Disclaimer: The information provided in this post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, immigration, or travel advice. Visa policies and requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify the latest information with official government sources or consult a qualified professional before making travel plans.
Thinking of moving to Brazil to live and work as a Digital Nomad? You absolutely won't regret it! But if you are planning to stay longer than allowed on a tourist visa - six months for Australians & Americans or three months for most European countries - you will need to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa.
This guide is informational only, and is for Australians who are applying for the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa from within Australia. If you are applying from another country, please refer to the respective Brazilian consulate's website for your location, or seek professional advice.
Don't have time to read the whole article? > Find cheap accommodation for your stay in Rio de Janeiro > Find cheap bus tickets to Rio de Janeiro
What is the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa?
The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) allows foreigners to work remotely while residing in Brazil. It is valid for one year, and can be renewed for an additional year if you continue to meet the eligibility criteria. If you are granted this visa, you will not be allowed to perform local work in Brazil, and all of your income must come from sources outside of Brazil.
If you are planning to apply for a Digital Nomad visa, there are numerous documents required. Make sure you allow sufficient time to gather original copies of your documents, and have them notarised and apostilled. Be very thorough and make sure you check off every item in the list below.
Should I apply from Australia or Brazil?
There are pros and cons to each option. One benefit to applying from Australia is that you can provide your documents in English, while if you apply from within Brazil, you will need to have all of your documents translated to Portuguese by an approved official translator. For those who do not have a high level of Portuguese, you might also consider whether you are able to converse well with the local Policia Federal in order to make your application here in Brazil.
If you apply from within Australia, there is an application fee of AUD $190, while applying from inside Brazil this fee is lower. However, if you do not have a high level of Portuguese and plan to apply from within Brazil, you may need to consider paying for a agency to manage the visa process for you.
Checklist of Documents for Australians Applying from Inside Australia
To apply for the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa from Australia, you must provide the following documents:
1. Visa Application Form
Fill out the online visa application (link), then print and sign the one-page form generated at the end.
2. Passport Photo
One recent passport-size photo (Australian standard size), issued within the last 12 months.
3. Passport
You must provide your original passport. The passport must have be valid for 6 months from your entry date into Brazil, and have at least two full blank pages.
4. Health/Travel Insurance
Proof of valid health/travel insurance. The only minimum requirement for the insurance is that it covers your entire length of stay in Brazil.
Don't have insurance yet? Visit SafetyWing to get a quote for your Nomad Travel Medical Insurance, or see my guide to buying travel insurance as a digital nomad
5. Flight Itinerary
A copy of your flights into Brazil.
6. Birth Certificate
A copy of your birth certificate. This must be apostilled by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT). There are instructions on how to do this below.
7. Police Clearance Certificate
Provide an Australian Federal Police Clearance Certificate (National Police Certificate) (link). A digital certificate with a QR code for verification is acceptable.
If you have lived in other countries in the past 5 years, you must provide a police clearance certificate from each country. These must also be apostilled.
8. Proof of Residence in Australia
Provide utility bills under your name for each of the past 12 months before your visa application (an interesting requirement for a Digital Nomad Visa).
Tip: If you are a digital nomad who has been traveling rather than residing in any one country, you can email the consulate explaining your travel history. List the countries you have visited in the past 12 months, and for how long you stayed in each one. State that although you have not been living in Australia, you have also not been residing anywhere else.
9. Statutory Declaration
Provide a statutory declaration stating that you are able to continue your economic activity (i.e. your remote job) abroad via information technology channels, and that you will not engage in or seek any work in Brazil.
Tip: You can make a statutory declaration for free at most major shopping centers. Check your local shopping center for opening times and bring a valid ID.
10. Work/Employment Contract or Services Agreement
A copy of your work contract, services agreement, or other formal documentation proving remote employment. This must first be notarised, then apostilled by DFAT.
Tip: Save on postage by having your birth certificate and work contract apostilled at the same time.
11. Proof of Finances
You must prove a minimum monthly income of USD $1,500 from foreign sources OR have an available bank balance of USD 18,000. Whichever you chose, provide bank statements from the past six months as evidence.
12. Visa Fee Payment
To pay the visa fee, you must send a money order for AUD $190 with your application. This is payable only via Australia Post Money Order, to the Consulate-General of Brazil. There is a $13 fee to purchase a money order at Australia Post.
How to apostille documents in Australia for your Brazil digital nomad visa application
When applying for your visa there are two documents you need to have apostilled: Your birth certificate and your notarised work agreement.
The process is fairly straightforward, and costs AUD $102 per document (2025). In a registered post envelope, post your Document Legalisation request form, including the completed credit card authorisation section, together with your original documents. This means your original birth certificate, and the original signed and notarised work agreement (not a photocopy). You must also post a self-addressed registered post envelope for the return of your documents.
Send your application to either one of the following addresses:
Australian Passport Office Authentications Section, GPO Box 2239, Melbourne, VIC 3001
Australian Passport Office Authentications Section, GPO Box 2239, Sydney, NSW 2001
The process is usually fairly fast. Based on my personal experience, the apostilled documents were returned in around one week.
See the full instructions on how to apostille your documents on the Australian Government Smart Traveller Website.
How to submit your Brazil digital nomad visa application
Option 1: In-Person Submission
First, upload your documents via the e-Consular Platform (link). Then, book an appointment and lodge your application in person at the Consulate in Sydney.
Option 2: By Mail
Send all required documents, your original passport, and the money order, and a self-addressed return envelope to the consulate’s address:
CONSULATE-GENERAL OF BRAZIL IN SYDNEY
Level 6 / 45 Clarence Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
Tel: (02) 9267 4414
Do not forget to include a secure, pre-paid self-addressed envelope for the return of your passport.
Tip: Choose an envelope with tracking, and take a photo of the tracking number before posting so you can track when your passport is on its way back to you.
How long does it take to receive your Brazil digital nomad visa?
The processing time is around 5 working days, but could be longer than this during peak travel times such as Christmas and New Years Eve. I personally received my passport back by express post, with my new visa inside, in less than one week.
Need more information?
If you need further information or clarification on your personal situation, stop scrolling the internet and contact the Consulate-General of Brazil in Sydney directly at visa.sydney@itamaraty.gov.br. They are responsive and can assist with any questions about your specific circumstances.
Download the official information sheet from the Consulate-General of Brazil in Sydney (last updated August 2024):
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