Brazil attracts many foreign nationals with its vibrant culture, charming natural sights, and friendly local citizens. As the second-largest economy in the Americas, it promises good career prospects and a good standard of living as well.
If you want to live and work in Brazil, you must get to know the country’s immigration rules. This article outlines relevant information, such as permit types and procedures to help you get started on your journey of getting a Brazilian work visa.
Do I need a work visa in Brazil?
Any foreign national intending to work in Brazil need a work visa. For short-term arrangements such as business trips, you only need a VITEM II visa. However, for long-term work and an intention to reside in the country, a VITEM V visa is required.
What are the requirements to apply for a work visa in Brazil?
The work visa in Brazil is called the VITEM-V. It is granted by the Ministry of Labor in Brazil to foreign nationals intending to work long-term in the country, with or without an employment relationship with a company in Brazil.
VITEM V is a multiple-entry visa within the authorized duration, while its validity is the same as the approved length of your stay in the country, which is usually two years unless otherwise stated.
Those eligible for a VITEM-V visa include these following persons or situations:
- Any type of work under a contract with a Brazilian entity, including technicians, researchers, scientists, and other trade professionals
- Any type of service contract from a Brazilian company or organization
- Any type of work under the Brazilian Government, including work from a State-controlled company
- Any type of technical assistance or service, including work for a religious organization, volunteer work, work without a work contract or relationship with the company in Brazil
- Technical support, with a few considerations stated here
- Professional training after the completion of university/vocational/professional studies
- Internship paid for by a foreign company/organization
- Foreign language teachers
- News correspondents
- Crew members of the following:
- foreign vessels in Brazilian territorial waters, as required by a service or risk contract with a company in Brazil
- Fishing vessels leased by a company in Brazil
- Other professionals working aboard cruise ships on the Brazilian coastline
For any type of occupation in the above list, your visa is applied for by the Brazilian interested party, meaning your employer or host organization. Once the initial request is approved by the Ministry of Labor, you may then proceed with processing your visa at a foreign consulate.
The following requirements have to be met:
- Original valid passport
- The expiration date must exceed six months after your planned arrival in Brazil
- One visa application form
- Must be completely filled out online, dated, and signed by the applicant. Make sure to write complete names in relevant areas, such as your personal information, parents’ information, company name, etc.
- One colored passport-sized photograph taken within the last six months
- Proof of available accommodation/residency in Brazil
- Recent non-criminal record (less than 90 days old)
- Proof of sufficient funds while in Brazil (e.g. recent bank statements)
- A copy of your birth certificate or similar document showing your parents’ full names
- A copy of other registrar documents (e.g., marriage certificate)
- Proof of payment of visa fees
- If applicable, a copy of the green card or a valid re-entry visa to the country of final destination
- If applicable, proof of residency within the jurisdiction of the Consulate General of Brazil in San Francisco in the past 12 months
- Travel medical insurance for the period of residence
- Documents showing professional qualifications, such as:
- Diploma or transcript of records
- Required professional licenses, certifications, or proof of work experience
- If applicable, work contract or agreement letter with a host organization in Brazil
- If applicable, proof of job offer in Brazil
In the case of an employment relationship, you must provide a copy of the job contract. For those without an employment relationship, proof of a job offer is required.
The foreign consular office can ask for additional documents if necessary to move your application forward.
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Steps on Applying for a Work Visa in Brazil
Work visa applications in Brazil vary between foreign consulates, nationalities, or work occupation types, but you can expect the visa processing to take one (1) to four (4) weeks.
However, this timeframe is exclusive of your job search, correspondence with your Brazilian employer, and their petition with the Ministry of Labor. Hence, it is best to start your application three to six months before your intended arrival in Brazil.
You can follow these steps:
1. Obtain a Visa Approval Notice
Work visa applications in Brazil are the responsibility of the sponsoring organization. A company must carry out all formalities with the Brazilian authorities before you can formally apply at a consulate nearest you.
The sponsoring company (your employer or host organization) will initiate the visa application by submitting required documents to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security through their immigration portal.
After ten (10) to 15 working days, your employer will receive a Visa Approval Notice. This form of the authorization will allow you to formally launch your visa application at a Brazilian embassy nearest you.
2. Fill out the visa application form
Access the visa application form and fill it out completely. There may be some error messages when accessed in some countries since the new ICPBrasil is not yet recognized by international browsers. Nonetheless, you may proceed with confidence in its safety.
After you fill out the form, submit it and print the receipt page with the bar code. Then, affix the date, your signature, and your photograph.
3. Submit your application to the Brazilian embassy
The foreign embassy in your country of residence will be notified once the Visa Approval Notice is granted. This means the concerned office can now accept your Brazilian work visa application.
Set up an individual appointment with the concerned Brazilian embassy or consulate and bring your signed application receipt and supporting documentation. Note that consular officers have the right to request additional documents and conduct a short interview with you about your trip.
4. Pay the visa fee
Your visa application will incur certain administrative costs, so you have to settle fee/s upon submission of your documents.
The visa fee for VITEM V is paid through money order by USPS. For American citizens, it costs USD 290.00. For United Kingdom citizens, it costs USD 100.00 for authorized stays up to 180 days, and USD 215 if longer. For citizens of other countries, it costs USD 100.00.
After you pay the visa fees, expect the result of your application within one (1) to four (4) weeks. The concerned embassy will notify you to pick up your Brazilian work visa.
We hope that this article on How to Get a Brazil Student Visa was helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students!
