Brazil’s Migration Law (Law No. 13,445 of 24 May 2017) governs migration to Brazil. It is regulated by Decree No. 9,199 of 20 November 2017, as amended, including by Decree No. 12,657 of 7 October 2025. Since its introduction, the Migratory Law poses specific requirements to enter Brazil for tourism, business or work activities.
For this last purpose, all foreigners who wish to enter Brazil under an employment contract must have a valid passport and an appropriate residence authorization.
The Immigration Law in Brazil
The Migratory Law entered into effect on November 21, 2017. The provision introduced substantial changes, setting new rules for entry and residence of foreigners in Brazil.
The egislation allowed some immigrants already living in Brazil to regularize their migration status. For example, they can now do so by applying for a work permit, if they had a job offer.
The primary goal is to lower the number of irregular stays in the Country.
Brazilian Permanent Visa no longer available
One of the most important changes is that the Migratory Law erased the Permanent Visa category. Applicants can now rely only on 2 options: a Temporary Visa or a Residence Authorisation.
Visitor Visa in Brazil
The Brazilian Visitor Visa allows citizens of selected countries to enter Brazil for tourism of business.
Under Article 29(3) of Decree No. 9,199/2017, as amended by Decree No. 12,657/2025, visitor status may cover technical assistance or technology-transfer services arising from a contract, cooperation agreement or convention between a foreign legal entity and a Brazilian legal entity. The stay is subject to the visitor-stay limit: up to 90 days, with a possible extension by the Federal Police where permitted, subject to the applicable maximum of 180 days per migratory year. This exception does not cover every technical activity.
More recently, with the Decree No. 12657 of October 7th, 2025, Brazil expanded the activities permitted under the visitor status. In particular, visitors may engage in technical assistance or technology transfer services arising from a contract, cooperation agreement or convention between a foreign legal entity and a Brazilian legal entity, for up to 90 days. The stay may be extended by the Federal Police for up to a further 90 days, where permitted, subject to the maximum of 180 days per migratory year.
The Brazilian Visa Waiver Program
It should be noted that citizens of some countries can enter Brazil for tourism or business purposes on a visa-free basis. For citizens of these countries, called visa-waivers, the procedures for entering the country are simpler and they do not need to apply for a business or tourist visa at the Brazilian diplomatic mission in their country.
Citizens of visa-waivers countries, are exempt from tourist or business visas for a maximum total period of 90 days within 180 days.
Work in Brazil on a regular basis: Temporary Visa vs. Residence Authorisation
In addition to the tourist visa (or Visit Visa), which allows short stays not exceeding 90 days, there are two main categories of visas for Brazil: Temporary Visa and Residence Authorisation.
Brazilian Temporary Visa (VITEM)
The Brazilian Temporary Visa (VITEM) includes several categories of long-term Visas, allowing holders to stay in Brazil for more than 90 days. Once secured the approval from the Ministry of Labor, applicants can request the Temporary Visa at a Brazilian consular post.
The main types of temporary visas for Brazil are:
- VITEM I VISA: for researchers, scientists, professors or post-docs;
- VITEM IV: for undergraduate or postgraduate students;
- VITEM V: for temporary work in Brazil, including technical assistance or technology transfer when the activity does not qualify for visitor status.
- VITEM VII: for religious activity;
- VITEM VIII: for lay volunteerism with stay;
- VITEM IX: for investors in Brazilian startups or Brazilian real estate market;
- VITEM XI: for family reunification with family tie in the straight line ascending or descending to the second degree or matrimonial/civil union, by residence in Brazil;
- VITEM XIV: for retired immigrants or death-pension beneficiaries transferring retirement income or pension benefits to Brazil, and for digital nomads working remotely in Brazil for a foreign employer.
How long does it take to get a Brazilian Visa?
The necessary time to receive a Brazilian Visa depends mostly on its type.
As regards Visit Visas (for tourism) and Business Visas, applicants can get them at a Brazilian Diplomatic Mission abroad within 15 business days.
If one falls within the nationalities exempted from the visa requirement, then it is possible to directly enter Brazil following the 90-days limit rule to stay in the Country without getting the Visa. However, please keep in mind that some types of VITEM (i.e. VITEM V), need the approval from the Ministry of Labor (around 30 days).
Once approved, applicants can request the Visa at the Brazilian Diplomatic Mission abroad in 15 business days.
Residence Authorizations in Brazil
The Residence Authorization allows to change the status of the applicant to a resident permit in Brazil. The Authorization is eligible for various categories of workers and investors. Depending on the residence type, the application can be filed with the Ministry of Justice or with the Federal Police.
The validity of the residence authorization in Brazil is granted based on the visa or residence type.
The most popular long-term work authorizations are:
- For an employment contract with a Local Company: used by foreign nationals to work for a Brazilian entity under an employment contract for an initial 2 years;
- For an employment contract with a Local Company: provided there is a specific Contract or Technical Assistance Agreement existing between a Brazilian and a foreign company;
- For Family Reunion: the family of the foreign worker can apply for the family reunion by first getting the family visa at the Brazilian representation abroad.
How long does it take to get the Brazilian Residence Authorisation?
The Brazilian Residence Authorisation requires first the approval from the Ministry of Justice (from 30 to 45 days). Once issued, applicants can request and get the Visa at the Brazilian Diplomatic Mission abroad in 15 business days.
CRNM: Migrant National Registration Card
Holders of temporary visas must apply for registration within 90 days of entering Brazil. Individuals granted residence authorisation must apply within 30 days of its publication in the Official Gazette.
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How to apply for a Visa at the Brazilian Diplomatic Mission
From 1 September 2026, temporary visa applications (VITEMs) for nationals exempt from Brazil’s visitor visa requirement are processed electronically through the Integrated Consular System (SCI), with supporting documents uploaded online. Under this route, applicants do not need to submit their passport or physical documents. Applicants who do not qualify for this procedure should follow the instructions of the competent Brazilian consular post.