Brazilian Golden Visa: Opportunity for Foreign Investors in the Real Estate Market

Brazil is stepping into the spotlight as a prime destination for foreign investors with its Golden Visa program, an initiative designed to attract international capital through real estate investment. Although introduced by the Ministry of Justice in 2018, the program remained underutilized for years. However, in 2025, a turning point occurred at MIPIM (The International Market for Real Estate Professionals) in France, where the Ministry of Tourism took decisive action to enhance and promote the initiative.

Investment Criteria

To qualify for permanent residency, foreign investors must acquire properties that meet the minimum investment thresholds:

• R$ 1 million in the South, Southeast, and Central-West regions;
• R$ 700,000 in the North and Northeast regions.
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Objectives of the Initiative

The Brazilian "Golden Visa" aims to:

• Attract foreign capital;
• Strengthen the construction sector;
• Boost the national economy through the real estate market.
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Key Figures

Since the program's launch in 2018, real estate investments in Brazil have grown significantly, increasing from R$ 11.3 million in 2019 to R$ 362 million recently. Between 2019 and early 2025, a total of 787 "Golden Visas" have been granted to foreign investors.

How Does the Golden Visa Work?

• The Golden Visa grants permanent residency to foreigners who make significant investments in Brazil, particularly in real estate.

• Investors must purchase properties above a pre-established value to qualify for residency.

• This model follows the success of Portugal and Spain, where similar programs have driven substantial property appreciation.

Image by Sarah Passos from Pixabay

Why is This Important for Brazil?

• Countries with Golden Visa programs have seen real estate booms. In Portugal, for example, luxury properties appreciated by up to 30% in recent years (Source: Savills, 2023).

• By attracting high-net-worth individuals, Brazil can inject fresh capital into its real estate sector, benefiting construction, tourism, and local businesses.

• Data from the Central Bank of Brazil (2022) confirms that real estate is already one of the country’s largest sectors for foreign investment, making it a key pillar of economic growth.

The Bigger Picture

Brazil’s renewed focus on its Golden Visa program signals a proactive approach to economic development. Beyond just real estate, the initiative positions Brazil as a global competitor in the investment migration market, fostering job creation, infrastructure improvements, and increased international confidence in the country’s economy.

With new regulations and incentives on the horizon, Brazil is poised to become an even more attractive destination for investors seeking both profitable opportunities and a gateway to permanent residency.

Next Steps

To promote and effectively implement the program, the International Real Estate Market Congress (CIMI360) is scheduled to take place from October 23 to 25 in São Paulo. This event will bring together industry professionals and potential investors to discuss opportunities and strategies in the Brazilian real estate market.

If you are a foreign investor interested in acquiring property in Brazil and obtaining permanent residency, we can help you find the ideal property that meets the program's criteria. Our team is ready to assist you throughout the entire process, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.

Source: [Metrópoles], [Judice & Araujo]