The surge in remote work has turned the dream of living abroad into a realistic plan for families from the United States, Canada and Europe. While Brazil’s digital nomad visa has attracted thousands of solo travellers, many remote workers want to relocate with their spouses or children. This article explains how the digital nomad family visa system works, who counts as dependents under Brazilian law, and what process and documents you need to assemble.

What Is the Digital Nomad Family Visa?

Brazil doesn’t issue a special digital nomad family visa; instead, families use a combination of two immigration pathways. The principal applicant – often the working spouse – applies for Brazil’s digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV). According to Brazil’s National Immigration Council, the visa grants temporary residence to foreign citizens who work remotely for employers outside of Brazil. Applicants must prove the ability to work remotely, present a contract or proof of self‑employment and show monthly income of at least US$ 1 500 or funds of US$ 18 000. The initial permit lasts up to one year and can be renewed once for the same period.

Since the digital nomad visa is personal, spouses and children cannot be added to the same application. Instead, family members obtain a family reunion visa (VITEM XI). A practical guide published by a Brazilian immigration lawyer explains that the family reunion visa allows relatives of Brazilian residents – including holders of temporary residence like digital nomads – to live in Brazil. Eligible dependents include spouses or partners, children (whether or not they are financially dependent), parents and siblings. The sponsoring resident must demonstrate the familial link and assume financial responsibility for the relative. This route effectively creates a digital nomad family visa situation: the remote worker holds the digital nomad permit, and their family members hold family reunion visas.

Who Counts as Dependents?

Brazilian immigration law is inclusive when defining dependents for the family reunion visa. In addition to married couples, unmarried partners in a stable relationship (recognized as união estável) qualify. Children of any age can accompany the primary applicant, whether they are financially independent or not.

Parents and siblings are also eligible, an uncommon allowance that broadens the scope for multi‑generational families. The person residing in Brazil – the digital nomad in this context – is called the chamante (caller) and must sign a statement assuming financial responsibility for the chamado (the family member). This declaration replaces strict income thresholds; the lawyer’s guide notes that the family reunion visa does not require substantial proof of funds, making the process more accessible.

Families should note that dependents cannot work for a Brazilian employer while in Brazil on a family reunion visa unless they obtain separate work authorization. Children enrolled in Brazilian schools will need translated educational records. Because partners and children receive their own visa stamps, they must also register individually with the federal police and obtain a national migration card within 90 days of arrival. These details underscore why the family reunion visa is a discrete process, even though travellers often speak informally about a digital nomad family visa.

Eligibility and Income Requirements for the Digital Nomad Visa

To access the digital nomad family visa pathway, the main applicant must first qualify for the digital nomad visa. Brazilian consulates require a valid passport, a recent 3×4 cm photograph, an online visa application form, a flight itinerary, a criminal record certificate, birth certificate and proof of health insurance. Most importantly, applicants must prove their remote‑work status.

Article 5 of the immigration resolution specifies three items: (1) a written declaration confirming the ability to work from anywhere, (2) an employment or service contract linking the applicant to a foreign employer or clients, and (3) evidence of monthly income of at least US$ 1 500 or a bank balance of US$ 18 000. At the August 2025 exchange rate (1 US$ ≈ 5.47 R$, 1 EU€ ≈ 6.36 R$), this translates to roughly R$ 8 206 (≈ EU€ 1 291) per month, or R$ 98 476 (≈ EU€ 15 492) in savings. The main applicant’s monthly income therefore needs to exceed the estimated monthly cost for a family of four in Rio de Janeiro, which is around R$ 11 401 (≈ US$ 2 084, ≈ EU€ 1 794).

The digital nomad visa can be issued abroad for multiple entries, but the residence permit is formalized only after arriving in Brazil. Article 4 of the resolution notes that applicants must pay a processing fee and submit a declaration of no criminal history. Because the process involves uploading documents through an online consular system and scheduling an in‑person appointment, applicants should allow several weeks for approval. Once in Brazil, the nomad must register with the Federal Police within 90 days to obtain a National Migration Registration Card (CRNM). Failure to do so can lead to fines and difficulties when renewing the permit or applying for residency for dependents.

Step‑by‑Step Process for Bringing Dependents

The process of securing a digital nomad family visa involves two parallel applications. First, the working spouse completes the digital nomad visa application as described above. After this visa is approved and the applicant has entered Brazil, the family reunion applications can proceed. Here’s a high‑level outline:

1. Collect required documents – Dependents must gather passports valid for at least six months, recent photos, and documents proving the family relationship (marriage certificates for spouses or partners, birth certificates for children, and birth certificates or notarized letters for parents and siblings). These documents must be apostilled or legalized in the home country and translated into Portuguese by a sworn translator in Brazil. The sponsoring digital nomad needs to provide Brazilian identity (such as a CRNM or CPF), proof of residence and a signed declaration of financial responsibility.
2. Submit the electronic application – Family members complete the consulate’s online form and upload the scanned documents. After submitting the application, they should print the receipt of submission (Recibo de Entrega – RER).
3. Schedule an appointment – Applicants living abroad attend an appointment at the nearest Brazilian consulate, while those already in Brazil schedule an appointment at the Federal Police. At the appointment they present original documents, pay the consular fee (around US$ 100 per person, payable in local currency) and provide biometrics.
4. Receive the visa – Approved applicants receive a visa stamp or PDF. The visa is valid for one year and must be used within that period. Once in Brazil, dependents have 90 days to register with the Federal Police to obtain their own CRNM cards.

Because each family member has a separate visa and CRNM, families should set aside time for multiple appointments. If you have children under 18, both parents must sign a consent form for them to travel and live in Brazil. It’s wise to scan all documents and store them in a cloud drive so you can easily provide copies during the process.

Renewal and Long‑Term Residence

The digital nomad visa and the family reunion visa each initially last up to one year. Article 6 of the digital nomad resolution states that the residence period may be renewed once if the applicant submits updated documents: proof of income, a copy of the CRNM and new criminal record certificates. Renewals must be requested via Brazil’s MigranteWeb system before the current permit expires. Families should mark renewal dates on a shared calendar – the primary applicant and each dependent need to file separately.

After living legally in Brazil for two years, families may consider applying for permanent residency. Under Brazil’s migration law, holders of family reunion visas can convert to permanent residence once they have registered and lived continuously in the country for at least one year. Permanent residence removes the need to repeatedly renew permits and grants greater access to public services.

However, it also entails tax residency; remote workers who stay more than 183 days within a 12‑month period become Brazilian tax residents and must declare global income. Brazil’s progressive income tax rates range from 0 % for low incomes to 27.5 % for higher salaries. Families should consult a cross‑border tax advisor to plan accordingly.

Required Documents in Detail

To avoid delays, compile all required documents before starting the application process. Below is a breakdown for both the primary applicant and their dependents:

For the digital nomad (VITEM XIV)

• Passport – Must be valid for at least six months beyond the planned stay.Photocopies of the identification page and any previous Brazilian visas are also required.
• Application form and photo – Complete the online consular form and upload a 3×4 cm (about 1.2 × 1.6 in) photo with a white background.
• Flight itinerary – Provide proof of onward travel or a return ticket; open‑dated tickets are acceptable.
• Criminal record certificate – Issued by the authorities in your country of residence; must be apostilled and translated.
• Birth certificate – Needed to prove lineage; also apostilled and translated.
• Health insurance – Coverage valid in Brazil for the entire stay.
• Remote work declaration – A signed statement that you will work remotely using information and communication technologies; emphasise that you will not provide services to Brazilian employers
• Contract or service agreement – Proof of employment or self‑employment outside Brazil
• Proof of income – Bank statements or payslips showing monthly earnings of at least US$ 1 500 (≈ R$ 8 206; ≈ EU€ 1 291) or savings of US$ 18 000 (≈ R$ 98 476; ≈ EU€ 15 492)
• Payment receipt – Proof of payment of the consular fee.

For dependents (VITEM XI)

• Passport and photo – Same requirements as the main applicant.
• Birth or marriage certificate – To prove the familial relationship.Certificates must be apostilled/legalized and translated into Portuguese.
• Criminal record certificate – For adult dependents; not required for minors.
• Proof of residence in the home country – For the last 12 months.
• Sponsor’s documents – Copy of the sponsor’s CRNM/CPF, a declaration of financial responsibility, and proof of residence in Brazil.
• Consent letter – For children traveling without one parent, a notarized consent letter from the absent parent is mandatory.
• RER receipt – Printout of the electronic application submission.

Keeping both digital and physical copies of these documents will speed up the process. When possible, schedule consular appointments for all family members on the same day. Consulates often return incomplete applications, so double‑check translations and apostilles before submission.

Costs and Budgeting for Families

Understanding the financial commitments is crucial when planning a digital nomad family visa. Beyond the monthly income requirement, you’ll need to budget for application fees, translations, health insurance, travel and living expenses.

Visa and translation fees

The digital nomad visa application fee is roughly US$ 100–150 per person (about R$ 547–820; EU€ 92–138). Family reunion visas cost a similar amount. Apostilling or legalizing documents in the home country may cost US$ 30–50 per document, and sworn translations in Brazil run R$ 70–150 per page (≈ US$ 13–27; ≈ EU€ 11–24). Budget an extra R$ 1 000–2 000 (≈ US$ 183–366; ≈ EU€ 157–315) for these services, depending on family size and document volume.

Living expenses

Rio de Janeiro is one of Brazil’s most popular cities for digital nomads. According to crowd‑sourced cost‑of‑living data, a single person spends about R$ 3 258 per month (≈ US$ 596; ≈ EU€ 513) on living costs excluding rent, while a family of four spends about R$ 11 401 (≈ US$ 2 084; ≈ EU€ 1 794).

Rent for a furnished three‑bedroom apartment in a central neighbourhood ranges from R$ 4 000–7 000 (≈ US$ 731–1 280; ≈ EU€ 630–1 102) per month. Groceries and dining out are affordable: a meal at an inexpensive restaurant averages R$ 40 (≈ US$ 7.3; ≈ EU€ 6), and fresh fruit and vegetables are plentiful at local markets. Families should also account for school fees if they opt for private or international schools; tuition at international schools in Rio ranges from R$ 30 000–60 000 per year (≈ US$ 5 490–10 980; ≈ EU€ 4 715–9 430) per child.

Healthcare and insurance

Brazil has a public healthcare system (SUS), but most expatriate families rely on private health insurance for faster access and international coverage. Comprehensive family plans range from R$ 800 to R$ 1 800 per month (≈ US$ 146–329; ≈ EU€ 126–284), depending on coverage and age. Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for the digital nomad visa, and consular officers may ask to see coverage for dependents as well.

Lifestyle, Climate and Schooling

Brazil offers families a balance of tropical adventure and urban convenience. Rio de Janeiro’s climate features warm summers and mild winters. Meteorological data show that average high temperatures in January reach around 31 °C (about 88 °F), while lows hover near 24 °C (75 °F). In July and August, highs dip to about 25 °C (77 °F) and lows to 19 °C (66 °F). Humidity can be high, but coastal breezes keep conditions comfortable. Families can enjoy beaches, national parks and cultural festivals year‑round.

Education options range from public schools to bilingual and international institutions. Public schools are free but may lack resources; most expatriates opt for private schools offering the International Baccalaureate or American curriculum. Homeschooling is legal but still operates in a grey area – many nomad families combine online classes with local extracurricular activities. In larger cities you’ll find childcare centres, playgroups and extracurricular programs in sports, music and languages.

Tax and Legal Considerations

While the digital nomad visa doesn’t automatically trigger tax residency, remaining in Brazil for more than 183 days in a 12‑month period makes an individual a tax resident. Brazil taxes worldwide income at progressive rates (from 7.5 % to 27.5 % after deductions). U.S. and Canadian citizens must continue filing taxes in their home countries and can often claim foreign tax credits. It is advisable to consult a tax professional familiar with Brazil and your home jurisdiction.

Digital nomads should also be aware of local labor laws. The digital nomad visa allows remote work for foreign employers only. Engaging in Brazilian employment without proper authorization can lead to fines and the revocation of residence permits. Family members cannot work unless they apply for a separate work visa or obtain permanent residency. Staying within the legal framework ensures the renewal process runs smoothly and protects your family’s status.

Practical Tips for Couples and Families

• Start early – Gather documents months in advance, as apostilling and translating can take several weeks.
• Budget realistically – Besides visa fees, plan for rent deposits, furniture, schooling and healthcare. Living in smaller cities can reduce expenses, but opportunities for international schooling may be limited.
• Open a Brazilian bank account – Once you receive your CRNM, you can open a bank account. This simplifies paying rent and utilities and may be required for long‑term leases.
• Learn Portuguese – Language skills help parents navigate bureaucracy and school meetings, and children adapt faster when they understand Portuguese.
• Embrace the culture – Participate in local events, sports (such as futebol and beach volleyball) and community projects. Building local friendships makes the adjustment smoother for everyone.
• Stay organized – Keep a shared digital folder containing all family members’ passports, CRNMs, visas and documents. Use a calendar to track renewal dates and school schedules.

Conclusion

Planning a move to Brazil as a remote‑working couple or family requires more than just a laptop and a dream. The digital nomad family visa pathway consists of the digital nomad visa for the primary applicant and the family reunion visa for dependents. While the process involves multiple applications and careful preparation of documents, Brazil’s legal framework is welcoming to spouses, partners, children, parents and even siblings. Remote workers must meet income requirements – around R$ 8 206 per month or savings of R$ 98 476– and maintain private health insurance. Family members, meanwhile, benefit from simplified processes and flexible financial rules.

By understanding the eligibility rules, gathering the right documents and planning finances, couples and families can enjoy Brazil’s warm climate, vibrant culture and stunning landscapes. Whether you’re watching your children learn Portuguese while splashing in the Atlantic or savoring caipirinhas at sunset after a productive remote‑working day, Brazil offers an enriching experience that makes the logistical effort worthwhile.

References

1. Brazil’s National Immigration Council — digital nomad visa requirements and proof of incomeportaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br.
2. Brazil’s digital nomad visa resolution — list of documents and initial residence periodportaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br.
3. Brazil’s digital nomad visa resolution — renewal conditionsportaldeimigracao.mj.gov.br.
4. Renato Gomide, “Visto de Reunião Familiar (VITEM XI): Como Trazer Seus Familiares para o Brasil” — definition of dependents and process for family reunion visasrenatogomideadvogado.com.br.
5. Renato Gomide, same article — list of required documents for family reunion visa and registration stepsrenatogomideadvogado.com.br
6. Exchange rate data — average USD/BRL and EUR/BRL conversions for August 2025exchange-rates.orgexchange-rates.org.
7. Numbeo cost‑of‑living data for Rio de Janeiro (August 2025) — monthly costs for singles and familiesnumbeo.com and grocery pricesnumbeo.com.
8. Climate data for Rio de Janeiro — average monthly temperaturestimeanddate.com.