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Brazil investor residency 500k is a common way to describe the R$ 500,000 investor route in Brazil. This guide explains permanent residency (indefinite-term residence), the 150k option, timelines, and travel/re-entry. 1) Does the 500k route grant the investor permanent residency in Brazil directly? Yes. It is designed to lead to permanent residency (indefinite-term residence), provided the application is approved. Quick clarification:  the investor process has two layers. The residence authorization  is the core immigration decision, while VITEM IX  (when you apply from abroad) is the consular visa issued only after that prior residence authorization is granted and sent to the consulate. In practice, the process typically looks like this: Your residence authorization  is filed and analyzed Once approved, you may obtain VITEM IX at a Brazilian consulate (depending on your circumstances and where you apply from) After you enter Brazil, you complete Federal Police registration  and receive your CRNM  (Brazilian foreign resident ID) So the short answer is: the R$ 500,000 route is commonly a permanent residency pathway , but it may still involve a temporary entry visa (VITEM IX) as a procedural step if you are applying from outside Brazil. One practical point that often worries applicants is travel and re-entry, especially after reading that the entry visa can have a limited validity — we address that below. 2) What about the R$ 150,000 route? The R$ 150,000  option is usually linked to a more specific profile (often involving innovation, research, or technology-related activity ). That is why we treat it as a separate route, not simply “the cheaper version” of the 500k path. If your plan is a more classic investor structure through a Brazilian company, the R$ 500,000 route  tends to be the cleaner fit for many cases. 3) Is permanent residency granted upfront or only after job creation? This is a common misunderstanding. You usually do not have to “create jobs first” before applying. But the authorities do look at the project’s economic logic  and whether the plan is credible. The plan matters. A practical way to think about it: Your application is built on investment + documentation + plan Over time, you may need to show that the plan is being executed (especially if the authorities request evidence) So it’s not “permanent residency only after jobs.” It’s “approval based on a serious plan and proper proof, with ongoing compliance.” 4) “I saw the visa is valid for up to 1 year — does that mean I cannot leave Brazil or I will lose my status?” No. This is one of the most common misunderstandings. In Brazil, the entry visa validity is not the same thing as the duration of your residence . The government explicitly states that the validity of a temporary visa does not match (and does not limit) the length of the residence authorization you receive. Once you are registered as a resident and have your CRNM , you can leave Brazil and return as a resident . For international travel, you use your valid passport , and you re-enter Brazil by presenting your passport together with proof of resident status (CRNM). What actually matters for long-term status is not visa expiry, but staying outside Brazil for too long . As a practical rule, remaining abroad for more than two years  can trigger a procedure that may lead to loss of residence if there is no acceptable justification. One more practical detail: even when your residence is indefinite-term , the CRNM card itself may have an expiration date  and may need renewal or replacement as a document. That is about the ID document, not about losing residence. 5) What is the usual processing time? There isn’t one universal timeline, because investor residence cases can involve different stages and agencies. What usually affects timing: how quickly documents can be gathered (and whether translations/apostilles are needed) whether dependents are included whether you’re investing into an existing company or setting up a new one consular processing in your country (if applying from abroad) Federal Police appointment availability after arrival In many cases, the process takes several months end-to-end . Some cases take longer if additional documents are requested or appointments are limited. Once we understand your structure and your timeline goals, we can give you a realistic estimate. Fees and quotation (why we don’t publish prices online) In Brazil, lawyers must follow specific professional advertising rules. For that reason, we do not publish legal fees or price tables publicly on our website . Instead, we provide a full written quotation during a meeting  (online or in-person), after a quick intake review. In that meeting, you receive: a clear scope (what’s included and excluded) a step-by-step process outline dependencies and timing a fee proposal and payment structure tailored to your case This approach protects you too, because investor cases vary a lot depending on dependents, company structure, and documentation complexity. Quick answers Does the R$ 500,000 route grant permanent residency directly? Yes. It is designed to lead to permanent residency (indefinite-term residence) through a residence authorization plus entry/registration steps. Is permanent residency only granted after job creation? Usually not as a strict “only after” rule — but execution and compliance matter over time. How long does it take? Often several months end-to-end, depending on documentation, consular workflow, and Federal Police scheduling. Is the 150k route temporary residency first?  It’s a separate path tied to innovation/research/tech activity and still involves a pre-authorization and a temporary visa for entry when applying from abroad.

When a company decides to export its products to a new country, it typically lacks knowledge about that market and its potential buyers. As a result, it is common for companies to use intermediaries to assist in the internationalization process. Intermediaries play a fundamental role by helping the company understand the new market and its cultural particularities, as well as facilitating contact with potential buyers. However, the intermediary relationship can be very unequal. After obtaining the necessary market knowledge, the company might choose to "circumvent" the intermediary, establishing direct contact with distributors or final customers. The NCND (Non-Circumvention, Non-Disclosure Agreement) Contract is an effective solution to protect the intermediary in this relationship. This contract offers protection for intermediaries by ensuring the confidentiality of the information shared during negotiations and preventing the intermediary from being "circumvented." Therefore, intermediaries are the main beneficiaries of the NCND (Non-Circumvention, Non-Disclosure Agreement) Contract, which aims to protect them with contractual clauses that guarantee compensation for their information and efforts. What are the NCND Agreement's goals? An NCND Agreement has two main goals: Non-Circumvention : To protect the intermediary against the risk of being 'circumvented' by the other party and therefore not being paid the commission for its services. Non-Disclosure : To ensure confidentiality. This clause prevents either party from sharing any sensitive information obtained under the NCND agreement. NCND Agreement's importance The NCND Agreement's importance lies in the protection it offers to intermediaries, ensuring that others do not exploit their efforts and privileged information without proper compensation. It also prevents the spread of sensitive information and gives the parties a legal foundation to claim compensation or damages if any clauses are breached. NCND Agreement's structure NCND Agreement's essential clauses: Parties' obligations: A clause specifying the non-disclosure and non-circumvention obligations, the intermediarie's exclusive duties, and their compensation, including the currency and the exchange rate to be applied. Penalties and Consequences : A description of the applicable consequences and penalties in the event of a breach of the contract. Applicable law: In international contracts, the applicable law to the contract should be clearly chosen. Arbitration or dispute resolution: It is advisable to choose arbitration as the method for dispute resolution and to define the governing law applicable to the arbitration clause. If traditional litigation is preferred, it is essential to establish the competent jurisdiction for resolving disputes. Key considerations in Drafting an NCND Agreement Drafting an NCND Agreement requires attention to several details to ensure its effectiveness and legal applicability. The clauses must be drafted clearly and precisely to prevent ambiguities that could lead to legal uncertainty. Since these contracts are often bilingual, it's important to use professional translators fluent in both languages to avoid misunderstandings or inconsistencies. It is important to customize the contract according to the specific needs of the business and the parties involved, rather than using generic templates, as this helps to minimize ambiguities and provides greater legal certainty for all parties. Consulting a specialized attorney is highly recommended to ensure that the contract is thoroughly reviewed and all legal nuances are properly considered. Final remarks The NCND Agreement is an essential tool for protecting intermediaries in commercial transactions. Properly drafting the agreement ensures that intermediaries feel secure when sharing information and establishing business relationships without fear of potential losses. Seeking legal guidance is crucial to ensure that the NCND Agreement fulfills its purpose and effectively safeguards the interests of the parties involved.

The aspect that most often raises questions in NCND agreements is the commission clause. If it is not properly structured, the NCND loses effectiveness: the intermediary does not know when they will be paid, and the company does not know how to calculate it. The good news is that this problem can be addressed. A well-drafted commission clause should be simple, verifiable, and workable in real-life situations. What must be included in the commission clause of an NCND agreement An effective commission clause should answer, without ambiguity: When to pay  (a clear deadline, for example measured in business days). In which currency to pay  (an objective FX conversion rule). What the calculation basis is  (FOB, CIF, gross/net amount, discounts, taxes, freight, insurance). The commission rate or amount  (percentage, fixed fee, per unit, or a combination). What triggers the commission  (contract signature, invoice issuance, receipt of payment, etc.). 1) Payment deadline under the NCND commission clause A common approach is to tie the commission payment to the moment the supplier receives payment from the buyer, with a short, clear deadline. For example: “the commission shall be paid within two (2) business days after receipt of payment by the supplier.” When the agreement does not set a deadline, the intermediary becomes dependent on informal follow-ups, and the supplier becomes exposed to disputes that can stall the transaction. 2) Exchange rate and PTAX If the commission is denominated in U.S. dollars (or any other foreign currency) but paid in Brazilian reais, the clause should provide a clear FX conversion mechanism. A practical approach is to use the exchange rate actually applied by the exporter when closing the relevant FX contract, with a fallback criterion if that information is not made available. Example: the exporter’s FX rate applies; if it cannot be ascertained, the PTAX (the official daily reference rate) for the relevant date applies. 3) Commission calculation basis: FOB, CIF, and what the commission applies to Another sensitive point is the basis of calculation . Without clear drafting, it often becomes a source of dispute: does the commission apply only to the value of the goods, or does it also include freight and insurance? does it apply to the full contract value, or only to what was actually delivered and/or paid? Two terms commonly used in international trade are relevant here: FOB (Free On Board):  generally, the price of the goods excluding  international freight and insurance. CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight):  generally, the price of the goods including  freight and insurance. Accordingly, if the goal is to standardize the calculation and reduce arguments, one practical solution is to define in the agreement  which basis will apply. If you choose CIF , make it explicit that the “contract value” (i.e., the commission base) includes the goods, insurance, and freight, so there is no debate about what is in—or out of—the calculation. 4) Commission: percentage, fixed fee, and per-unit rate In addition to the calculation basis, the agreement should specify the commission rate or amount  the intermediary will receive. A percentage is the most common approach, but depending on the product and the commercial dynamics, a fixed fee  or a per-unit rate  (for example, per metric ton) may be more appropriate. Avoid vague wording (such as “fair commission” or “market commission”), and make it clear whether the commission applies per transaction  or to transactions carried out within a defined period . 5) Commission trigger: when the right to payment arises In addition to the payment terms, you should define when entitlement to the commission arises , i.e., what triggers  the commission obligation. Depending on the transaction, the trigger may be the execution of the contract with the introduced customer, issuance of an invoice, shipment of the goods, or the supplier’s actual receipt of payment. The more the trigger is tied to an objective, verifiable event, the lower the risk of dispute. It is also advisable to state expressly that the commission is due once the deal is concluded with the contact introduced by the intermediary, even if performance occurs in stages or through successive purchase orders. Commission clause review checklist  If you are negotiating an NCND agreement, it is worth checking at least the following points: Is the commission trigger  clearly defined? Are the payment terms  stated in business days and tied to a verifiable event? Is the basis of calculation  defined (FOB/CIF, gross/net, discounts)? Is there an FX conversion mechanism  for payments in Brazilian reais (including a fallback, such as PTAX)? Does the agreement address what happens if the exporter’s FX rate information is not provided? Conclusion In intermediary arrangements, commission cannot be “just an idea”: it must be an operational rule. Clear drafting reduces disputes, avoids friction, and protects the intermediary’s work without creating uncertainty for the transaction. If you are dealing with an NCND agreement or a similar draft, it is advisable to seek professional legal advice for a technical review of the wording—particularly commission terms, the basis of calculation, and the FX conversion mechanism—taking into account the specifics of the deal and the country involved.

Difference between existence and validity Foreign documents have legal existence in Brazil but do not have full validity. This means that, while they can serve as evidence of certain facts - such as confirming that a person was alive on the date of signing - they are not automatically enforceable against third parties. Without proper legalization or apostille, these documents cannot be directly used in legal proceedings or serve as the basis for legal transactions that require a specific form. Therefore, international documents need to be legalized or apostilled to be valid in Brazil. What is legalization? If the country where the document was issued is not a contracting state to the Hague Apostille Convention, you will need to legalize it. Legalization is a process through which a document's authenticity is verified through a chain of certifications by different authorities. First, you will need to get a stamp from the competent authority in the country the document was made. After, you will need to go to the Brazilian Consulate for them to recognise that the stamp is legit. If everything is ok, the Brazilian Consulate will put a stamp on the document as well. Then you may be able to use this document in Brazil if it followed with a certified translation. Not sure if your country is a signatory to the Hague Apostille Convention?   Click here to check the list of Hague Apostille Convention members. What is apostille? An apostille is a simplified form of document authentication established by the Hague Apostille Convention. It replaces the traditional legalization process, allowing documents issued in one signatory country to be directly recognized in another without further certification. The apostille is issued by a designated authority in the country of origin, verifying the authenticity of the document’s signature and seal. In Brazil, documents with an apostille from another contracting state are automatically recognized as authentic, but they still require a certified translation into Portuguese for legal use. Examples Examples of international documents that may need legalization or an apostille are: Power of attorney : Necessary for buying real estate, starting a business, or representing someone in legal matters in Brazil. Diplomas and academic certificates : Required for degree recognition, employment, or postgraduate applications in Brazil. Birth, marriage, and death certificates : Essential for citizenship applications, marriage registration, or inheritance claims. Corporate documents : Articles of incorporation, contracts, or agreements that need to be enforced in Brazil. power of attorneys to buy real estate or to start a business in Brazil and diplomas from universities. Fun fact: after I finished my Master of Laws at University College London, I had to get an apostille from a UK solicitor for it to be acknowledged by Brazilian authorities. There was no need for legalization as both countries are contracting states to the Apostille Convention. If you are unsure about the requirements for your document to be valid, it is always advisable to consult a specialized lawyer who can guide you through the process and ensure compliance with Brazilian legal standards.