Expanding into Brazil often means sending employees to the country—whether it’s an engineer overseeing an installation, a sales manager developing a new market, or an executive leading a newly established subsidiary.
While companies tend to focus on operational planning, contracts and timelines, immigration is commonly treated as a final administrative step. In reality, Brazil offers several immigration routes for foreign professionals, each designed for a specific type of assignment.
In this guide, we explain the most common Brazilian work and residence visas, when they are typically used, and how to identify the most appropriate immigration route for your employees.
Different Assignments Require Different Immigration Routes
Every international assignment is different, and so is the immigration process that supports it. The visa or residence route is determined by the nature of the assignment rather than the employee’s job title.
An executive relocating to lead a Brazilian subsidiary follows a different process than an engineer installing equipment for a temporary project. Likewise, an employee hired by a Brazilian company is subject to different requirements than a specialist transferred within an international group.
The immigration process extends beyond the visa itself. In many cases, companies must first obtain work authorization in Brazil before the employee can apply for a visa at a Brazilian consulate. After arrival, additional formalities—such as registration with the Federal Police, obtaining a CPF tax identification number and a CRNM residence card—may also be required.
Understanding these differences from the outset helps companies choose the appropriate immigration route, avoid unnecessary delays and ensure employees can begin their assignment in full compliance with Brazilian immigration regulations.
The Most Common Brazilian Work and Residence Visas
Brazil offers several visa categories for foreign professionals, each designed for a specific purpose. Selecting the right work permit depends on the nature of the assignment, the relationship between the employer and the Brazilian entity, and the expected duration of the stay.
Below are the visa categories most commonly used by international companies transferring employees to Brazil.
VIVIS – Business Visitor Visa
The VIVIS is intended for foreign nationals travelling to Brazil for short-term business activities. It is suitable for attending meetings, negotiating contracts, participating in conferences, conducting market research and visiting clients or business partners.
The VIVIS does not authorize employment or the provision of services in Brazil. Companies planning activities beyond business meetings or other non-remunerated business visits will require a different immigration route.
Typical situations
- Business meetings
- Contract negotiations
- Trade fairs and exhibitions
- Market research
- Corporate events
VITEM V – Work Visa
The VITEM V is the primary work visa for foreign nationals who will perform professional activities in Brazil. It is used for employees hired by a Brazilian company as well as professionals transferred to a Brazilian entity within an international group.
Before the visa can be issued by a Brazilian consulate, the sponsoring company in Brazil must first obtain the required work authorization from the Brazilian authorities. The documentation required depends on the nature of the assignment and the relationship between the employee and the Brazilian employer.
Typical situations
- Long-term employment in Brazil
- Intra-company transfers
- Foreign executives and managers
- Technical specialists
- Employees hired by a Brazilian entity
Technical Assistance and Technology Transfer
International companies regularly send engineers, technicians and other specialists to Brazil for temporary technical assignments. These may include installing or commissioning equipment, carrying out maintenance, troubleshooting technical issues, or providing training to local personnel.
For these types of assignments, Brazil provides specific immigration routes for technical assistance and technology transfer. These are intended for temporary projects where the employee remains employed by a foreign company and travels to Brazil to perform clearly defined technical activities, rather than taking up local employment with a Brazilian entity.
Typical situations
- Installation of industrial equipment
- Commissioning and start-up projects
- Preventive and corrective maintenance
- Technical training
- After-sales support
Digital Nomad Visa
Introduced in 2022, the Digital Nomad Visa allows foreign nationals to live in Brazil while working remotely for employers or clients located outside Brazil.
Although increasingly popular, this visa is generally not suitable for corporate assignments, as holders are not permitted to work for or provide services to Brazilian employers. Companies relocating employees to Brazil should therefore carefully evaluate whether another immigration route is required.
Typical situations
- Remote employees
- Freelancers
- Consultants working exclusively for foreign clients
Investor Visa (VIPER)
The Investor Visa (VIPER) enables foreign nationals to obtain residence in Brazil by making a qualifying investment in the country. It is primarily intended for entrepreneurs and investors who wish to establish or expand business activities while residing in Brazil.
For business owners entering the Brazilian market, the Investor Visa can provide a practical pathway to long-term residence while supporting commercial operations in the country.
Typical situations
- Establishing a Brazilian company
- Expanding business operations
- Entrepreneur relocation
- Long-term investment in Brazil
Which visa fits your situation?
| Visa / Immigration Route | Example Situation | Length of Stay |
|---|---|---|
| VIVIS – Business Visitor Visa | Business meetings, contract negotiations | Short-term |
| VITEM V – Work Visa | Local employment, intra-company transfer | Temporary or long-term |
| Technical Assistance and Technology Transfer | Equipment installation, technical training | Usually short-term |
| Digital Nomad Visa | Remote employee, freelancer working for a foreign employer | Temporary |
| Investor Visa (VIPER) | Establishing a Brazilian company, business expansion | Long-term |
*EU-Mercosur
Although the recently concluded EU–Mercosur trade agreement is expected to facilitate trade between Europe and South America, it does not change Brazil’s immigration legislation. Companies sending employees to Brazil must still comply with the applicable work authorization, visa and residence requirements.
Post-Arrival Requirements
Obtaining a visa is often not the final step in the immigration process. After arriving in Brazil, many employees must complete additional administrative formalities before they can fully establish their legal residence.
These may include registering with the Federal Police, obtaining a CRNM (National Migration Registration Card), applying for a CPF tax identification number, and completing other mandatory registrations.
Completing these formalities within the applicable deadlines is essential to maintain the employee’s legal status in Brazil. Proper planning helps ensure a smooth relocation and allows employees to settle in and begin their assignment without unnecessary delays.
Typical Processing Times
The complete immigration process typically takes several weeks to a few months, depending on the immigration route and the complexity of the application.
For employment and technical assignment routes, the process generally starts in Brazil. The sponsoring company or Brazilian host entity must first obtain the required authorization from the Brazilian authorities. Once this has been approved, the employee can apply for the visa at the Brazilian consulate in their country of residence. After arriving in Brazil, additional registrations, such as with the Federal Police and for a CRNM residence card, may still be required.
Business visitor, digital nomad and family-based residence applications follow different procedures and generally do not require this prior authorization.
Careful planning is essential. Incomplete documentation or starting the process too late can lead to unnecessary delays that affect project timelines, employee start dates and business operations. Working with an experienced immigration partner helps ensure the correct immigration route is chosen from the outset and that each stage of the process is managed efficiently.
How we help
At Ipanema International, we provide end-to-end immigration support for international companies relocating employees to Brazil. From visa strategy and work authorization to post-arrival registrations and relocation services, we ensure a smooth, efficient and compliant process from start to finish.