FAQ

What is the cost of a visa?
Varies; depending on nationality.
How long is the visa valid for?

Student visas: Up to 1 year

Tourist visas: A tourist can stay in Brazil for a maximum of six months in any twelve-month period. He must first have obtained a visa for 90 days.
Once in Brazil, he may apply for a single extension of up to 90 additional days. At the end of the extended stay, the tourist must leave the country, and may only return to Brazil as a tourist after another six months have elapsed.
Other information:
Is a holder of a ‘Student Visa’ allowed to work in Brazil?
Holders of ‘Student Visas’ are not allowed to work in Brazil.

Is a holder of a ‘Student Visa’ allowed to stay in Brazil after the end of his/her course?
No. When a student finishes his/her course, he/she has to exit the country no later than the visa expiry date. The former student may re-enter the country as a tourist, provided that he/she has obtained a tourist visa (if applicable), and depending on Brazilian Immigration at the port of entry.

Is a ‘Business Visa’ the same as a ‘Work Visa’?
No. A ‘Work Visa’ requires the approval of the Brazilian Ministry of Employment. The procedure has to be initiated by the prospective employer in Brazil. Once approval is given, the relevant authorization is relayed to a Brazilian Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence, which will then issue the visa.A ‘Business visa’ is only granted to applicants wishing to do business in Brazil and not to applicants seeking employment in Brazil.

If offered employment after arriving in Brazil, can a tourist apply for a work permit without having to leave the country?
No. Tourists are not allowed to change their visa status while in the country. Prospective employers must apply for a work permit on behalf of the tourist they wish to employ; if the permit is granted, the tourist will have to leave Brazil and return to his country of residence, where his ‘Work visa” will be issued by a Brazilian Consulate.

Can I have my visa extended while in Brazil?
Most Brazilian visas are extendable, and if they are the extension may be obtained while in Brazil. Extensions are granted by the Brazilian Federal Police (DPF). The DPF has offices in the capital city of each state. Applications for extension must be made no more than one month and no less than two weeks before the visa expires. Please bear in mind that approval of a request for a visa extension is entirely at the discretion of the Brazilian Federal Police.