Beyond the Carnival: A Comprehensive Guide to Brazil's Business Visa Requirements


Brazil, the vibrant heart of South America, is more than just stunning coastlines and the world's largest rainforest.1 As Latin America's economic powerhouse, it's a critical global hub for industries ranging from agribusiness and mining to technology and renewable energy. For professionals seeking to tap into this immense market, understanding the visa requirements is the first and most crucial step.

The key to short-term business travel to Brazil is the Visit Visa (VIVIS). This guide provides a detailed roadmap to its requirements, ensuring your entry into Brazil's dynamic business world is as smooth as possible.

A Critical Update for 2025: It's important to note that Brazil's visa policies have recently evolved. After a period of exemption, the requirement for Visit Visas has been reinstated for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia.2 As of 2025, nationals from these countries must secure a visa before traveling to Brazil for business or tourism.3

Understanding the VIVIS: The All-in-One Visit Visa

Brazil simplifies its short-term entry system by using a single Visit Visa (VIVIS) that covers a range of activities, including tourism, transit, and, most importantly for our purposes, business. This visa allows you to stay in Brazil for up to 90 days for specific, non-remunerated business activities.4

Permitted business activities under a VIVIS include:

  • Attending business meetings, trade fairs, and industrial conferences.5

  • Identifying investment or commercial opportunities.

  • Signing contracts and engaging in negotiations.6

  • Conducting audits or business consulting.7

It is vital to understand that a VIVIS is not a work permit. You are strictly forbidden from receiving any salary or payment from a Brazilian source, engaging in paid employment, or providing technical assistance or services. Those activities require a specific Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V).

The Core Checklist: Your Document Arsenal for the Brazil Business Visa

A successful application hinges on meticulous preparation. The Brazilian government uses an online application system, but you will still need to present physical documents.

1. Online Visa Application Form:

Your application begins online on the official Brazilian government portal.8 You will need to fill out the form accurately, upload digital copies of your photo and signature, and then print the confirmation page, known as the Visa Request Form Receipt (RER - Recibo de Entrega de Requerimento). You must sign this receipt and affix your photo to it.

2. Valid Passport:

Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your intended stay in Brazil and contain at least two blank visa pages.

3. Passport-Sized Photograph:

One recent, professional photograph (2x2 inches) meeting ICAO specifications. It must be taken against a plain white or off-white background.

4. The Invitation Letter (Carta Convite):

This is one of the most crucial documents. You need a signed invitation letter from the Brazilian company you intend to visit. It must be:

  • Printed on the Brazilian company’s official letterhead.

  • Written in Portuguese or English.

  • Contain the full name, passport number, and job title of the applicant.

  • Clearly state the specific purpose and duration of the trip.

  • Include the full details of the Brazilian company (including its CNPJ registration number).9

  • Be signed by a manager or director of the Brazilian company. Their name, title, and contact information must be clearly stated.

5. Letter from Your Current Employer:

A letter from your employer in your home country, printed on their official letterhead, which confirms your employment status, job title, and salary. It must also state the purpose of your business trip to Brazil and confirm that the company is sponsoring your visit.

6. Proof of Financial Stability:

You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay. This can be proven with:

  • Recent personal bank statements for the last three to six months.

  • Your last three salary slips.

  • Your most recent Income Tax Return (ITR).

7. Travel Itinerary and Accommodation:

Provide a copy of your round-trip flight booking showing your entry and exit from Brazil. You also need proof of accommodation, such as confirmed hotel reservations for the duration of your trip.10

8. Visa Fee Payment Receipt:

Proof that you have paid the required visa application fee through the designated bank.

The Application Process Summarized

  1. Complete the Online Form: Fill out the form on the official government website and print the RER receipt.11

  2. Gather Documents: Assemble all the physical documents as per the checklist above.

  3. Schedule Appointment: Book an appointment at the nearest Brazilian Consulate, Embassy, or their authorized Visa Application Centre.

  4. Submit Application: Attend your appointment to submit your RER receipt, passport, and all supporting documents.

  5. Wait and Collect: Await the processing of your visa. Once approved, you can collect your passport with the visa stamped inside.

Conclusion

Navigating the Brazil business visa requirements is a detail-oriented but manageable task. A thoroughly prepared application, spearheaded by a strong invitation letter, is your ticket to engaging with one of the world's most exciting markets. For businesses that frequently send employees on international assignments, managing these diverse and detailed requirements can become a significant operational hurdle. Enlisting a professional agency that provides dedicated corporate services can be a game-changer. These experts streamline the entire application lifecycle—from document verification to appointment scheduling—ensuring compliance and minimizing delays, allowing your business to focus on its strategic objectives in Brazil and beyond.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Do US, Canadian, or Australian citizens need a visa for business travel to Brazil in 2025?

A: Yes. As of early 2025, the visa exemption for citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia has been lifted. Nationals from these countries now require a Visit Visa (VIVIS) for tourism and short-term business travel to Brazil.

Q2: What is the main difference between a business VIVIS and a VITEM V work visa?

A: A VIVIS is for short-term (up to 90 days), unpaid business activities like meetings and contract negotiations.12 You cannot be paid by a Brazilian source. A VITEM V is a long-term work visa required for anyone who will be employed by a Brazilian company or providing paid technical services in Brazil.13

Q3: How long does it typically take to process a Brazil business visa?

A: Processing times can vary by consulate and time of year, but it generally takes between 10 to 20 working days after the application is submitted. It is highly advisable to apply at least one month in advance of your planned travel.

Q4: Does the invitation letter from the Brazilian company need to be notarized?

A: While it's not always mandatory for the signature on the invitation letter to be notarized (reconhecimento de firma), it is highly recommended. A notarized letter adds a layer of authenticity that can significantly strengthen your application and prevent potential delays.14

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