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| Brazil Visa Overview
- Temporary Visas
- Permanent Visas
- Potential Grounds for Visa Refusal
Note 1: Immigration to Brazil can be a tough, lengthy and expensive process, with specific laws and regulations, and numerous hidden costs, fees and taxes. All instructions are, and many forms must be completed, in Portuguese; the authorities rarely speak English and time consuming & complicated bureaucracy abounds – advice, support and experience are invaluable.
Note 2: Contravention of any visas will probably result in your repatriation, and a refusal to allow your future attempts at entry. All immigration in Brazil is controlled and managed by the Federal Police.
Note 3: No one will guarantee your successful application for any visa, however this overview is constantly updated, and, through experience, we offer an independent perspective on the successful ways our previous clients have achieved their desires. All visa applications may be subject to a satisfactory police report in the applicant's home country.
Temporary Visas:
1/Tourist Visa
Granted to tourists, those visiting friends, family, etc; not for those seeking work, making business visits or attending professional congresses, etc; nor may the holder receive remuneration of any kind. Normally granted for 90 days at port of entry; can be extended (with proof of means of support, return ticket, etc) for up to 180 days in any moving 12 month period - more
2/Business (non-tourist) Visa
Similar to tourist visa, but for business purposes; frequently ignored and often unnoticed but nevertheless correct and not to be confused – if you enter as a tourist, you are a tourist! Extensions are as for tourist visas - more
3/Temporary Residence Visa
Available for specific circumstances: cultural visit, student, professional entertainer or sportsman, welfare worker, professional or executive working for a Brazilian company or the government, foreign media correspondent, minister of religion. These visas vary in length and only apply to one specific activity. They all involve considerably more time, work and bureaucracy, and should only be considered if utterly relevant
Permanent Visas
1/Marriage
...to a Brazilian citizen, not your existing spouse! Subject to surprise visits to ensure it is not a 'marriage of convenience' to gain residency
2/Offspring
Normally granted to the parent/parents of a Brazilian child: children must be economically dependent on, and under the guardianship of, the applicant
3/ Family Ties (Family Reunion visa)
Under International Principle and Brazilian law, visas are available to sons, siblings, parents or grand parents of Brazilian citizens and permanent residents
4/Homosexual Partners
Highly innovative, this visa is available to those that can demonstrate steady bonds with a Brazilian citizen of the same sex. Probably will be subject to surprise visits as for marriage
5/RetirementPrincipal applicant must be over 60, and able to prove a perpetual minimum monthly income, transferable to Brazil, of US$2000 or equivalent; includes 2 genuinely dependent relatives, further dependents may be included at the increased rate of $1000 per dependent per month - more
6/Researcher or High Level SpecialistHighly specific, requiring a Brazilian entity to propose the individual who must satisfy CV, academic, referee and qualification requirements7/Company administrator/manager/director
Two visa categories are available for either an existing foreign entity, or a start up company owned by a foreign entity. Basically for inter-company transfers, and aimed at corporations that retain an international presence, while able to eventually invest a minimum of US$200,000 per visa application8/Investor In 2004 it was minimum US$200,000 or equivalent that had to be invested, then it was reduced to US$50,000, but from February 2009 the new level is R$150,000 (Brazilian Reais). The investor must invest in a company that is or will be involved in a “productive economical activity”, that will create employment, generate profits and pay taxes. This is the essence of immigration law around the globe – and Brazil is no exception. It will now be granted for a period of 3 years, and made permanent once these goals have been proven. Under certain conditions an investment below this level may qualify.
Potential Grounds for Visa Refusal:
1/Failure to observe the Notes 1,2,3 at the top of the page
2/Failure to comply with any of the above requirements for any of the relevant visas
3/Conviction in your own country of serious crime, including drugs, tax evasion, terrorism & sex offences. Fortunately, most motoring offences are not seen as serious in Brazil. Most visas require an up to date police report from your home country
4/ Note that even after the grant of a 'permanent' visa the Brazilian government retains the right to deport an individual and to revoke the granted visa, mainly on criminal grounds. A visa is a privilege, not a right.
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