The visa is just the beginning. Now comes the part no one talks about: taxes.
If you’ve secured your digital nomad visa for Brazil, congratulations! You can now live legally in the country for up to one year — with the possibility of renewal — while continuing to work remotely for a company based abroad.
But what you may not yet realize is that this could trigger serious tax obligations, and ignoring them can lead to major headaches down the road.
Does the digital nomad visa mean I have to pay taxes in Brazil?
Not necessarily. However, if you:
- Stay in Brazil for more than 183 days (within a 12-month period);
- Maintain a home or financial ties in the country (e.g., rent, bank account, permanent residence); or
- Start generating or moving funds within Brazil…
You may be considered a tax resident, which means you are required to file (and potentially pay) income tax in Brazil on your worldwide income.
I’m paid in USD — do I still need to declare that in Brazil?
Yes — if you’ve become a tax resident, you must declare your income. More specifically:
- You’ll need to declare your foreign income, even if the work is for a company abroad;
- You must convert the income into Brazilian reais using the official exchange rate;
- You may also need to report money transfers to Brazil, foreign investments, and even crypto assets, depending on your situation.
How to get organized for this?
- Seek expert advice in international taxation
Working with an accountant or tax attorney who specializes in foreign-sourced income is key to avoiding mistakes and taking advantage of any tax treaties or exemptions that may apply. - Formalize your tax residency in Brazil the right way
Make sure to determine the exact date you became a tax resident, and keep documentation that proves your entry, length of stay, and ties to Brazil (such as rental contracts, utility bills, or bank statements). This will be essential for your first tax return. - Choose the best structure for receiving and reporting your income
Depending on your profile, it may be more beneficial to declare income as an individual or through a legal entity (whether in Brazil or abroad). Each setup has different tax impacts — and choosing the wrong one can be costly.
Got your visa?
Let’s talk.
At Conliance, we’ll help you get everything in order from the start — so taxes don’t become a problem later.
