Visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil

The visa for Scientific Cooperation in Brazil is intended for foreigners who wish to carry out research or teaching activities in scientific, technological, and higher education institutions in the country. This visa also applies to foreigners who will participate in technological development or innovation projects in cooperation with Brazilian institutions.

Check out the main information about this type of Brazilian visa now!

If you would like legal assistance from our team, please send us a message on WhatsApp.

Who is the visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil for?

The visa for scientific cooperation is intended for foreigners who wish to carry out research or teaching activities in scientific, technological, and higher education institutions in Brazil on a temporary basis.

Similarly, this visa may also be granted to foreigners who will participate in technological development or innovation projects in cooperation with Brazilian institutions.

The visa does not permit the exercise of paid work in the country, unless the activity is directly related to the research or technological development project in question and is authorized by the Ministry of Labor and Employment.

Understand the main possible beneficiaries of the visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil:

• When the beneficiary of a scholarship granted by foundations supporting public or private higher education and scientific and technological research institutions, for conducting research at a Brazilian public or private higher education institution recognized by the Ministry of Education. Or other national institutions;
• When the beneficiary of a scholarship financed by the National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq), the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), the Financing Agency for Studies and Projects (FINEP), and other public foundations supporting research;
• The scientist, researcher, or professional who comes to Brazil under an international agreement, as recognized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs;
• To participate in research projects established between foreign institutions or research and development centers of foreign companies in specific cases;
• The scientist, researcher, or professional who comes to conduct research not regulated by Decree No. 98,830 of 1990;
  a participant in a post-doctoral program.

In addition, the visa for scientific cooperation (VITEM I) may also be granted to immigrants who come to Brazil to carry out research, teaching, or academic extension activities, with an employment relationship in the country. In this case, the Ministry of Justice and Public Security must previously authorize the activity through an official letter.

Therefore, for the cases above, if the stay in Brazil does not exceed 90 days, a VIVIS visa may be granted.

Cases of research projects between foreign institutions in Brazil

In the case of research projects established between foreign institutions or research and development centers of foreign companies, this partnership must be made with:

• National company;
• National business incubator;
• Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institution (ICT);
• Technological Innovation Center (NIT);
• Support foundation;
• Technology park;
• Technology hub; and
• Public and private teaching and research institutions.

How long can I stay in the country with this visa?

The visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil allows the foreigner to stay in the country for up to 2 (two) years, and it can be renewed.

To obtain a visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil, you must meet the following requirements:

• Be a foreigner and be in good standing in your country of origin;
• Possess a valid passport and present a certified copy or original of the document;
• Present an invitation letter from a Brazilian scientific, technological, or higher education institution, proving the scientific cooperation to be developed;
• Demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to support yourself in Brazil during the period of scientific cooperation;
• Present a criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin, or where you have resided in the last five years;
• Provide proof of vaccination against yellow fever, if coming from areas endemic to the disease;
• Correctly fill out the visa application form and pay the respective fees;
• Meet any other requirements stipulated by the Brazilian consular authority responsible for issuing the visa.

What documents are required?

In principle, the documents required to apply for a visa for scientific cooperation in Brazil may vary depending on the country of origin and the requirements of the Brazilian consular authority responsible for issuing the visa.

However, in general, the following documents are required:

• Valid passport;
• Completed and signed visa application form;
• Recent 3×4 photograph;
• Invitation letter from the Brazilian scientific, technological, or higher education institution confirming the scientific cooperation to be developed;
• Proof of payment of the visa application fee;
• Proof of financial capacity to support yourself in Brazil during the period of scientific cooperation;
• Criminal record certificate issued by the competent authority in the country of origin or where you have resided in the last five years;
• Proof of yellow fever vaccination, if coming from areas endemic to the disease.

What is the cost of the visa for scientific cooperation?

The visa fee is R$ 100.00 in gold. However, please note that the prices are based on currencies and the gold exchange rate, and may be subject to change.

How to apply for the visa?

To apply for a visa for scientific cooperation, you must follow these steps:

• Access the website of the Brazilian Consulate in your country of origin and check the information about the visa application process for scientific cooperation;
• Fill out the visa application form available on the Consulate’s website. Attach the required documents, such as a valid passport, the invitation letter from the Brazilian scientific, technological or higher education institution, a recent 3×4 photo, proof of payment of the visa application fee. Also include a criminal record certificate, proof of financial capacity, and proof of yellow fever vaccination.;
• Schedule an in-person interview at the Brazilian Consulate, if necessary;
• Attend the Consulate in person at the scheduled time, bringing all the necessary original documents and copies, to complete the visa application process and present the documents that prove the purpose of your trip;
• Wait for the Brazilian consular authority to review your visa application. Processing time may vary depending on the Consulate, but it can generally take from a few days to a few weeks;
• If approved, pick up the visa at the Brazilian Consulate, according to the instructions provided.

How long does it take to get the visa after I apply?

There is no exact processing time for the scientific cooperation visa, so the sooner you apply, the better.

However, some consulates give a timeframe of 20 days after the application is submitted. But the truth is, we have observed much longer waiting times of 2, 4, or 6 months.

Therefore, prepare in advance and don’t leave it to the last minute!

What should I do upon arriving in Brazil?

Upon arriving in Brazil, you must register with the Federal Police within 90 days of entering the country. Additional documents such as a birth certificate authenticated by the Consular Section may also be requested.

Visa for Scientific Research in Brazil

In conclusion, foreigners wishing to conduct research, teaching, technological development, or innovation activities at scientific, technological, and higher education institutions in Brazil are the target audience for the scientific cooperation visa. This visa is temporary and does not authorize remunerated activities unless they are directly linked to the cooperation project and have the authorization of the Ministry of Labor and Employment.

There are different requirements for obtaining the visa, depending on the applicant’s situation, such as scholarship recipients from research institutions, scientists participating in international agreements, participants in research projects between foreign institutions, among others. The duration of the visa may vary, but generally, it allows the individual to stay in the country for up to 2 years, with the possibility of renewal.

To apply for the visa, you must meet a series of requirements, including being in good standing in your country of origin, possessing a valid passport, presenting an invitation letter from the Brazilian institution, demonstrating sufficient financial capacity. You must also present a criminal record certificate. Among others. The required documents may vary depending on the country of origin and consular requirements.

Therefore, upon arrival in Brazil, it is necessary to register with the Federal Police within 90 days of entering the country. Failure to comply with this obligation may result in penalties. Therefore, you should be prepared and begin the visa application process in advance.

If you would like legal assistance from our team, please send us a message on WhatsApp.