Brazil, the largest country in South America, attracts a ton of skilled and technical individuals. If you’re a professional looking to work in Brazil or an international company looking to transfer foreign employees to your Brazilian operations, you’ll need a valid Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) and residence permit.
Types of Brazilian Work Visas
- Residence Permit – NR 2 (VITEM V): Employment NR 2 (Norma Regulamentadora 2) is Brazil’s temporary work visa for technical specialists and other professional workers. NR 2 Visa holders can convert their temporary permit to permanent residence after two years of continuous work.
- Visit Visa (VIVIS): Brazil’s 90-day tourist visa also allows business travel, including business meetings and company events.
- Vacation Work Visa (VITEM VI): The VITEM VI allows New Zealand and French nationals to work in Brazil on a vacation.
- Temporary Residence (Mercosur): Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, and Uruguay can apply for residency and work in Brazil according to the Mercosur free movement agreement. The residence visa can be converted to permanent residence after two years.
- Volunteer Visa (VITEM VIII): The VITEM VIII allows foreign nationals to carry out unpaid voluntary work in Brazil for up to 90 days.
- Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV): The Digital Nomad Visa in Brazil allows foreign workers and self-employed individuals with a foreign income source to work remotely in Brazil.
Work Visa Requirements
Brazil has various work visas, each with its own visa requirements and criteria. If you’re looking to apply for jobs in Brazil and obtain a Brazil work visa by working for a Brazilian employer, you must fulfill the following requirements:
- Have a job offer from a Brazilian-registered employer.
- Obtain a needs a temporary residency (such as a visitor’s visa) before applying,
Qualifying for employment in Brazil generally requires a foreign national to have the skills and knowledge to fill an employment need that cannot be fulfilled by a Brazilian.
Work visas are temporary, with up to two years of validity. Brazilian work visa holders can renew it once for an additional two years, after which they can apply for permanent residency.
Application Process to Apply for a Work Visa in Brazil
- Find a job in Brazil: You’ll need a job offer from a Brazilian company registered with the National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ – Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica).
- Employer applies for the permit: After you’ve been offered a work contract, your employer applies for a Work Permit (Autorização de Trabalho) on your behalf with the General Coordination of Immigration (CGIL) under the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE). Your new employer must submit:
- Work Permit Application Form (Solicitação de Autorização de Trabalho)
- Company registration documents (CNPJ number)
- Reasoning behind hiring a foreigner instead of a local worker
- Proof of compliance with local labor laws
- Apply for the visa at a Brazilian Embassy: After the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approves your work permit, they’ll notify the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in your home country. You will need to apply for Brazil’s Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V) at the consulate with a:
- Valid passport with at least six months of validity
- Approved work permit
- Proof of qualifications
- Criminal record certificate
- Enter Brazil and register with the Federal Police: After arriving in Brazil, you’ll need to announce your arrival with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) to obtain a:
- Foreigners Registration Card (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro – RNE)
- CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), a tax identification number
Brazil Citizenship
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Frequently Asked Questions about the Brazil VITEM V Work Visa
Can you work in Brazil as a foreigner?
Foreigners can work in Brazil if they obtain a Brazil Work Visa. The visa, known as VITEM V in Brazil, is a temporary work permit that allows foreigners employed by Brazilian companies to live and work in Brazil.
Can a US citizen work remotely in Brazil?
US citizens can work remotely in Brazil by applying for a Brazil Digital Nomad Visa.
Is it hard to get a work visa in Brazil?
How difficult it is to get a Brazil Work Visa depends on your credentials. Due to Brazil’s competitive employment market, it’s not available to everyone. If you’re highly qualified, have the specialized skills that Brazilian employees lack, and speak Portuguese fluently, it can be relatively easy to get a work visa in Brazil.
How long does it take to get a work visa in Brazil?
The Brazilian Work Visa timeline typically takes a few weeks to a month to process.
What jobs are available in Brazil?
If you’re looking for a job in Brazil, the types of careers available for foreigners with a higher-than-average salary include software engineer, dentist, lab technician, mechanical engineer, CDL driver, and power lineman.
Is unemployment high in Brazil?
Brazil’s unemployment rate is relatively high, at 6.5 percent as of January 2025. However, it’s much lower than the 8.5 rate ten years prior.
Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa in Brazil?
It isn’t possible to convert a Brazilian tourist visa to a work visa while in Brazil. You would need to apply for a work visa from your home country and use it to re-enter the country.
Can my family join me with a Brazil Work Visa?
Foreign employees in Brazil can apply for a family reunification visa for their family members, allowing them to move to Brazil for the duration of their sponsor’s visa.
