VIVIS / Short stay
Visitor visa or visa-free short stay for tourism/certain business purposes. Not a substitute for work or residency.
Immigration & Visa
Visa, VITEM, CRNM/RNM, CPF and the key steps — including digital nomad and retirement.
Updated: November 2026
Tourism vs. settling
Visa-free short tourist/business stays (for DE/EU typically up to 90 days) do not allow permanent residence and generally no employment in Brazil. Anyone who wants to stay longer, work remotely for a foreign employer, live on a pension, or be hired locally needs the right category (usually VITEM) and then registration with the Federal Police.
- Tourist/business (VIVIS purpose, visa-free for many EU states): up to 90 days, per consulates not extendable
- Primary sources: gov.br/mre (Itamaraty), Brazilian mission in DE, Federal Police
- From 1 September 2026: issuance of many VITEM for visa-exempt nationals electronically via the Integrated Consular System (SCI) — check details with the competent mission
Visa & residence types
VITEM XIV – Digital Nomad
Remote work for a foreign employer (not for employment in Brazil). Per the Berlin mission, among other things: proof of remote activity, contract, income of at least about USD 1,500/month or bank balance about USD 18,000, health insurance. Stay typically up to 1 year, extendable by another year (PF). Register with the Federal Police within 90 days of first entry.
VITEM XIV – Retirees / pension
For retirees/pensioners with proof of a monthly transfer to Brazil of at least about USD 2,000 (statutory/survivor pension; other regular income may supplement — check with the consulate). Also PF registration. Forums sometimes call it “VIPER”; the mission’s official VITEM/RN rules govern.
Other VITEM (work, study, family…)
VITEM V (work), IV (study), XI (family) and others — purpose and document lists differ. Always download the current checklist from the competent Brazilian mission.
CRNM / RNM
After entry on a temporary visa: registration in the Registro Nacional Migratório (RNM) with the Federal Police; the physical document is often called CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório). Everyday ID for banks, contracts and authorities.
CPF
Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas — Brazilian tax ID. Practically essential for banks, SIM cards, many contracts and bureaucracy. Apply via Receita Federal / partner offices; immigration status and CPF are linked but not the same.
Process (typical)
- Clarify the purpose (tourism, nomad, retirement, work, study, family) and download the current checklist from the mission / SCI
- Documents in the country of origin: criminal record, civil-status certificates — apostille and sworn Portuguese translation if required
- Submit the application (from Sep 2026 electronic for many EU citizens); pay fees
- Entry; with VITEM: register with the Federal Police within 90 days (RNM/CRNM)
- Set up or update CPF; arrange a bank account and proof of address
CPF, CRNM & daily life
Without CPF and valid immigration status, opening bank accounts, long-term leases and many digital services is often refused or made harder. After PF registration: keep your address consistent, watch renewal deadlines and, if you earn income, clarify tax duties with an accountant (contador).
- CRNM/RNM: ID after registration — report loss/theft to PF immediately
- CPF: Receita Federal; keep changes (address, name) up to date
- German embassy/consulates for emergencies and document issues — they do not replace the immigration authority
Sources
- Itamaraty – Quadro Geral de Vistos
- Embassy Berlin – VITEM XIV Digital Nomad
- Consulate Frankfurt – Retiree visa
- Polícia Federal / Migrações
- Receita Federal – CPF
Disclaimer: This page is for general guidance only and is not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules and prices change — verify with official sources.