Country Profiles

Brazil

January 2012

This summary is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered an authoritative guide on how to obtain work authorization in Brazil. The intent is to give the reader a general overview of the process only. Procedures and requirements may have changed since the writing of this article. For current and detailed information regarding the topics below, as well as documentary requirements, processing times, post-arrival and departure requirements, penalties for non-compliance, allowances for accompanying family members, and any other information pertaining to your specific needs, please contact your Pro-Link GLOBAL immigration professional.

Overview

BUSINESS VISITOR

Permitted Activities - Business visitors must generally limit their activities to the following:

  • Attending business meetings or discussions;
  • Making sales calls to potential clients provided that the visitor represents a commercial entity outside of Brazil;
  • Attending "fact-finding" meetings;
  • Evaluate investment opportunities.

Type of Business Visas - Certain nationals may enter Brazil without need of a business visa (visa-exempt nationals). The following are examples of the types of business visa that are available to the business traveler.

  1. Temporary Visa II/Vitem II.

Basic Requirements -

  1. Intention of a genuine visit for business and not for paid employment;
  2. Good health and character;
  3. Evidence that there are no restrictions on his or her traveling to Brazil;
  4. No intention to permanently reside in Brazil;
  5. A ticket for onward travel from Brazil;
  6. Proof of funds.

Estimated Processing Times - This varies by diplomatic post.

Maximum Time On Visa - This visa allows business people to make a short business visit to Brazil for up to three months. Visas can be extended in country.

Typical Documents Required -
All travelers need to present the following documents to officers in immigration clearance:

  • a valid passport or other acceptable travel documents;
  • if applicable, a valid visa or authority to enter Brazil;
  • round-trip airline tickets;
  • proof of sufficient funds (cash or credit cards).

EMPLOYMENT AUTHORIZATION

Basic Requirements - The principal visa category for temporary employment in Brazil is the Temporary Vitem V Visa. This is a category for employers to sponsor qualified skilled workers to work as intra-company transferees in Brazil on a temporary basis.

Process Overview - The process for obtaining a Temporary Vitem V Visa for skilled workers involves a four step process summarized below.

  1. Temporary Vitem V Visa application (to Ministry of Labor in Brazil);
  2. Temporary Vitem V Visa endorsement (at Consulate in home country);
  3. Local Registration (post arrival);
  4. Identification card application (post arrival).

Estimated Processing Time - ten to twelve weeks

Validity periods - Visas are generally valid for an initial period of up to two years. Visas can be renewed up to two years.

Family Members -Secondary/ family dependants can not work without separate work authorization.