the brazilian ministry of justice and immigration authorities reported that the number of foreigners residing in brazil increased by over 50% in the last few years - making for the first time since the 80's the population of resident aliens in brazil greater than the number of Brazilian expatriates living abroad.

as a consequence, the Brazilian government has further developed, classified, and structured a number of ways and visas or permits for foreigners to stay in the country legally, and for longer.

in terms of foreigners entering the country, brazil practices a policy of reciprocity - meaning that any citizen of a country that requires brazilians to obtain a visa to enter such country will be required to obtain an equivalent visa to enter brazil.  the types of visas required as well as their specific application processes vary according to the details of the visit and its purpose.