Golden Visa for Brazilians: Portugal, Italy, Greece, US and Paraguay compared
Five countries stand out for Brazilians who want to live abroad through residency-by-investment programs, according to a report published on November 5, 2026. The study by the consultancy Global Citizen Solutions names Portugal, Italy, Greece, the United States and Paraguay as the options with the greatest advantages. Demand has shifted from simply changing homes to tax planning and protection of family assets, the report found.
Multilateral agreements and historic ties speed up processing for Brazilians heading to these nations. Patrícia Casaburi, founder-director and chief executive of Global Citizen Solutions, said each program set its own technical criteria after recent legal reforms. Investors must weigh the immediate cost of transfers and the long-term tax impact, to avoid double taxation on income earned abroad.
Portugal directs investors toward funds and cultural projects
Portugal ended the option of buying residential property, so demand moved to corporate and scientific investments. Brazilians can use wider civil rights under the Brazil-Portugal Equality Statute and the rules of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP). The required stay does not force an immediate change of main residence and can count toward the regular period for a nationality application.
The current entry options in the Portuguese program require different levels of investment:
- Investment funds: minimum of €500,000 in regulated and eligible vehicles, with diversification across more than one portfolio allowed.
- Cultural heritage and arts: non-refundable contribution from €200,000 in low-density municipalities, or €250,000 in other regions.
- Scientific research and companies: €500,000 for technological research or direct investment in local companies with mandatory job-creation targets.
See also: Portugal social benefits in 2026 expand as IAS benchmark reaches €537.13 and RSI climbs to €247.56
Italy’s startup route and Greece’s property thresholds
Italy built its program around economic development and technology. The entry point is €250,000 for startups and accredited innovative companies. For joint-stock companies or firms established in the Italian economy, the requirement rises to €500,000. The route runs alongside court petitions for citizenship by descent, which face stricter document checks at consulates and local courts.
Greece kept the property-purchase route but set different values to curb urban price growth. Listed properties with a restoration commitment qualify from €250,000. Commercial or residential property in central Athens and the most in-demand tourist islands requires at least €800,000. Owners who rent the properties they bought must declare and pay taxes under Greek tax law.
US EB-5 minimum and Paraguay’s border access
The US federal EB-5 program requires a minimum investment of US$800,000 in ventures able to prove they will create at least ten direct jobs. The government keeps faster processing for projects in areas classified as strategic for rural development or with high unemployment. Tax residents in the country report all worldwide income to the tax authorities, including profits earned in Brazil.
Paraguay attracts investors through its land border with Brazil and the regulatory ease within Mercosur. The process cuts red tape for families who travel regularly to keep running companies in Brazil. Its tax system is territorial, so income earned outside Paraguayan borders is exempt. Uruguay is also sought for having no general inheritance or wealth tax, while the Republic of Malta requires a direct donation to the government plus the purchase or lease of property.
Documents must prove the origin of funds and six months of records
Final approval by immigration authorities depends on documents proving the legitimate origin of the invested money. Officials require bank and accounting records for inheritances, salaries, dividends, sales of shareholdings, and sales of movable and immovable assets accumulated legally. Several countries also ask for bank statements and declarations covering at least six months before the formal application is submitted.
