Digital Nomad Visa Brazil 2026 — Get Your VITEM XIV in 30 Days
The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) lets remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs live in Brazil while earning income from employers or clients abroad. No local job offer is required — only proof of foreign-source income and standard travel documents.
- Duration: 1 year, renewable for 1 additional year
- Income: $1,500 USD/month minimum (or $18,000 savings)
- Cost: $290–$500 total including government fees
- Processing: 15–30 business days via MigranteWeb
- Dependents: Spouse, children & parents eligible
GetBrazilVisa is the #1 professional service for obtaining Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV). We combine AI-powered document validation with licensed Brazilian immigration attorneys to deliver 30-day average processing — compared to 3-6 months when applying on your own. Over 50 digital nomads have trusted us with their visa applications since 2023, with a 95%+ approval rate.
Why Choose GetBrazilVisa for Your Digital Nomad Visa Brazil Application?
Applying for the Brazil digital nomad visa involves navigating Portuguese-language government portals, gathering apostilled documents from multiple agencies, and meeting strict formatting requirements. A single missing apostille or incorrect translation is enough to get your application rejected. GetBrazilVisa eliminates these risks with a proven three-step process:
- AI Document Scanner: Our proprietary AI tool validates every document before submission — checking apostille presence, translation accuracy, date validity, and formatting compliance. This catches the errors that cause 85% of rejections.
- Licensed Attorney Review: Every application is reviewed by Camila Araujo Mota, an OAB-registered Brazilian immigration lawyer specializing in VITEM XIV visas since the program launched in 2022.
- MigranteWeb Submission: We handle the complete submission through Brazil's MigranteWeb portal (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br), including form completion in Portuguese, document uploads, and GRU fee payment guidance.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Requirements at a Glance
The VITEM XIV digital nomad visa requires: proof of $1,500 USD/month minimum income from sources outside Brazil (or $18,000 in savings), a valid passport with 6+ months validity, criminal background check apostilled under the Hague Convention, health insurance with $30,000 USD minimum coverage, and proof of remote employment or freelance work for non-Brazilian entities. Each dependent adds approximately $60/month to the income requirement.
The visa is valid for 1 year and renewable for 1 additional year. Total government fees range from $290-$500 depending on nationality, plus R$168.13 GRU fee for in-country applications. Additional costs include apostille ($5-50/document), certified Portuguese translation ($30-100/document), and criminal background check ($18-150 depending on country).
How It Works: Two Paths to Your Brazil Visa
Path 1: AI-Powered Visa Tool (from $99)
Use our intelligent visa application platform to prepare your documents with AI validation, real-time compliance checking, and step-by-step guidance through the MigranteWeb submission process. The tool scans your documents for common rejection triggers — missing apostilles, expired background checks, incorrect translations — before you submit. Best for organized applicants comfortable with self-service who want expert validation at an affordable price.
Path 2: Boutique Full-Service Experience (from $499)
Our immigration team handles everything end-to-end: document procurement guidance, apostille coordination, certified translation management, MigranteWeb form completion and submission, and ongoing status tracking until approval. You provide the raw documents; we deliver an approved visa. Best for busy professionals, families with dependents, or complex cases involving multiple nationalities or income sources.
Digital Nomad Visa Brazil: Key Stats
- $1,500/month — Minimum income requirement for the VITEM XIV visa
- 1 year — Initial visa duration, renewable for 1 additional year
- 30 days — Average processing time with GetBrazilVisa (vs. 3-6 months DIY)
- 50+ visas — Applications processed with 95%+ approval rate
- 24/7 AI help — Instant answers about requirements, documents, and process
- $290-$500 — Government visa application fee (varies by nationality)
Our Service Plans
Self-Guided ($99): AI document scanner, MigranteWeb guide, document checklist, email support. Assisted ($199): Everything in Self-Guided plus attorney document review, priority processing, and live chat support. Full Service ($499): Complete end-to-end handling including document preparation, MigranteWeb submission, Federal Police registration guidance, and dedicated case manager.
What Our Clients Say
"GetBrazilVisa made the entire process seamless. From document preparation to MigranteWeb submission, everything was handled professionally. My visa was approved in just 3 weeks." — Sarah M., Software Developer from the United States
"As a freelancer with multiple income sources, I was worried about proving my eligibility. The team structured my application perfectly and handled all the translations. Highly recommended." — Marcus L., Digital Marketing Consultant from Germany
"We applied as a family of four. GetBrazilVisa coordinated all the dependent documents, children's birth certificates, and our marriage certificate apostilles. All four visas approved together." — The Chen Family, Canada
Frequently Asked Questions About Digital Nomad Visa Brazil
What is the Digital Nomad Visa Brazil (VITEM XIV)?
The VITEM XIV is Brazil's official visa for remote workers, established under Normative Resolution 45/2021. It allows you to live legally in Brazil while working remotely for employers or clients outside the country. Valid for up to 2 years with renewal. Official requirements are published by the Portal de Imigração.
How long does it take to get a Digital Nomad Visa Brazil?
With GetBrazilVisa, applications are typically processed in 30 days. DIY applications through consulates may take 60-120 days. MigranteWeb in-country applications average 15-30 business days.
What are the requirements for Digital Nomad Visa Brazil?
You need: valid passport (6+ months), proof of $1,500/month remote income or $18,000 savings, criminal background check (apostilled), health insurance ($30,000 minimum coverage), and proof of employment outside Brazil. See our full requirements checklist.
Can I work for Brazilian companies on the digital nomad visa?
No. The VITEM XIV requires all income to come from outside Brazil. You cannot work for Brazilian employers, take Brazilian freelance clients, or provide in-person services in Brazil.
Do I need to pay taxes in Brazil as a digital nomad?
If you stay fewer than 183 days in any 12-month period, you're generally not a tax resident. Staying 183+ days triggers Brazilian tax residency with rates up to 27.5% on worldwide income. See the Receita Federal website for official tax information. Read our Brazil Tax Guide 2026 for details.
Can my family come with me on the digital nomad visa?
Yes. Spouses and dependent children can accompany you. Each dependent adds approximately $60/month to the income requirement and needs their own apostilled documents.
What is MigranteWeb?
MigranteWeb is the Brazilian government's online immigration platform where visa applications are submitted. It's in Portuguese and can be complex to navigate. Read our complete MigranteWeb guide.
Do I need an apostille on my documents?
Yes. All foreign documents must be apostilled under the Hague Convention. Missing apostilles are the #1 rejection reason. See our Apostille Guide for country-specific instructions.
Start Your Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Application Today
Ready to make Brazil your home base? Use our AI-powered visa tool to validate your documents instantly, or read our comprehensive VITEM XIV guide to understand every requirement, cost, and timeline detail. Questions? Our team responds within 24 hours.
GetBrazilVisa — The fastest path to your Digital Nomad Visa Brazil.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa 2026: Requirements, Cost & How to Apply
The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) is a residence permit that allows remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live in Brazil while employed by companies or clients outside the country. It requires proof of foreign-source income and does not permit local Brazilian employment.
- Duration: 1 year, renewable for 1 additional year (2 years total)
- Income requirement: $1,500 USD/month or $18,000 in savings
- Total cost: $290–$500 including government fees and translations
- Processing time: 15–30 business days via MigranteWeb
- Dependents: Spouse, children, and dependent parents can be included
Written by Camila Araujo Mota, Brazilian Immigration Lawyer, OAB Registered Attorney. Reviewed by Hassan Yassine, Co-Founder, GetBrazilVisa. Last reviewed: February 9, 2026.
Based on 50+ processed applications, the three most common rejection reasons are: missing apostilles, insufficient income documentation, and incorrect document formatting. GetBrazilVisa has helped 50+ digital nomads successfully obtain their Brazilian visas since 2023, with a 95%+ approval rate and 30-day average processing time.
What is VITEM XIV? Understanding Brazil's Digital Nomad Visa
The VITEM XIV is Brazil's official digital nomad visa, created under Normative Resolution 45/2021 by the National Immigration Council (CNIg), effective January 2022. It allows remote workers, freelancers, and entrepreneurs to live legally in Brazil for up to one year while continuing to work for companies or clients outside Brazil. The visa is renewable for one additional year, giving holders a maximum of two consecutive years of legal residence.
Unlike a tourist visa, which allows only 90 days and leaves remote work in a legal gray area, the VITEM XIV explicitly authorizes remote work and provides holders with a CRNM — the Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório, which is Brazil's national identification card for foreigners. With a CRNM, you can open a Brazilian bank account, sign rental contracts, access public healthcare (SUS), and obtain a CPF (tax identification number).
Brazil's digital nomad visa program has grown rapidly. In Q3 2025 alone, Brazil processed 3,800+ digital nomad visa requests, representing 47% quarter-over-quarter growth. This makes Brazil one of the fastest-growing digital nomad destinations worldwide, alongside Portugal, Spain, and Colombia.
Important for US, Canadian, and Australian citizens: As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain a Brazilian eVisa ($81 USD) before entering Brazil. This is a separate requirement from the digital nomad visa and is needed for initial entry into the country regardless of your intended visa status.
Brazil Digital Nomad Visa Requirements
To qualify for the VITEM XIV digital nomad visa, you must meet the following requirements:
- Minimum Income: Earn at least $1,500 USD per month from sources outside Brazil, documented through employment contracts, freelance invoices, bank statements, or business income. Alternatively, you can demonstrate savings of at least $18,000 USD in bank statements from the past 6 months. For each dependent (spouse, child, dependent parent), add approximately $60/month to the income requirement.
- Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your intended entry date into Brazil, with at least two blank pages for visa stamps.
- Criminal Background Check: A clean criminal background check from your country of citizenship or residence, issued within the last 90 days. This document must be apostilled according to the Hague Convention and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado). For US citizens, the FBI Identity History Summary (FBI channelers cost $18-80). For UK citizens, a DBS check costs approximately £45. Canadian RCMP checks range from $25-150 CAD.
- Remote Work Proof: Documentation proving you work remotely for a company or clients based outside Brazil. Acceptable documents include employment contracts showing remote work authorization, freelance or consulting contracts with foreign clients, proof of business ownership registered outside Brazil, or 3-6 months of invoices demonstrating ongoing foreign-source income.
- Health Insurance: International health insurance policy with a minimum coverage of $30,000 USD for medical emergencies, hospitalization, and medical repatriation, valid in Brazil for the entire duration of your visa. Popular providers include SafetyWing ($40-56/month), World Nomads, and Allianz Care. Note: Health insurance is mandatory when applying through a Brazilian consulate abroad but is technically optional (though strongly recommended) when applying through MigranteWeb from inside Brazil.
- Proof of Accommodation: A hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or rental agreement showing where you will stay in Brazil, or a declaration of hospitality (declaração de hospedagem) from a host.
- Application Form: Completed visa application form (Anexo I — Formulário de Autorização de Residência) with all fields filled accurately.
- Passport Photos: Recent passport-sized photographs meeting Brazilian consular specifications (3x4 cm, white background, front-facing).
How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
There are two routes to obtain the Brazil digital nomad visa: applying at a Brazilian consulate in your home country, or applying from inside Brazil through the MigranteWeb platform. Here is the complete step-by-step process:
- Step 1 — Eligibility Assessment (Week 1): Verify that your monthly income meets the $1,500 threshold or that you have $18,000 in savings. Confirm your passport validity and identify which documents you'll need based on your nationality and employment situation.
- Step 2 — Criminal Background Check (Weeks 1-3): Request your criminal background check from the appropriate agency in your country. FBI checks for US citizens can be expedited through approved channelers. Plan for 1-3 weeks processing time depending on your country.
- Step 3 — Apostille Documents (Weeks 2-4): Have your criminal background check and any other required documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates for dependents) apostilled according to the Hague Convention. In the US, apostilles are issued by the Secretary of State in the state where the document was issued. Costs range from $5-50 per document.
- Step 4 — Certified Portuguese Translation (Weeks 3-5): All non-Portuguese documents must be translated by a certified sworn translator (tradutor juramentado) recognized by a Brazilian Junta Comercial. Translation costs $30-100 per document depending on length and complexity. Bundle multiple documents with one translator for discounts.
- Step 5 — Choose Application Route: Decide between applying at a Brazilian consulate abroad or through MigranteWeb from inside Brazil. Consulate applications require health insurance and in-person appointments but don't require you to be in Brazil. MigranteWeb applications are submitted online and are often processed faster (15-30 business days vs. 30-90 days at consulates).
- Step 6 — Submit Application: For consulate applications, schedule an appointment and submit your complete dossier. For MigranteWeb (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br), create an account, fill out the online form in Portuguese, and upload all digitized documents. Pay the GRU fee of R$168.13 for in-country applications.
- Step 7 — Government Processing (2-8 weeks): Brazilian immigration authorities review your application. Processing takes 15-30 business days with professional assistance, or 30-60 business days for self-filed applications. Some consulates may take 3-6 months during peak periods.
- Step 8 — Visa Approval & CRNM Registration: Once approved, you'll receive your visa authorization. If you applied at a consulate, your visa will be stamped in your passport. After arriving in Brazil (or if already in Brazil), you must register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) within 90 days to receive your CRNM card. You'll also want to apply for a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) at a Receita Federal office, which is free but may require an in-person visit.
Complete Costs Breakdown
Here is a detailed breakdown of all costs associated with obtaining the Brazil digital nomad visa:
- Visa application fee: $290-$500 USD, varies by nationality. US citizens typically pay approximately $290.
- GRU fee (in-country MigranteWeb applications): R$168.13 (approximately $33 USD), paid via bank transfer (boleto).
- Criminal background check: $18-$150 depending on country. FBI channelers: $18-80. UK DBS: £45. Canada RCMP: $25-150 CAD.
- Apostille service: $5-$50 per document. Some countries offer online apostille services.
- Certified Portuguese translation: $30-$100 per document, depending on length and complexity.
- Health insurance (first month): $40-$200. SafetyWing starts at $40-56/month. Premium plans: $150-200/month.
- Passport photos: $10-$20 for professional photos.
- Document shipping/courier: $20-$50 if mailing documents to a consulate.
- Professional visa assistance (optional): $99-$499. GetBrazilVisa offers Self-Guided ($99), Assisted ($199), and Full Service ($499) packages.
- Total estimated range: $433-$1,159 (excluding optional professional assistance and travel costs).
Hidden costs to budget for: Flight to Brazil ($400-$1,500 depending on origin), first month's accommodation deposit, RNM registration fee (~R$200 / ~$40 USD) after arrival, and 1-2 months of living expenses ($1,500-$3,000) while your application is processed.
Applying from Abroad vs. Inside Brazil
The two application routes have significant differences that affect your timeline, costs, and document requirements:
Applying at a Brazilian Consulate (from abroad): You apply at the Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country of residence. Health insurance is mandatory. Processing times vary widely — 2-4 weeks at efficient consulates (e.g., Miami, London) to 3-6 months at busier locations. Documents must be physical originals in most cases. Your visa is stamped directly into your passport before you travel to Brazil. This route is best if you want everything finalized before arriving.
Applying through MigranteWeb (from inside Brazil): You enter Brazil on a tourist visa (or visa-free entry) and apply online through MigranteWeb (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br) before your 90-day tourist period expires. Health insurance is not strictly required but strongly recommended. All documents are uploaded digitally. Processing averages 15-30 business days. The GRU fee is R$168.13 instead of the higher consular fee. This route is generally faster and allows you to explore Brazil while your application is processed. It is the preferred method for most applicants.
Employment Restrictions on the Digital Nomad Visa
The VITEM XIV visa has strict employment rules. The core requirement is that all your income must come from sources outside Brazil. Here are specific examples of what is and isn't allowed:
Allowed: Working remotely for a US tech company as a full-time employee. Freelancing for clients in Europe, Asia, or North America. Running an online business (e-commerce, SaaS, consulting) that serves international customers. Selling products on Amazon, Etsy, or Shopify to global customers. Creating content (YouTube, writing, design) for international platforms and audiences.
Not Allowed: Being hired by a Brazilian startup or company. Taking freelance projects from Brazilian clients. Working in a physical Brazilian business (restaurant, shop, school). Providing in-person services to Brazilian customers. Any arrangement where a Brazilian entity pays you for work performed.
Violating these employment restrictions can result in visa revocation, deportation proceedings, fines, and a 1-10 year ban from re-entering Brazil. If your situation is complex (e.g., you have some Brazilian clients), consult an immigration lawyer before applying.
Tax Rules for Digital Nomads in Brazil
Understanding Brazilian tax obligations is essential for digital nomads. The key threshold is the 183-day rule:
Under 183 days in any 12-month period: You are generally NOT a Brazilian tax resident. You do not need to file a Brazilian tax return and your foreign-source income is not taxable in Brazil. Days are counted cumulatively across all visits within any rolling 12-month window, not just the calendar year.
183 days or more in any 12-month period: You become a Brazilian tax resident and must file an annual tax declaration (Declaração de Ajuste Anual) with the Receita Federal. As a tax resident, you are subject to Brazilian income tax on worldwide income at progressive rates: 0% up to R$26,963.20/year, 7.5% from R$26,963.21 to R$33,919.80, 15% from R$33,919.81 to R$45,012.60, 22.5% from R$45,012.61 to R$55,976.16, and 27.5% above R$55,976.16. You must also report foreign bank accounts and assets above R$1 million through the DCBE (Declaração de Capitais Brasileiros no Exterior).
Brazil has tax treaties with several countries (France, Japan, India, and others) that may prevent double taxation. Consult a Brazilian tax advisor (contador) early in your stay to understand your specific obligations and plan accordingly.
Bringing Family and Dependents
The VITEM XIV visa allows you to include dependents in your application. Eligible dependents include your legal spouse or registered domestic partner, children under 18 (or under 25 if enrolled in university), and dependent parents or elderly relatives. Each dependent increases your income requirement by approximately $60 USD per month. A family of four (two adults, two children) would need to demonstrate approximately $1,680/month in income.
Each dependent needs their own set of documents: valid passport, criminal background check (for adults), marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children), all apostilled and translated to Portuguese. Dependents can be included in the initial application or added later through a separate family reunification request. Dependent children can enroll in Brazilian public schools (free) or international schools. A dependent spouse cannot work for Brazilian companies but can work remotely for foreign employers under the same rules as the primary visa holder.
Living in Brazil as a Digital Nomad
Brazil offers an exceptional quality of life for digital nomads at a fraction of the cost of North America or Western Europe. Monthly living costs range from $1,200-$1,800 in smaller cities like Florianópolis or Recife, to $2,000-$3,500 in São Paulo or luxury areas of Rio de Janeiro. Popular digital nomad hubs include:
- Florianópolis: Known as "Silicon Island" for its tech scene, with excellent beaches, coworking spaces, and a strong expat community. Average rent: $400-800/month for a furnished apartment.
- São Paulo: Brazil's economic capital with world-class restaurants, culture, and nightlife. Hub for coworking (WeWork, Spaces, Selina). Higher costs but more job networking opportunities. Average rent: $600-1,200/month.
- Rio de Janeiro: Iconic beaches, mountains, and outdoor lifestyle. Popular neighborhoods for nomads include Copacabana, Ipanema, and Botafogo. Average rent: $500-1,000/month.
- Recife/Porto de Galinhas: Affordable northeast coast with warm weather year-round, growing tech hub (Porto Digital), and beautiful beaches. Average rent: $300-600/month.
Brazil has reliable 4G/5G coverage in urban areas, with average internet speeds of 100-300 Mbps in major cities. Most cafes, coworking spaces, and accommodations offer high-speed WiFi. The country operates on the BRT timezone (UTC-3), which overlaps well with US Eastern time and European afternoon hours.
Visa Renewal Process
Your initial VITEM XIV visa is valid for 1 year. You can renew it for 1 additional year (2 years total maximum). To renew, submit your application through MigranteWeb 30-60 days before your current visa expires. You'll need updated versions of your original documents: recent criminal background check (issued within 90 days), current proof of income, valid health insurance, and proof of continued residence in Brazil. The renewal fee is another GRU payment of R$168.13. Processing typically takes 15-30 business days. If your renewal is pending when your current visa expires, you remain in legal status until a decision is made. After 2 years on the digital nomad visa, you would need to explore other visa categories (work visa, investor visa, or family-based visa) to remain in Brazil legally.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much income do I need to qualify for Brazil's digital nomad visa?
You need to prove a minimum monthly income of $1,500 USD (approximately R$7,500-8,000 BRL) from sources outside Brazil, such as remote employment, freelance contracts, or online business income. Acceptable proof includes employment contracts, 3-6 months of bank statements showing regular deposits, invoices from foreign clients, or business financial statements. Alternatively, you can demonstrate savings of at least $18,000 USD in bank statements from the past 6 months.
How long does it take to get Brazil's digital nomad visa approved?
Government processing takes 15-30 business days from complete application submission through MigranteWeb, or 30-90 days through a consulate. The total timeline from start to approval, including document gathering, apostille, translations, and processing, is typically 10-16 weeks. With professional assistance from GetBrazilVisa, the average total time is approximately 30 days from initial consultation to approval.
How long is the Brazil digital nomad visa valid for?
The VITEM XIV visa is valid for 1 year initially and can be renewed for 1 additional year, giving you up to 2 years total of legal residence in Brazil. Multiple entries and exits are permitted during the entire validity period.
Can I work for Brazilian companies on a digital nomad visa?
No. The VITEM XIV visa strictly requires that all your income comes from sources outside Brazil. You cannot be employed by Brazilian companies, take freelance projects from Brazilian clients, or provide services to Brazilian customers. Violations can result in visa revocation and deportation.
Do I need to pay taxes in Brazil as a digital nomad?
Digital nomads staying fewer than 183 days in any 12-month period are generally not Brazilian tax residents and owe no Brazilian income tax. If you stay 183 days or more, you become a tax resident subject to progressive rates up to 27.5% on worldwide income. Consult a Brazilian tax advisor (contador) to understand your obligations and any applicable tax treaty benefits.
Can my spouse and children come with me?
Yes. The VITEM XIV visa allows family reunification. Your legal spouse or registered partner, children under 18 (or under 25 if in university), and dependent parents can all accompany you. Each dependent adds approximately $60/month to the income requirement and needs their own apostilled and translated documents.
What happens if my visa application is rejected?
Based on 50+ processed applications, the three most common rejection reasons are: missing apostilles (documents not legalized per the Hague Convention), insufficient income documentation (not meeting the $1,500/month threshold or providing unclear proof), and incorrect document formatting (wrong photo size, expired background check, or untranslated documents). You can correct the issues and reapply without penalty.
Can I leave and re-enter Brazil?
Yes. The VITEM XIV is a multiple-entry visa. You can freely travel in and out of Brazil during your visa validity period. However, days spent outside Brazil still count toward the 183-day tax residency threshold if you've established tax residence.
What health insurance do I need?
You need international health insurance with $30,000 USD minimum coverage for medical emergencies, hospitalization, surgery, and medical repatriation, valid in Brazil for the full duration of your visa. Popular options include SafetyWing Nomad Insurance ($40-56/month), World Nomads, and Allianz Care Global. Health insurance is mandatory for consulate applications but technically optional for MigranteWeb applications, though strongly recommended.
How much does the visa cost in total?
Total cost ranges from $433 to $1,159 including: visa application fee ($290-500 depending on nationality), criminal background check ($18-150), apostille services ($5-50 per document), certified Portuguese translations ($30-100 per document), health insurance first month ($40-200), passport photos ($10-20), and document shipping ($20-50). For in-country MigranteWeb applications, the GRU government fee is R$168.13. Professional visa assistance adds $99-499 depending on the service tier.
Do I need to speak Portuguese?
No. There are no language tests or Portuguese proficiency requirements for the VITEM XIV visa. However, all supporting documents must be translated to Portuguese by certified sworn translators (tradutores juramentados). GetBrazilVisa's platform supports 14 languages for application preparation.
Can I apply for permanent residency after?
Yes. After your digital nomad visa, you can pursue permanent residency through several pathways: marriage to a Brazilian citizen, having a Brazilian-born child, significant investment in Brazil (typically R$500,000+ / ~$100,000 USD), or after accumulating 4 years of continuous legal residence through various visa categories.
What is the difference between VITEM XIV and a tourist visa?
A tourist visa allows a maximum stay of 90 days (extendable to 180 days in some cases) and does not explicitly authorize remote work — working remotely on a tourist visa exists in a legal gray area. The VITEM XIV digital nomad visa grants 1-2 years of legal residence, explicitly permits remote work for foreign employers, and provides you with a CRNM (Brazilian national ID card) that allows you to open bank accounts, sign leases, and access public services.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying your visa results in serious consequences: daily fines accumulating up to R$8,240 total, deportation proceedings, potential detention, an entry ban of 1-10 years, and a criminal record in Brazil's immigration system (SISMIGRA). Always apply for renewal or departure before your visa expires.
Is it worth hiring a service?
Professional visa services ($99-799) are recommended for first-time applicants, people with complex income situations (freelancers, multiple income streams), or those with limited time. GetBrazilVisa reduces the total process from 3-6 months (self-filed) to approximately 30 days, with AI-powered document validation that catches errors before submission and licensed attorney review of all documents. Our 95%+ approval rate compares favorably to approximately 85% for DIY applications.
What is MigranteWeb and how do I use it?
MigranteWeb (portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br) is the Brazilian government's official online immigration platform administered by the Ministry of Justice. It is the primary portal for submitting visa applications from inside Brazil, including VITEM XIV digital nomad visa applications. The interface is entirely in Portuguese. You create an account, fill out the required forms, upload digitized copies of all supporting documents, and pay the GRU fee online. GetBrazilVisa can handle the entire MigranteWeb submission process on your behalf.
Do US citizens need an eVisa before applying for the Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia must obtain a Brazilian eVisa ($81 USD) before entering Brazil for any purpose, including tourism. This is a separate requirement from the VITEM XIV digital nomad visa. You need the eVisa to enter Brazil, and then you can apply for the digital nomad visa from inside the country via MigranteWeb, or you can apply for VITEM XIV directly at a Brazilian consulate without needing the eVisa first.
Do I need an apostille on my documents for Brazil?
Yes. All foreign documents submitted as part of your visa application must be apostilled according to the Hague Convention of 1961. This includes your criminal background check, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates (for dependent children), and any other civil documents. The apostille certifies the document's authenticity for use in another Hague Convention member country. Missing or incorrect apostilles are the single most common reason for visa application rejection, based on our analysis of 50+ processed applications.
Can freelancers apply for the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa?
Yes. Freelancers, independent contractors, remote employees, sole proprietors, and business owners who earn income from clients or companies based outside Brazil are all eligible for the VITEM XIV visa. You will need to provide evidence of your freelance income, such as client contracts, invoices from the past 3-6 months, bank statements showing regular deposits, or tax returns. The key requirement is that all income sources must be foreign — no Brazilian clients or employers.
How is GetBrazilVisa different from applying on my own?
GetBrazilVisa provides end-to-end professional support that reduces processing time from 3-6 months (typical for DIY applications) to approximately 30 days. Our service includes AI-powered document validation that scans your documents for errors before submission (95% accuracy rate), licensed Brazilian immigration attorney review of all documents for compliance, direct MigranteWeb submission and follow-up on your behalf, 14-language application support, and proactive communication with immigration authorities. Our 95%+ approval rate significantly exceeds the approximately 85% success rate of self-filed applications. Packages start at $99 for Self-Guided support and go up to $499 for Full Service with complete hands-off processing.
Legal basis: Normative Resolution 45/2021 (CNIg), effective January 2022. 3,800+ digital nomad visa requests processed in Q3 2025, 47% QoQ growth. For official information, visit Brazil's Ministry of Justice immigration portal at portaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br or consult the Receita Federal for tax-related questions.