Brazil allows tourists to switch to Digital Nomad Residence for 1 year

Brazil opens in-country switch from tourist to digital nomad residence

Remote workers already in Brazil on a tourist entry can file for a one-year digital nomad residence permit without leaving the country, under Normative Resolution No. 45/2021. The Ministry of Justice confirms applications go through the MigranteWeb system on the Portal de Imigração, provided the applicant holds regular immigration status at the time of filing.

The permit runs for one year and is renewable for an equal period. Applicants must work remotely for employers or clients based outside Brazil; providing services to Brazilian entities falls under a different visa category.

A 2025 federal decree added a broader digital pre-approval pathway for several residency types, streamlining some filings. The income and status rules under Resolution 45 are unchanged.

Who can use the tourist-to-residence route

The route fits visitors who entered legally, either visa-free for up to 90 days or with an e-visa and decided to stay longer. Employees, freelancers and business owners working for foreign-based companies all qualify, so long as no Brazilian employment relationship exists.

Spouses and children can be added as dependents with apostilled marriage and birth certificates plus sworn Portuguese translations. Dependent permits track the principal applicant's validity.

Expats already holding student, family or work status should get legal advice before switching categories. Anyone who overstays a tourist entry before filing generally loses access to this in-country route and risks fines or removal.

Filing the application

Applicants must meet one of two financial thresholds:

• Monthly income of at least $1,500 from foreign sources or - Bank savings of at least $18,000 held abroad.

Core documents include a valid passport, the Annex I application form citing Resolution 45/2021, a criminal record certificate covering the last five years, proof of remote work for non-Brazilian entities and health insurance valid in Brazil. Foreign documents need apostilles and sworn Portuguese translations.

Filings go through MigranteWeb with a federal processing fee (GRU). Specialist firms report decisions typically land in 30 to 60 days. Once approved, applicants have roughly 30 days to book a Federal Police appointment for biometrics and collect the CRNM residency card.

Read our full Brazil guide for the complete picture and follow our visa updates for changes to Resolution 45 procedures.