Opening a bank account in Brazil is an option only if you have a permanent visa and buying a property doesn't automatically entitle you to have a permanent visa, although this of course does not stop you from buying your property in Brazil as funds are sent direct from your bank account overseas to the sellers bank account in Brazil using the usual route for international bank-to-bank transfers (SWIFT or CHAPS are examples of organisations that will be involved here).

If you have a permanent visa then you have the opportunity to open a current account (conta corrente) or deposit/savings account (conta de poupança). Current accounts give all the usual benefits including cheque books and cash withdrawal cards which you use at ATM's or for point of sale transactions in Brazil. Deposit or savings accounts in Brazil offer extremely favourable interest rates for your investment when comparing to other countries around the world.

Both 'conta corrente' and 'conta de poupança' are available to individuals (pessoas fisicas) with permanent visas or for directors of a registered company in Brazil (pessoas juridicas).

If a Brazilian bank offers you the facility to open a bank account without a permanent visa, then please be warned, as this does not conform to current Brazilian banking laws.

Buying “off-plan” means purchasing an overseas property at the planning stage before it is actually built. When you buy "off-plan" it can be an exciting process that will normally deliver good returns on your overseas investment because you have fixed the price at an early stage, and bought property in a desired established location. Certain off-plan developments in Brazil will also enable the buyer to have a say on the final outcome of the property, whether that be for general finish of the property or in fact a totally different internal design just as a few examples.

When you have decided to buy your property in Brazil, and assuming you are sending money from overseas, funds are sent directly from your own bank account to the seller’s bank account in Brazil, via the Central Bank of Brazil (Banco do Brazil). The bank records your funds entering into the country and in order to release the funds, the seller must present the sale and purchase contract to the bank. We strongly recommend you use only this official route, or you may have problems transferring funds out of Brazil when you sell your property in the future.

There are generally no limitations in returning funds from Brazil provided they were originally registered with the Central Bank of Brazil at the time of purchase.

You will need a CPF number in order to buy property. To get a CPF number (Cadastro de Pessoa Fisica): a) you can apply in your home country by supplying your birth certificate translated into Portuguese by a certified translator and legalised by the Brazilian Consulate in your home country. This will then need to be taken to the Banco Do Brazil with your passport and birth certificate in order to formally apply for a CPF. A small fee is payable and the following day you will receive your assigned CPF number at the Receita Federal, or b) Alternatively, if you are visiting Brazil to buy property, it can be much easier to apply for your CPF when you are here, although we recommend that you bring your birth certificate with you and marriage certificate if this applies. Your CPF number can then be obtained during your visit.

With the help of Brazil Overseas Property, we can obtain your CPF number at Receita Federal within an hour or so, but at absolute minimum to achieve this, we will need you here in person at our offices in Brazil with your passport, and you will need to know the maiden name of your mother as issued on your original birth certificate.

Most travellers visiting Brazil will receive a 90 day tourist visa on entering the country, although please note that USA citizens do need to apply before travelling to Brazil. You can apply for an additional 90 days on your tourist visa whilst in Brazil via the Federal Police station if you so wish.

Yes, there are no major restrictions for overseas buyers or foreign investors wishing to buy into Brazilian property. The Brazilian Government encourages overseas investment, and offers the benefit of a foreign overseas purchaser being able to own property in Brazil 100% freehold

Bigger than mainland USA without Alaska

If you want to apply for a permanent residency visa for living in Brazil then you must satisfy one of the following conditions:

The administrator, manager or director of a professional or business corporation

The applicant must already be employed outside of Brazil by the parent company or by an affiliate or subsidiary of the company that proposes to employ him inside Brazil. Necessary documents for the first step will include:

Proof that the applicant is employed outside Brazil by the parent company, or an affiliate or subsidiary of the Brazilian hiring company;

Demonstrate that the Brazilian company is bringing in specialised labour that will transfer technology, increase productivity and/or bring social benefits;

Proof that the company outside of Brazil or its parent has effected total foreign-capital investments of at least US$ 200,000 in the employing company in Brazil for each visa requested.

Administrator, manager or director of a start-up company

Planned and recent start-up companies may apply for a maximum of three visas, essentially for the executives who will get the operation off the ground. The following conditions will apply:

Proof that the non-Brazilian company has been in business outside of Brazil for at least five years;

Power of attorney granted by the foreign investor to its new legal representatives for the purposes of setting up the company in Brazil;

A visa of this type will be issued initially for two years.

Investor

A foreigner who intends to remain in Brazil and will invest foreign funds in productive activities, so absorbing or training specialised labour. This category was planned for those foreigners who wish to invest funds (minimum of US$ 50,000) in any kind of productive activity in Brazil. This kind of permanent visa is issued conditionally for five years.

A researcher or high level specialist

The applicant must supply:

A document from a Brazilian research institution manifesting its interest in the services of the researcher;

A curriculum vitae and appropriate academic references and diplomas.

Retiree

A retired foreigner, over 50, who will transfer to Brazil the monthly equivalent of at least US$ 2,000. There is no limit to the number of dependents who may also receive permanent residence visas, but the main applicant must provide proof that they are genuine dependent relatives, as defined in Brazilian law.

The main applicant must prove he has a pension of at least US$ 2,000 a month. This will entitle him to visas for himself and two dependents. The applicant must demonstrate an additional US$ 1,000/month for each additional dependent, over and above the two already mentioned, and must supply, amongst other things:

A statement from the foreign agency responsible for paying his retirement pension, informing the total monthly sum;

A bank declaration authorizing monthly transfer of at least US$ 2,000.

Marriage to a Brazilian citizen

A permanent residence visa is granted to foreigners married to Brazilian citizens. Application is made to the Ministry of Justice (normally via regional Federal Police offices) or to a Brazilian Consulate abroad. Evidence (e.g. marriage certificate, statement from witnesses) should be presented of the matrimonial union. Immigration officials can make surprise visits to the couple's home to make sure that the relationship exists.

Foreigner with Brazilian offspring

A permanent visa can be granted to the foreign parent of a Brazilian child. Application is made to the Ministry of Justice (normally via regional Federal Police offices) or to a Brazilian Consulate abroad. The offspring should be economically dependent on the foreign mother or father.