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Visas for Brazil

Temporary visas and temporary residence

Visas for Brazil

When first dealing with Brazilian visas the quantity of different types and requirements might seem a bit overwhelming. The immigration process is further complicated by the fact that most forms and applications are only available in Portuguese.

The different Brazilian visas can be broadly classified into two groups: temporary and permanent.

Temporary visas

Tourist visa: Citizens who require a tourist visa have to apply for it in a Brazilian embassy or consulate in their home country. They must hold a valid return ticket and provide proof of sufficient funds for the duration of their stay. A tourist visa does not permit any kind of work.

Business visas: This type of visa is similar to a tourist visa and covers business trips. The applicant must hold a form filled in by his company stating the purpose and the length of the trip.

Whether a tourist or a business visa is required depends on the agreement between Brazil and the particular country. Passengers who do not need a tourist or business visa only have to tick the appropriate box on the entry/departure form (Cartao de Entrada/Saída) stating 'business' or 'tourism'. However, note that the immigration officials are allowed to ask any entering tourist for a return ticket and for proof of sufficient financial funds, regardless of his nationality, so keep these documents ready.

Both visa types allow multiple entries and permit a stay of 90 days. Only one extension is possible but the total duration must not exceed 180 days in a 12 months period starting from entry in Brazil.

To apply for an extension of the tourist and business visa you must go to the Federal Police office (Polícia Federal) and provide an airline ticket and proof of sufficient financial funds.

Technical visa: For entering Brazil for the purpose of technical services, every passenger will need a technical visa, irrespective of his nationality. These visas are issued for 30 or 90 days provided that the employment is not remunerated directly by the Brazilian host company.

Temporary residence visas

Temporary residence visas involve considerably more bureaucracy than the simple tourist or business visas. However, they allow a longer duration and authorise the visitor to bring in household items. The duration of these visa types depends on the specific activity for which they are issued. These activities include:

  • Studies (visas issued up to 1 year)
  • Internship (up to 1 year)
  • Cultural trips (up to 2 years)
  • Job as a business executive, a teacher, a scientist or other qualified worker under contract to a company in Brazil or the Brazilian government (up to 2 years)
  • Job as a professional entertainer or sportsman (up to 90 days)
  • Job as a correspondent for newspapers, radio, television or news agency (up to 4 years)
  • Welfare work (up to 2 years)

Apply for the respective visa well before your departure to Brazil at a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. In most cases the application process takes 2-3 months. Once in Brazil you have to register with the Federal Police within 30 days of your arrival.

Temporary residence visas allow their holders to acquire visas for accompanying family members. However, the latter are not authorised to apply for a work permit.

For all temporary visas you will have to submit the following documents:

  • a passport with a minimum remaining validity of 6 months
  • application form (Pedido de Visto) in duplicate
  • at least two passport-size photos
  • police statement of no criminal record (not older than 3 months), original and copy
  • proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the stay
  • medical examination (if applicable)

In addition, you might have to submit further documentation depending on the type of visa you are applying for:

Student visas: When applying for a student visa, apart from the documents listed above, you will need a confirmation of the educational institution in Brazil stating your enrolment and the duration of your stay. Your host university or school has to be recognised by the Brazilian Ministry of Education. As financial proof you can also provide a formal obligation of your parents in which they warrant financial support or a copy of a grant of scholarship. As a student in Brazil you are not permitted to take up any remunerated job.

Visas for internships: To be issued an internship visa you will need an invitation letter from the host company stating the date of the beginning and end of the internship. If it is part of a university program you will have to be enrolled for the whole period. For the proof of financial support you can either provide a document of the host company stating your remuneration, a formal obligation of your parents or a grant of a scholarship.

Visas for welfare workers: As a welfare worker you will need a document of the organisation you will be working for. The document has to state a description of the type of activity you will be doing in Brazil and the duration of your stay. If you are being remunerated provide a copy stating this. Applicants who intend to work for social service or in a church institution will only be issued a visa if they can prove sufficient practical experience or a university degree.

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