A foreign national who intends to come into the country for tourism or business purposes is entitled to a visitor visa. With this type of visa, the foreign national cannot receive any payment from a Brazilian legal entity. Therefore, foreign nationals should remain exclusively on the payroll of the company abroad.
A visitor visa's term depends on the foreign national's nationality. Generally, it is valid for one year with a maximum length of stay of 90 days. Visitor visas can be renewed through the Federal Police Department.
Aside from tourism, a visitor visa allows the holder to engage in the following business activities: attendance at business meetings and corporate events, press coverage, market prospect, signing contracts and performing audits or consultancy work.
For foreign nationals from countries that have a reciprocity policy with Brazil, the appropriate visa will be granted upon arrival in Brazil. Travelers on business trips may be asked to show a return or onward ticket as well as proof of funds to support their stay in Brazil.
An updated list of countries that have reciprocity agreements with Brazil and a list of countries whose nationals need a visitor visa to enter Brazil is available here.
As of 10 April 2024, citizens from the US, Australia and Canada will be required to have a visitor visa to enter Brazil.
The scenario for crew members of these countries is unclear, as authorities did not confirm if they need to carry the visa as of 10 April 2024. The initial requirement of having a visitor visa would be effective as of 10 July 2024, but migratory authorities have provided controversial information indicating that an April 10 term would be applicable.
Law No. 13,445/2017 authorizes the foreign national to choose between prior or current residence when applying for a work permit.
Although the foreign national must still specify what activities they will engage in while in Brazil, the foreign national can apply for residence with the Secretariat of Labor if they are already in Brazil. If the foreign national is outside Brazil, they can follow the old rule by obtaining a visa from the corresponding consulate abroad when the Secretariat of Labor approves the prior residence.
The foreign national will have the same type of work permit regardless of whether they use their prior or current residence. Residence allows a foreign national in Brazil to complete the process without leaving the country to collect the visa stamp. This makes it possible to convert one visa into another if the foreign national is already living in Brazil, except when applying for technical visas, which can only be obtained by prior residence.
Prior and current residence are both governed by specific rules. It is necessary to state what activities the foreign national will be performing while in Brazil.