Brazils CPLP-based temporary residence permit can present a great opportunity for Sao tome and Principe nationals giving backdoor access and expedited path to Brazilian citizenship. They also qualify for Brazil permanent residency with full right to work. No language test required according to current rules.
Since October 2023, CPLP nationals (Sao Tome nationals) can apply for a two-year residency in Brazil without requiring a prior job offer. As of Oct 2025, CPLP nationals may apply for a temporary visa or convert an existing status to a two-year residence permit, renewable for up to four years. No labour-market test is required, and holders may work for any Brazilian employer.
Key Benefits
- Simplified Process: Entirely online application with no requirement for a job offer, proof of means of subsistence, or sponsorship
- Fast Processing: Compared to other visa types, though administrative delays may occur
- Legal Status: Full access to rights under the Brazilian migration law, including equal treatment with Brazilian citizens
- Path to Permanent Residency: After two years, you may apply for permanent residency
- Family Reunification: Once your residence is approved, your non-CPLP spouse or children can apply for family reunification residency
- Work Rights: Full permission to engage in professional activities, including professional training and recognition of professional titles, and union membership
- Health Coverage: Access to Brazil’s national health service
- Tax Benefits: Potential tax advantages for new residents, depending on your situation
- Language test: No language test is required.
CPLP Residence Permit in Brazil
CPLP is a special visa regime resulting from the Mobility Agreement between the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). CPLP citizens who want a Temporary Stay and Residence Visa, can benefit from this regime. It is officially known as Temporary Residence Permit for Nationals of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries – CPLP (Code – 326) . It is a 2-year temporary residence permit in Brazil, convertible to permanent, based on a 2021 mobility agreement.
Permanent Residence in Brazil
CPLP residence permits permit conversion to Permanent Residency, if you meet the criteria set out in Brazilian immigration law (such as residence continuity, no criminal record, and established social ties)
Permanent residents enjoy unrestricted access to work, healthcare, education, and public services in Brazil. CPLP citizens to freely work in Brazil without restrictions.
Qualifying Persons
CPLP Residence Visas will be available to highly qualified technicians, businesspeople and researchers, among others, from CPLP Member States and remain valid for one year. Applications for these visas will be accepted exclusively at Brazilian embassies and consulates in Angola, Cape Verde, East Timor, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Portugal. Upon arrival in Brazil using a CPLP Residence Visa, the visa holder will be required to register with the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival.
Brazil Expedited Citizenship
According to Brazil’s naturalization law, citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries (CPLP) may obtain Brazilian citizenship (reduced path) by residing in Brazil for 1 (one) uninterrupted year instead of 4 years, and having moral integrity.
Required Documentation
Temporary Residence Permit for Nationals of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries – CPLP (Code – 326)
- Application form , duly completed electronically on the Federal Police website ( printed and signed by the immigrant or legal representative ) ( click here ) ;
- Identity card or passport, even if the expiration date has passed;
- Birth or marriage certificate, or consular certificate if parentage is not stated;
- Criminal record certificate or equivalent document, issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or in the countries where the applicant has resided in the last five years, duly legalized or apostilled if produced abroad; (not required for minors under 18 years of age) ( click here ).
- Immigrant’s declaration, under penalty of law, that they have no criminal record in Brazil or abroad in the five years prior to the date of application for a residence permit; (waived for minors under 18 years of age) (click here);
- Proof of payment of the CRNM issuance fee (revenue code 140120, amount R$204.77), when applicable (to issue a Federal Collection Slip, click here );
- In case the biometric data collection system of the Federal Police is unavailable, you may be asked to provide 1 (one) recent 3×4 photo, in color, white background, plain paper, facing forward;
