Travel and Visa Info for Brazil - B A L | Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP

At a Glance

Capital	Brasilia
Language	Portuguese
Population	208,846,892 (2018 est.)
GDP Total	$3.248 trillion (2017 est.)
GDP Per Capita	$15,600 (2017 est.)

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or you require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Brazil. If you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

Business visitors traveling to Brazil may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

Attending business meetings
Attending fairs and corporate events
Conducting consultancy and auditing activities
Visiting a current project site for informational purposes
Attending contract discussions with an existing or a potential Brazilian client, provided that the employee represents a business entity outside of Brazil
Attending seminars
Attending information-gathering sessions for corporate decision making

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Brazil?

Many European Union and other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Brazil to conduct business activities and are eligible for a visa waiver. However, if your nationality is not found on the list of visa-waivered nationals for Brazil, you will need to apply for a Visitor Visa at the appropriate Brazilian consulate or embassy prior to travel. Nationals of Australia, Japan, the United States and Canada planning to enter Brazil to conduct business activities are eligible to obtain an E-Visa online prior to entry.

Brazil is a member of the MERCOSUR Agreement. Nationals from the participating countries (Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, Peru and Uruguay) may enter Brazil without a visa.

Working in Brazil

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Brazilian law. This list is not comprehensive and many other professional activities are considered work in Brazil even if conducted for a short duration.

Hands-on technical work
Repairs and maintenance
Project planning and implementation
Marketing
Remunerated employment activities at a legally established entity in Brazil
Paid artistic performances/presentations

If I am traveling to Brazil for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The type of work visa required depends on your qualifications and on the nature and duration of your work. Most work visas require the sponsorship of a Brazilian entity. The most common Brazil work visas are:

180-Day Technical Work Visa (short-term work visa for technical services or repairs)
One-Year Temporary Technical Visa (work visa for technical fields such as IT and engineering)
Technology Transfer Visa (transfer technical knowledge to a local Brazilian employee)
Local Contract Visa (work visa for local employment)
Maritime Visa (work visa for employment in the maritime or oil and gas industries)

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

All foreign nationals require a work visa in Brazil. However, citizens of MERCOSUR member states are eligible to enter Brazil without a visa and apply for a local residence permit, known as a Temporary Residence Benefit, which authorizes employment. MERCOSUR nationals do not require employer sponsorship and generally benefit from abbreviated processing times.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization entail the careful consideration of many factors. BAL recommends that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2019 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Updated Jan. 3, 2019.

News and Events

20 Dec 19

Brazil

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Brazil?

Working in Brazil

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

If I am traveling to Brazil for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

What else should I know?

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At a Glance

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Brazil

At a Glance

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Traveling for Business

What sorts of activities can I pursue as a business visitor?

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Brazil?

Working in Brazil

What sorts of activities require a work visa?

If I am traveling to Brazil for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work visa requirements?

What else should I know?

News and Events

At a Glance

Immigration Links

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