or other income?

12/14/21

guerneca

Brazilian Consulates are using VITEM XIV (Immigration Policy) for retirement visas, since the old Retirement Visa was abolished in 2017.  Not every Consulate has updated its website for it, but you're in luck:  San Francisco has.  Here's their summary:

https://sistemas.mre.gov.br/kitweb/data … %20XIV.pdf

abthree wrote:

12/14/21

guerneca

Brazilian Consulates are using VITEM XIV (Immigration Policy) for retirement visas, since the old Retirement Visa was abolished in 2017.  Not every Consulate has updated its website for it, but you're in luck:  San Francisco has.  Here's their summary:

https://sistemas.mre.gov.br/kitweb/data … %20XIV.pdf

Thanks for digging this up! The tricky/confusing part is this:

- Proof of retirement and ability to transfer monthly to Brazil the amount equal to or greater than US$2,000.00 (must enclose official letter from bank, signed by applicant's account manager, informing that bank will be able to transfer monthly the amount equal or greater than US$ 2,000.00 to applicant's bank account in Brazil)
- Proof of receipt of monthly pension for death in the amount equal to or greater than US$ 2,000.00, if applicable;
- If necessary, proof of other regular sources of income to complement the amount of US$ 2,000.00

How does one provide "proof of retirement" --- as mentioned previously, the age requirement has been removed from this, so how can this be proven? And the other stuff like a pension which doesn't apply to everyone. I'm also unclear how a bank can provide a letter stating they can transfer $2000 per month to the applicant's account. Doesn't make sense because the applicant has to transfer the funds. The bank is not allowed to do so.

I presented my bank statements ( Branch mgr can sign the latest statements.) and provided the bank's information to wiring money, have it notarized. A copy of the SS statement sufficed. Consulate was very helpful. SSA is welcomed in BR and has a Costa Rica office to help you.
https://www.ssa.gov/pubs/EN-05-10167.pdf
If you are speaking of using other means to transfer cash, others may help you

12/14/21

guerneca wrote:

Thanks for digging this up! The tricky/confusing part is this:

- Proof of retirement and ability to transfer monthly to Brazil the amount equal to or greater than US$2,000.00 (must enclose official letter from bank, signed by applicant's account manager, informing that bank will be able to transfer monthly the amount equal or greater than US$ 2,000.00 to applicant's bank account in Brazil)
- Proof of receipt of monthly pension for death in the amount equal to or greater than US$ 2,000.00, if applicable;
- If necessary, proof of other regular sources of income to complement the amount of US$ 2,000.00

How does one provide "proof of retirement" --- as mentioned previously, the age requirement has been removed from this, so how can this be proven? And the other stuff like a pension which doesn't apply to everyone. I'm also unclear how a bank can provide a letter stating they can transfer $2000 per month to the applicant's account. Doesn't make sense because the applicant has to transfer the funds. The bank is not allowed to do so.

There's a delicate art to reading Brazilian regulations  thoroughly without reading too much into them. 

Proof of Retirement:  If you have retired from a company, a copy of the cover letter from your retirement package should suffice.  If you've been self-employed, a notarized letter from your attorney (if you've rolled up a S-Corp, for example) or from your accountant saying that you've wrapped up the operations of your business in the US and retired should do the trick.  There are probably other ways, as well, but those are two that immediately spring to mind for me.

The Consulate keeps the information on all Notaries Public in its region on file.  Giving them notarized documents gives them something official-looking, and something to check.

Proof of Income:  if you're already collecting, your Social Security Benefit letter is the gold standard.  If you are receiving any defined-benefit pensions or annuities, you should have a letter that you received when they began paying out that should serve.  If your only income is income from investments, you'll need to be a little more creative, but probably can cook something up with your accountant or financial advisor.  Keep in mind that you don't have to prove all of your income, just enough to comfortably put you over the $2000 threshold.  You always want to answer questions from Brazilian authorities honestly, but you're under no obligation to volunteer information not asked for, and should do it very carefully.

As for transfers, you should definitely be planning on maintaining a banking relationship in the US after you relocate.  It will probably be one you already have, so this should not be a problem.  A letter from the bank signed by your Branch Manager (s/he may even appreciate it if you write it!) stating that your monthly deposits are $2000 or over, and that the bank is prepared to transfer that amount monthly, or any other amount you direct,  to your Brazilian bank account on your instructions, notarized, of course, should satisfy that requirement nicely.

Texanbrazil wrote:

How do these posts have to do with obtaining a retirement visa?
If we stay on topic it helps many. You can always start new questions for discussions.

sounds like someones fishing, because its almost every post right xD

My apologies, Guernica - I've not been on the site for some time.  Abthree has done a good job with the info, but yes, I am retired and submitted my statement of anticipated future distributions from the Social Security Administration,  I printed it off, got the local SSA office to sign, and got that signature notarized and apostilled. And held my breath.  The Chicago consulate accepted it (via mail).  I do have other pension investment income, but I did not submit that information, as my SS distributions were more than the necessary $2000.  I hope that helps.  Sorry for the delay.  And thanks, Abthree, for "coverering".

Hello - does anyone know if there is an age requirement for the retirement visa?  I have seen 50 and 60 on different sites.  Thanks

To qualify for a retirement visa, you or your spouse must be at least 60 years of age. You must be able to demonstrate a monthly pension or annuity income of at least 6,000 reais (US$1,700). That amount must be transferred into Brazil monthly.

To apply for a retirement visa, it's best to contact the Brazilian consulate in your current home. These visas are issued for nine years. After this they must be renewed, although renewal is generally a formality. You can renew at the Ministry of Justice. You can also go to the nearest office of the Federal Police. These handle immigration matters in Brazil.

Is the 1700 per month after tax income? So if your pension is above 2000 per month but you pay taxes on it and that makes it slightly below 1700 does that qualify?

Before-tax.
And I was incorrect as to the new law. It's $2,000 per month. Thanks, AB3, I had too many things going on. (Conjugation for the Imperative??? 

so I meet that requirement with two pensions, but is that for a married couple or 2k for each spouse? We are both sixty but I'm the only one collecting pension right now.

Hi
I am a British Citizen with main residence in the UK and over 70 and receive a pension paid into my UK bank account. I pay my income tax in the UK.
When I arrived in Brazil I first obtained a CPF number. In May 2021 I applied for a Brazilian Residence Visa and have been granted a Residencia Indeterminado and a Residente card with a RNM number.
I intend to stay less than 180 days a year in Brazil.
Do I have to file a tax return in Brazil and would I have to pay income tax in Brazil on my UK pension?
Any advice on this subject would be very much appreciated.
Thank you.

We get many questions as to taxes. It is best to have your situation reviewed by a tax professional.
SOme here do pay taxes on foreign income so do not.