Joining the ranks of countries opening up to long-term travelers and foreign entrepreneurs, Brazil is the latest country to confirm it will start issuing the increasingly popular digital nomad visa. The decision will surely benefit those hoping to travel the country more extensively while still having a direct source of income.
Aiming to spark the interest of digital nomads in the region, and looking to increase its competitiveness in this growing market, Brazil will grant the coveted visa to third country nationals whose income originates from foreign employers. It means that any American or Canadian citizen who either freelances, or has switched to working remotely will soon be able to apply.
Could Brazil Become The New Digital Nomad Haven?
Brazil is one of the most popular destinations in the Americas, offering hundreds of miles of coastline and boasting a diverse cultural background, with traditional colonial Portuguese architecture still a prominent feature in several cities, as well as African, Italian, and even German influences.
Normally, it grants tourists a 3-month stay, which most consider enough to tick off bucket list destinations such as Rio de Janeiro, the world-famous Iguazu waterfalls, the vast Amazon forest, and the bustling metropolis of São Paulo.
On the other hand, those wishing to stay longer normally require a pre-issued visa or a visa extension. If you are a Brazil enthusiast currently traveling long term, you will be thrilled to know you may be eligible to apply to stay longer (and legally).
As published in the Diário Oficial da União, Brazil’s Official Journey, nomads will be able to apply for one year residence permits, which can then be renewed for an equal period. In other words, Brazil is granting visitors the opportunity to remain in the country for up to two years under the digital nomad regulation, as long as they satisfy certain requirements.
According to the Secretary of State for Justice, José Vicente Santini, the new regulation reflects the global trend of digital nomadism and “contributes to the tourism sector”. As Santini remarks, the resources brought in by nomads “move the national economy”, as their remuneration comes from “external sources”.
Recently, Brazil has been battling a deep recession, with the Covid pandemic and the complex political scenario behind the dire figures. Simultaneously, the country is still willing to welcome nomads and other categories of travelers, with Santini deeming the new visa “an important step for Brazil to promote one of the most modern models of work”.
How Can Long-Term Travelers Apply?
As reported by Agência Brasil, the digital nomad visa can be requested at “any Brazilian consular office abroad”. Foreigners are still expected to comply with a number of requirements, including the purchase of health insurance valid for the entirety of the intended stay, and be able to present proof they qualify as digital nomads.
When traveling abroad here at Travel Off Path, we have resorted to HeyMondo‘s travel insurance and cannot recommend it highly enough. Besides protecting travelers from last-minute cancelations and covering Covid-related risks, it is the perfect match for long-term travelers, offering “Annual Multi-Trips” and “Long Stay” packages.
And there is more: foreigners already vacationing in Brazil, and hoping to stay for a longer period, either to learn some Portuguese or travel more freely across the country, will be able to submit an application directly through the MigranteWeb online system.
They are not required to leave while they wait for a decision, though we would advise travelers to request for a visa extension at a Federal Police outpost if your tourist visa is due to expire soon. With Brazil’s openness to immigration from North America, this should not be an impediment.
Regardless, digital nomads must be able to present an employment or service contract or, when freelancing, produce other documents proving a strong link with a foreign employer, as well as means of subsistence while in Brazil.
It is worth noting citizens of most South American nations, including Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay already enjoy freedom of movement within Brazil and across fellow Mercosur states, as well as Mercosur-associated countries.
These particular third-country nationals are already allowed to live and work freely in Brazil. In contrast, citizens of the United States, Canada and most European nationals may be expected to apply for the digital nomad visa when traveling Brazil for longer than 3 months at a time.
What Are The Rules For Traveling To Brazil Right Now?
Brazil has recently tightened its entry requirements in response to the ongoing pandemic. Although North Americans do not ordinarily need visas for visiting, they must present a vaccination card, either electronic or printed, and fill out the Anvisa health form no longer than 24 hours before boarding. All WHO-approved vaccines are accepted, including Pfizer, Moderna, Johnson & Johnson, and Sinovac.
In addition to being vaccinated and filling out the form, all arrivals must be tested for Covid prior to departure, within 72 hours of boarding if the test is an RT-PCR, or 24 hours when taking a rapid antigen test. The vaccination requirement can also be waived for certain travelers, including those who:
- Have a duly attested health condition that contraindicates vaccination, as certified in a medical report;
- Are not yet eligible to be vaccinated due to age;
- Are exempt due to humanitarian reasons;
- Arrive from territories with low vaccination coverage, as defined by the Brazilian Ministry of Health.
In addition to having pretty straightforward entry requirements, there are direct flights leaving from the mainland United States to several destinations in Brazil, making it one of the most easily reachable countries in the southern fringes of the planet.
