The retirement visa (VITEM XI) requires proof of a foreign pension or Social Security income of at least R$6,000/month for the main applicant, plus roughly R$2,000/month per additional dependent (spouse, children).

The retirement visa (VITEM XI) requires proof of a foreign pension or Social Security income of at least R$6,000/month for the main applicant, plus roughly R$2,000/month per additional dependent (spouse, children).

Applicants who apply from abroad through a consulate must also show proof of private health insurance valid in Brazil; this is generally not required if converting status from inside Brazil.

Processing time is typically 30-120 days depending on the consulate handling the application.

Residency

Brazil — Residency: Retirement Visa

Brazil's retirement visa (VITEM XI, sometimes marketed as the 'aposentado' visa) lets a foreign retiree obtain residency by proving a qualifying foreign pension or Social Security income. It is applied for at a Brazilian consulate before departure and converts to a CRNM residency card after registering with the Polícia Federal on arrival.

VerifiedCommunity sourceCross-checked against Brazil immigration-law firm guides (Oliveira Lawyers, ZS Advogados, Global Citizen Solutions) on the retirement visa (VITEM XI, amparo legal / aposentado route)Last reviewed: 2026-08-31

Why this matters

It is one of the most accessible residency routes for retirees who don't want to make an investment or find a Brazilian employer -- only proof of recurring passive income is required.

Key facts

The retirement visa (VITEM XI) requires proof of a foreign pension or Social Security income of at least R$6,000/month for the main applicant, plus roughly R$2,000/month per additional dependent (spouse, children).
Applicants who apply from abroad through a consulate must also show proof of private health insurance valid in Brazil; this is generally not required if converting status from inside Brazil.
Processing time is typically 30-120 days depending on the consulate handling the application.

Steps

Step 1: Gather proof of pension/passive income — Obtain official documentation (from the pension fund, Social Security administration, or equivalent) showing recurring monthly income of at least R$6,000 (plus ~R$2,000 per dependent), and have it apostilled/translated as required by the consulate.
Step 2: Apply at the Brazilian consulate — Submit the retirement visa application, proof of income, apostilled criminal background check, health insurance proof, and passport at the Brazilian consulate with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Step 3: Register with the Polícia Federal after arrival — After entering Brazil on the visa, register with the Polícia Federal within the required window to receive the CRNM residency card.

Costs

Consular visa fee: Varies by consulate/nationality; broadly comparable to other Brazilian long-stay visa fees (roughly US$100-290)
Apostilles / certified translations of income and background-check documents: Varies by home country, commonly US$100-250

Timelines

Consular processing: 30-120 days depending on consulate

Required documents

Valid passport
Proof of qualifying pension/Social Security income (at least R$6,000/month, plus ~R$2,000/dependent)
Apostilled criminal background check
Proof of private health insurance valid in Brazil (for consular applications)

Common mistakes

Applying for a tourist visa instead of the retirement visa (VITEM XI)
Underestimating the per-dependent income add-on when bringing a spouse or children
Not apostilling/translating pension and background-check documents before submitting to the consulate