Work Permits for Brazil

Expats will need a work visa for Brazil and have a temporary or permanent residence permit if they want to live and work in the country. As with many large countries, Brazil has its fair share of bureaucracy, particularly when dealing with government institutions. Getting a work permit for Brazil can be a lengthy process.

Working in Brazil

Types of work permits for Brazil

Brazil has several different categories of work permits. The most common is the VITEM V work visa for foreign professionals.

VITEM V work visa

This temporary work visa is for professionals under an employment contract, qualified professionals performing technical assistance to a Brazilian company, professionals performing technology transfer, and various other work categories. Visas are issued for up to one year, which is counted from the day of issue. The company in Brazil must first get approval from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security before you can apply for the visa.

Digital nomad visa (VITEM XIV)

The digital nomad visa is for professionals whose work can be performed remotely and who intend to live in Brazil. You need to meet a minimum monthly income threshold and/or have a certain amount of available bank funds. The visa is valid for one year and can be renewed for an additional year. You must work for a foreign employer – you can’t request this visa if you work for a company in Brazil.

Permanent work visa

After four years of continuous employment in Brazil, expats become eligible to apply for permanent residency. This provides indefinite residence rights and greater security and flexibility.

Read more: Visas and Residency in Brazil

Applying for a work permit for Brazil

The application procedure for a temporary work visa starts in Brazil. The Brazilian sponsoring company submits the application and supporting documents to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Once authorisation has been granted and received by the embassy, you can submit the appropriate documentation for issuance of the visa.

Several documents are required, including your passport (valid for no less than six months), a recent photo, a completed visa application form, an original police record, and an original birth certificate. Documents may need to be translated into Portuguese and certified, so check this with your potential employer.

Once approved, work permits are generally valid for two years and can be renewed once. Within 90 days of arrival in Brazil, bearers of work visas must register with the Brazilian Immigration authorities (Federal Police) in the place where they intend to take up residence.

Useful links

• Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Work visa information
• Ministry of Labour: Work permit approvals
• Federal Police: Immigration registration
• Brazil eVisa Portal: Visa applications

Work permit requirements are subject to change at short notice, and expats are advised to contact their respective embassy or consulate for the latest details.