
The startup investor visa is an excellent opportunity for foreign entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in Brazil and invest in innovative businesses. This visa not only allows for legal residence in the country but also grants access to a dynamic and rapidly growing ecosystem.
Requirements for Obtaining a Startup Investor Visa
To be eligible for a startup visa in Brazil, applicants must meet the following conditions:
✅ Minimum investment of BRL 150,000 in a Brazilian startup;
✅ Submission of an investment or business plan to be executed over a three-year period;
✅ Compliance with at least one of the following criteria:
Have received funding or support from a government institution for innovation;
Be operating in a recognized tech hub;
Be undergoing or have completed a business incubation process;
Have been a finalist in a government program supporting startups;
Have benefited from a startup accelerator in Brazil.
Investment or Business Plan Requirements
The Investment or Business Plan, with a three-year execution period, must include the following sections:
📌 Business Definition:
Economic sector and location;
Description of the service to be provided;
Investment implementation and timeline for business activities.
📌 Business Objectives:
The significance of the investment for the region and industry;
Technology and services involved;
Existence of support from government or local programs;
Existing partnerships;
Target market;
Business development strategy.
📌 Job Creation and Income Generation:
Hiring plan for the first three years (number of employees and job positions);
Salaries to be paid;
Investment in employee training and qualification.
📌 Financial Plan:
Description of how the invested funds will be allocated.
Residency Authorization and Required Documents
The request for prior residency authorization for the startup visa will be evaluated by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, subject to the submission of the following documents:
✅ Company’s articles of incorporation or corporate bylaws, duly registered with the relevant authority, confirming that the foreign investment has been fully integrated into the company’s capital;
✅ Proof of foreign investment, demonstrated through the presentation of a foreign exchange transaction receipt issued by an institution authorized to operate by the Central Bank of Brazil, confirming the purpose of the transaction as a direct foreign investment.
Government Verification and Residency Compliance
The Ministry of Justice and Public Security may, at its discretion:🔍 Conduct inspections to verify the physical existence of the company and the business operations;🔍 Request additional documentation to confirm compliance with the requirements outlined in the Investment or Business Plan.
Residency Continuation and Review
✅ The continuation of the residency is subject to the submission of documents proving the execution of the Investment or Business Plan, which must be filed at least 90 days before the visa expiration date.
✅ Exceptionally, for the purpose of residency extension, the economic context, business development goals, and potential for job or income generation in Brazil will be considered at the discretion of the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
Permanent Residency
Under this resolution, the granted residency will be of an indefinite duration.
Why Invest in a Startup in Brazil?
Brazil is one of the largest innovation markets in Latin America, with a thriving fintech, healthtech, agritech, and edtech startup ecosystem. With government support programs and increasing access to investment, this is the ideal time to establish and scale a business in the country.
💡 Are you interested in obtaining a startup investor visa in Brazil? Contact our law firm for expert guidance!
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