Work visa in Brazil: what are the options and how to get it?
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Global companies expanding into Brazil have the option to hire Brazilian nationals or individuals authorized to work in the country. However, hiring individuals without the proper work authorization is illegal. If your talent pool includes non-Brazilians, your business will need to secure the appropriate work permits and visas for them. Ensuring compliance from the start allows your team members to be productive without legal concerns.
In this article, we’ll guide you through the different types of Brazilian work visas, the application timelines, and the necessary procedures. ⬇️ »
What is a work visa in Brazil and why do you need it?
A work permit is an official document that allows a foreign national to legally work in Brazil for a specified period. In Brazil, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security oversees the issuance of work visas.
A work permit is required for any employee who wishes to work in Brazil but does not hold Brazilian citizenship or a permanent visa.
The primary work visa for Brazil is known as the VITEM V.
Requirements for a work visa in Brazil
Obtaining a work visa in Brazil can be complex. Before applying, the employee must first secure a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. They also need a job offer from a company operating in Brazil.
Each Brazilian work visa type has specific requirements. To qualify for a Brazil work visa, applicants must meet one of the following:
- Two years of relevant work experience and at least nine years of education, or
- A relevant university degree with one year of work experience, or
- A relevant post-graduate degree with no required work experience.
The VITEM V visa is valid for two years. After two years with the same employer, it can convert into a permanent visa.
⚠️ The hiring company must prove that at least two-thirds of its employees are Brazilian.
This process ensures compliance and a smooth transition for foreign employees in Brazil.
Brazil Work Visa Application Process
Brazilian company verification
The company must initiate the process to obtain a work visa in Brazil. Only a legally registered company in Brazil can apply for a work visa for a foreigner. If your company lacks a legal entity in Brazil, you can use an Employer of Record (EOR) service.
First, the company needs to provide its legal incorporation document (CNPJ in Brazil). Next, it must submit a list of all current employees along with their nationalities.
Documents to submit
After the responsible authority reviews the company’s documents, the employee must gather and submit the following:
- Visa application form
- Valid passport
- Passport photo
- Signed work contract
Additionally, provide a Criminal Record Certificate issued within the last three months. If the applicant lived in multiple countries in the past 12 months, they must submit criminal records from each country. These records need to be legalized with an apostille by the issuing country’s authority and, if required, translated by a sworn translator.
Include the complete original birth certificate with an apostille.
⚠️ Ensure all documents are apostilled in the country of origin and translated in Brazil by a sworn translator.
⚠️ Documents from countries not in the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized at Brazilian consular offices abroad.
This process helps ensure compliance when hiring foreign employees in Brazil.
Issuing work permit and getting the visa
There are two options:
- If the employee chooses to collect their visa in Brazil, they must visit the federal police to obtain it.
- If the employee prefers to collect the visa in their home country, they need to schedule an appointment at the Brazilian consulate. Additional documents, like the birth certificate, may be required.
Register at the federal police
Once the Ministry approves the visa, the professional must complete the next vital step—registering with the federal police upon arrival in Brazil.
The employee has 90 days to finalize this registration, ensuring they are fully compliant and ready to embark on their new journey in Brazil.
RNM number
After securing the work visa and completing registration with the federal police in Brazil, the individual must take the next essential step—creating an RNM number.
This is a crucial requirement to be officially hired by a Brazilian company.
Timeframe for Work Permit Application
The timeframe for a work permit application in Brazil typically depends on the specific visa category and the complexity of the case. On average, it takes around 30 days for the Brazilian government to process a work permit. However, factors such as the completeness of submitted documents and the applicant’s nationality can influence the timeline. It’s important for companies and employees to plan ahead to ensure timely approval and avoid delays in starting employment in Brazil.
Alternative visas for foreigners who wish to work in Brazil
In Brazil, several visas allow foreigners to work in the country. Here’s a look at alternative options for those seeking a work permit Brazil or a working visa Brazil:
Temporary Visa IX - Investment
One of the alternative visa is the Investor Visa. To obtain this visa, the individual must purchase a property in Brazil or invest in a business. An entreprise investment must be between BRL 150.000,00 and BRL 300.000,00 to apply. If purchasing a property, the amount varies according to the region but usually must be superior to BRL 1.000.000,00.
Temporary Visa XIV - Digital Nomad
Brazil introduced its digital nomad visa in January 2022. This temporary residence permit, officially known as Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV), allows foreign workers to live in Brazil while working remotely for companies outside of Brazil.
The visa is valid for 2 years.
Temporary VITEM VI - Working-holiday
The temporary working holiday visa is granted to the foreigner over 16 years old. This visa is issued based on reciprocity, and, for that reason, for the time being only citizens of New Zealand, Australia, Germany and France may apply for this visa.
Visto Temporário VIII - Serviço Voluntário
This visa is issued only for foreigners who wish to contribute to volunteer work in Brazil without engaging in paid employment. It offers a pathway for people who are motivated to support social, educational, or environmental causes through voluntary work in the country.
Visto Temporário I - pesquisa, ensino e extensão acadêmica
This visa is for foreigners who intend to travel to Brazil for research, teaching or academic extension activities for more than 90 days, without an employment relationship with a Brazilian research or teaching institution.
Hiring Expats in Brazil with an Employer of Record (EOR)
For companies needing to hire expats in Brazil, obtaining a work permit Brazil or a working visa Brazil is essential. However, if you want to avoid establishing a legal entity, using an Employer of Record (EOR) offers a seamless solution. An EOR acts as the legal employer, managing payroll, taxes, benefits, and ensuring compliance with work visa Brazil requirements. This approach simplifies the process of hiring and managing foreign employees with a work visa in Brazil.
To learn more about this efficient hiring strategy, visit our in-depth article Hiring Expats in Brazil.
FAQs About Hiring Foreign National Workers in Brazil
How long is a Brazilian work visa valid?
A Brazilian work visa is valid for 2 years.
Can you renew your work permit and how ?
After completing two years of service in the same company, the employee can apply for a permanent visa.
The employee must apply at least 30 days before the current visa expires.
How to handle visa when the employee changes employer ?
A change in employer typically requires a new work visa application. This includes submitting a new work permit request, as well as proof documents and contracts from the new employer.
Can a foreigner work with a tourist visa in Brazil ?
No, a foreigner can not work with a tourist visa in Brazil.
Can employee apply for their own work permits in Brazil ?
No. Only an employer can start the visa application process, which requires all work visa applicants to have a job lined up before applying for their Brazilian work visa.
Get work visa in Brazil with Europortage
Navigating the process of obtaining a visa in Brazil can be complex, but Europortage makes it seamless and stress-free. Our Immigration Support Services provide expert guidance on visa applications, compliance, and documentation, ensuring your employees are set up for success in Brazil. Ready to simplify the process? Discover more about our services here: Immigration Support with Europortage.
Our team of local experts is on hand to support you throughout the entire employee lifecycle. We can give you clear advice on business incorporation and global hiring, in addition to handling employment contracts, payroll, and benefits. That way, you can focus on growing a world-class team and business.
Get in touch to find out more and start hiring top talent in Latin America!
