Brazilian Visa for Research, Teaching or Academic Extension

Brazil offers several types of visas for those who want to carry out activities in the country. One of them is the Brazilian Research Visa, ideal for researchers or academic professionals interested in studying and developing their research in Brazil.

Understand the appropriate procedures for those who want to conduct research in the country, as well as important tips!

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

Who is the Visa for Research, Teaching, or Academic Extension for?

The visa for Research, Teaching, or Academic Extension is intended for students, researchers, professors, and professionals in academic fields who wish to travel to Brazil for the purpose of conducting research, teaching, or academic extension activities.

This type of visa is requested by postgraduate students, researchers at higher education institutions, visiting professors, and professionals involved in academic projects in other countries.

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

You can stay in the country with the Brazilian research visa for up to 2 years.

Can I renew the Brazilian research visa?

Yes, you can renew the VITEM I visa for Research, Teaching, or Academic Extension in Brazil for up to 2 years.

What documents are required?

The required documents for a Brazilian research visa are:

• Printed and signed visa application web form;
• Criminal record certificate;
• Copy of birth certificate or official identification document showing parentage;
• Recent passport-type photograph with a white background;
• Invitation letter from the educational institution or entity clarifying the reason and duration of the trip;
• Declaration issued by the institution responsible for financing the research grant;
• Proof of means of subsistence compatible with the intended period of stay or that the inviting institution is responsible for the entry, stay, and departure from the national territory;
• Payment of consular fees (called Emolument).

Do I need any vaccinations to enter Brazil with this visa?

A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those who have traveled in the 90 days preceding their trip to Brazil to: Angola, Bolivia, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Colombia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Ecuador, French Guiana, Gabon, Ghana, Gambia, Republic of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Peru, Sierra Leone, Sudan, and Venezuela.

The yellow fever vaccine is also mandatory if you are traveling to certain specific Brazilian cities located within areas with recommended vaccination (ACRV). For example, Amazonian regions.

However, the list may change over time, so it’s important to consult the Brazilian Ministry of Health. On the other hand, other cities only have a more subtle recommendation due to seasonal endemic cases that may occur.

What are the requirements to obtain this visa?

The requirements for obtaining a Brazilian research visa include:

• Supporting documentation: You will need to provide documents that prove the purpose of your trip, such as an acceptance letter from an academic or research institution in Brazil. Details of the research or teaching project, proof of affiliation with your home institution, among others;
• Valid passport: You must have a valid passport with an expiration date that meets the requirements of the visa issuing country;
• Application form: Correctly fill out the visa application form, providing accurate and up-to-date information;
• Recent photograph: One or two recent photographs meeting the specifications required by the visa issuing country;
• Proof of financial resources: You need to prove that you have sufficient financial resources to cover your expenses during your stay in Brazil, such as tuition fees, accommodation, food, and other related expenses.

What is the visa fee?

The fee for the Brazilian Research visa is R$ 100.00 (Brazilian Reais). However, since visa fees are based on local currencies and the gold exchange rate, you need to check the most up-to-date value on the website of the Brazilian Consulate in your country.

How to apply for a Brazilian Research visa?

The application process for the Brazilian Research visa (VITEM I) may vary depending on the country where the applicant is located. In general, the application process includes the following steps:

• Check the specific requirements: Before starting the application process, you must check the specific requirements of the Brazilian consular authority responsible for granting the visa. This information is available on the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate in the country where the applicant is located;
• Fill out the application form: The next step is to fill out the visa application form available on the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate. The form must be filled out with accurate and up-to-date information;
• Gather the necessary documents: Obtain a recent photograph that meets the required specifications, check the validity of your passport (it must be valid for at least six months), and gather the other required documents, such as proof of financial means, criminal record certificate, proof of residence, and health insurance, if applicable;
• Schedule the interview: Depending on the country where the applicant is located, it may be necessary to schedule an interview at the Brazilian embassy or consulate. During the interview, the applicant may be questioned about their travel intentions and their financial capacity to support themselves in the country during the academic internship period;
• Pay the visa fee: After gathering the necessary documentation and scheduling the interview, the next step is to pay the corresponding visa fee. The amount of the fee may vary depending on the country and the category of visa requested;
• Track the application status: After the interview and payment of the visa fee, the applicant can track the status of their application through the website of the Brazilian embassy or consulate.

How long does it take to get a Brazilian research visa after I apply?

The processing time for the visa application is generally 20 business days. However, avoid applying for the visa at the last minute; plan ahead to avoid complications!

After all, if something goes wrong, and you waited too long to apply, you may be prevented from making your trip. At the same time, it’s not possible to apply too far in advance, since the visa may have an expiration date.

Upon arriving in Brazil, what should I do?

Upon arriving in Brazil with your visa, you should follow these steps:

• Immigration: After disembarking at the Brazilian airport, proceed to immigration control. Present your passport with the Brazilian research visa to the immigration officers. They will verify your documents and stamp your passport, allowing your entry into the country;
• Baggage Claim: After passing through immigration, go to the baggage claim area. Collect your luggage and, if necessary, fill out the customs declaration form if you are bringing valuable goods;
• Customs: Upon leaving the baggage claim area, you may pass through customs, where you may be selected for a baggage inspection. Follow the instructions of the customs officers and declare any valuable items or goods that exceed the permitted quotas;
• Registration with the Federal Police: After arriving at your final destination in Brazil, you must register with the Federal Police within 90 days. Depending on the Brazilian state you are in, you may have to personally go to a Federal Police station to provide information about your stay in the country.

Brazilian Visa for Research

In conclusion, Brazil offers different types of visas for those who wish to conduct activities in the country, including the Brazilian visa for research. This visa is ideal for researchers and academic professionals interested in studying in Brazil.

Furthermore, you should be aware of the requirements, such as proof of financial resources and passport validity. Vaccination against yellow fever may be mandatory, depending on the traveler’s country of origin.

The visa can be renewed, allowing a stay of up to 2 years in the country. The application process may vary depending on the country of origin, requiring the completion of a form, obtaining the necessary documents, and possibly an interview.

After visa approval, upon arrival in Brazil, you must follow the immigration procedures, baggage declaration, customs, and registration with the Federal Police.

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