residency is not required in the country in order to buy an apartment, but buying an apartment does not automatically grant residence and the same limits on the total time available to non-resident foreigners in brazil over a 12-month period remain unchanged.

the main difference between local and foreign apartment buyers is that local buyers have access to mortgages and financing options that are normally not available to foreigners, unless the foreigners are permanent residents of brazil with documentable income.

financing programs vary substantially among different banks, including qualifying requisites, interest rates offered, and repayment periods.