Rio de Janeiro – Immigration

Visitors to Brazil from more than 80 countries, including the European Union can enjoy visa-free travel for up to 90 days when entering Brazil. These countries are generally those that offer visa-free travel in reciprocity with the exception of a select few. Generally, 90 days visas are offered for all other countries when accompanied by a visa application. The application will generally include:

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months with one blank visa page
  • Proof of sufficient funds for the duration of the visit
  • Proof of onward / return airline ticket
  • Hold all documents required for next travel destination (if any)

Additionally, Brazil offers long duration visit visas which are valid for a minimum of one (1) year. These are available to specific countries including China and the United States, amongst others. These visas allow re-entry but still limit the duration a visitor can stay within the country, making these in essence long duration tourist visas.

For visitors looking to enter Brazil for business travel, the government offers various categories of business visas that can be applied for. Temporary visas are generally available for unpaid business including exchange students and do not allow visitors to engage in any paid activity while in the country. A second type of visa is also considered temporary but is specific for those looking to enter the country to handle media coverage, filming, or the adoption of a Brazilian child. A yet additional type of temporary visa (referred to as VITEM-V) is for those looking to enter Brazil to work and requires an employment contract or other similar documentation prior to approval.

Finally, for those looking to enter Brazil more permanently, an investor visa is available. This allows foreign nationals to enter Brazil for the purpose of opening and operating a business. This can include those who are in real-estate, stock trading, or even simply investing in the country via a savings account. In order to be eligible, the individual must have invested at least R$500,000 in an existing Brazilian business or launch a new company with this minimum investment capital. Once that has been proven, the applicant must submit a lengthy application with various supporting documents, including but not limited to:

  • Identification card
  • Certificate of good conduct
  • Curriculum vitae
  • Proof of family relationships
  • Marriage certificate
  • Academic credentials
  • Proof of address

The benefit of this visa type is that upon approval, one’s family is eligible to move to Brazil. Brazilian citizenship is also attainable after four years of legal residency, although it does require fluency in Portuguese to apply.

 

 

Rio de Janeiro Immigration Office

Address: Praça Senador Salgado Filho, s/nº, 2º Pavimento do Terminal de Embarque, Centro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ,- Aeroporto Santos Dumont, 20021-340
Phone: N/A
Operating Hours:
– Monday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Tuesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Wednesday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Thursday 8:00am – 5:00pm
– Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm
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