Work permits and visas in Brazil: An employer’s guide

If you are hiring a new employee or relocating a team member to Brazil, you need to make sure foreign nationals have the proper work visa and permit in line with the Migration Law and rules of the National Immigration Council.

Known for its diversified economy and vibrant culture, this country in South America is a popular work destination for international talent. In this article, Remote walks you through right-to-work checks, work visa types, and visa requirements for your employee to work in Brazil.

See also: The complete employer's guide to hiring in Brazil

Work authorization check in Brazil

Brazilian citizens do not need any authorization to work, and are protected under Brazilian labor laws (CLT).

Foreign nationals, however, must have both a residence permit for work purposes and a corresponding Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V) before they can legally work for a Brazilian company. The employer is responsible for requesting the residence authorization from the General Coordination of Labor Immigration (CGIL) within the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP). Once granted, the employee applies for the visa at a Brazilian consulate and registers with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) to obtain their alien registration card.

Do non-citizens need a work visa or work permit in Brazil?

Yes. Any non-citizen who will perform employment in Brazil must have:

• A residence permit for work purposes (autorização de residência laboral) 
• A VITEM V work visa from a Brazilian embassy or consulate, issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• An alien registration card with the federal police to validate their stay.
  
  

Note that tourist visas or business visitor visas (VIVIS or VITEM II) do not authorize employment.

Types of work visas in Brazil

Brazil issues several types of visas, but only certain categories allow employment. Employers need to match the visa to the role, and ensure their employment contract and onboarding align with Brazilian labor and immigration requirements.

VITEM V visa for temporary work

The Brazilian work visa most employers use to hire a foreign national is VITEM V, which is a Temporary Work visa. VITEM V is used when a foreign national will work for a Brazilian company under a formal employment contract, or when they will provide technical assistance or technology transfer in Brazil.

The employer files the  work permit application (residence authorization for work) in Brazil with the Ministry of Justice and General Coordination of Labor Immigration. After receiving a work permit, the employee applies for the VITEM V visa at a Brazilian embassy or consulate.

Permanent residence (Residente permanente)

A residence permit is an indefinite status that allows a foreign national to live and work in Brazil under the country's Migration Law and National Immigration Council rules.

Permanent residence is granted under specific legal grounds such as investment, family reunification, or conversion from a qualifying temporary work residence. Once granted, the individual registers with the Federal Police for their alien registration card and may work under Brazilian labor laws without relying on a temporary work visa like VITEM V.

Business visa (VIVIS or VITEM II)

For short-term business travels (meetings, negotiations, contract signing), Brazil uses either a Visitor visa (VIVIS for business) or a temporary business visa (VITEM II).

Note that these visas do not authorize employment or paid services for a Brazilian employer. Any activity involving technical assistance, services, or an employment contract requires a VITEM V work visa.

Eligibility requirements for a work visa in Brazil

To qualify for a VITEM V work visa, the employer must first obtain a residence authorization for work (the work permit) in Brazil from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, through the General Coordination of Labor Immigration.

Only after this authorization can the employee apply for a work visa VITEM V at a Brazilian embassy or consulate. Employees must meet education and experience criteria outlined by the National Immigration Council’s Normative Resolutions, such as:

• A university degree plus one year of professional experience; or
• At least two years of professional experience and nine years of formal education; or
• A postgraduate degree, even without prior experience.
  
  

In all cases, the employer must prove compliance with Brazilian labor laws and provide a valid employment contract.

Work visa application process in Brazil 

In most cases, an employer will sponsor a Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V) to hire foreign nationals in Brazil. Here are the details on the application process:

Employer responsibilities 

• File the temporary work permit application with the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP) through the General Coordination of Labor Immigration (CGIL).
• Draft a compliant employment contract with details of salary, role, and duration, aligned with Brazilian labor laws.
• Provide supporting documents for the work permit application.
  

Employee responsibilities 

• Apply for the VITEM V visa at the Brazilian consulate in their home country once residence authorization is granted.
• Submit the required application form and documents, including passport, photos, proof of employment, and financial means.
• After arrival, register with the Federal Police to receive their CRNM (alien registration card).

Required documents

Although document checklists vary by consulate, common requirements include:

• Valid passport with sufficient validity and blank pages
• Completed visa application form
• Passport-sized photographs
• Proof of employment (employment contract or company letter)
• Proof of qualifications and experience
• Proof of financial means
• Medical and criminal background checks

Digital nomad visas in Brazil

Brazil offers a digital nomad visa as the VITEM XIV temporary visa. The digital nomad visa allows remote work for entities outside Brazil, but does not authorize employment with a Brazilian company.

Applicants must show a remote work arrangement and sufficient income. MJSP guidance specifies monthly income of at least USD 1,500 or bank funds of at least USD 18,000, plus standard documents (e.g., passport and items required in the online process). 

A digital nomad visa is granted for up to one year, renewable once for up to another year. Applicants can apply for VITEM XIV at a Brazilian embassy or consulate when abroad, or request the residence authorization with MJSP when in Brazil. Remote workers on a digital nomad visa need to register with the Federal Police to obtain an alien registration card within the required timeframe to validate residence.

How Remote can help with work visas in Brazil 

To hire or relocate employees to Brazil, you need to navigate immigration laws to avoid potential penalties, as well as handle payroll and benefits according to local tax laws. 

That's why Remote’s Employer of Record service is invaluable. We act as the legal employer in Brazil on your company’s behalf. Remote helps you stay compliant with local labor and tax laws, so you can onboard your employees in a matter of days to save time and resources. 

If you already have an entity in Brazil, Remote can help with international employee relocation with case-by-case immigration assessments, and guidance on Brazilian work visa applications. 

To learn more about the processes involved in relocating international employees, download Remote's Relocation Guide, or contact our Relocation team today.