Can I use my Brazilian FGTS to invest in EB-5?

The FGTS (Brazil’s Severance Indemnity Fund) is not a natural path for funding an EB-5 investment. The fund was created to protect Brazilian workers in specific situations, such as dismissal without just cause, home purchase, or retirement, and it has its own rules for withdrawal. It was not designed to be used freely in international investments.

In the EB-5, the central point is that the investor must prove the capital is theirs and that it came from a lawful, documented source with no restrictions on use. Even if some scenario exists for releasing FGTS funds, the process tends to be complex, time-consuming, and far removed from the fund’s original purpose, which can raise questions during the immigration review.

For this reason, before considering any strategy involving the FGTS, it is worth consulting professionals in both Brazilian labor law and U.S. immigration law to assess feasibility and ensure compliance in both countries.

Be wary of offers that promise simple or guaranteed solutions. Since proving the lawful origin of funds is a sensitive point, it is important to verify the current requirements with USCIS and plan every step with care and transparency.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.