How can a foreigner work in Brazil?

Many foreigners want to work in Brazil, but they have doubts. After all, how can a foreigner work in Brazil? In this text, we will discuss visa ideas for various types of activities and the importance of maintaining regular status in the country. Check it out!

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How can a foreigner work in Brazil?

A foreigner can work in Brazil if he/she has the appropriate authorization. Some options are visas (whether work or alternative), residence permits and even Brazilian naturalization.

Remember that a visitor/tourist visa does not give permission for a foreigner to work and engage in paid employment in Brazil.

Which visa options give you the right to work in Brazil?

Several Brazilian visa options give you the right to work in the country. However, each one has its own characteristics, terms and contractual requirements. For example, a digital nomad can work in Brazil, but the contract must be with a foreign company. Understand the options:

• Work visa: gives foreigners the same labor rights as Brazilians;
• Digital Nomad visa: ideal for those who work remotely for a foreign employer;
• Business investor visa: designed for those interested in investing in Brazilian companies or start-ups and also gives you the right to a residence permit;
• Real estate investor visa: another investment option, the purchase of real estate in Brazil, and a residence permit is also valid;
• Researcher visa: ideal for foreign academic researchers interested in developing their research on Brazilian soil;
• Volunteer visa: intended for foreigners interested in volunteering at any Brazilian non-profit institution;
• Working Holiday: designed for young foreigners interested in working and studying in Brazil, specifically those from these countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France;
• Family Reunion: ideal choice for foreigners who want to reunite their family in Brazil, that is, bring their loved ones to the country, such as children, parents, spouses, or siblings.

Work visa for foreigners to work in Brazil

A work visa is more stable and secure because it puts foreign workers on the same level as Brazilians. In other words, it provides more secure labor rights.

However, it is more complex to obtain than others, because you need to have a contract with a Brazilian company before moving. In addition, you need:

• Authorization from the Ministry of Labor before applying for the visa;
• Fill out the Visa Application Form. To learn how to fill out the form, click here;
• Receipt of Application Delivery (RER): When you finish the form, you must print and sign the Receipt of Application Delivery (RER), which will contain the protocol number. You also need a printed copy of your photograph, which must be pasted on the Receipt;
• Submit the printed and signed Receipt, along with the original documents, to the Brazilian Consulate.

I’m already in Brazil and want to work. What should I do to regularize my status?

If you are a foreigner and want to work in Brazil, you must follow a regularization process to be able to work legally. In other words, since you are already in Brazil, it’s best to regularize your situation! I.e, it’s how can a foreigner work in Brazil. The process may vary depending on your nationality and specific situation.

But, in general, you must obtain or renew a temporary visa to guarantee your stay and to carry out any paid activity. In addition, you must obtain the CGI Authorization from the Ministry of Labor.

What are the risks of not regularizing my status?

The risks of not regularizing my status include fines and, eventually, deportation. Because, in reality, foreigners cannot work in Brazil with a tourist visa. In other words, to carry out any activity, you must obtain the correct visa or authorization for your situation.

How can a foreigner work in Brazil: Digital Nomad Visa

The Digital Nomad visa is for those who want the flexibility to live anywhere or spend their time traveling. It requires a minimum income and a contract with a foreign company. Therefore, you need to:

• Have a prior contract with a foreign company (non-Brazilian);
• Work can be done remotely, in technology or communications;
• Prove a monthly income of USD1,500 or bank funds in the amount of USD18,000.

Family Reunion Visa

The Family Reunion visa is intended for foreigners who want to come to Brazil because they have a Brazilian or foreign relative with a residence permit in the country.

The people who have the right are:

• Spouse or partner;
• Child;
• Father or mother of a Brazilian;
• Mother or father of an immigrant with a residence permit;
• Ascendant up to the second degree;
• Descendant up to the second degree;
• Sibling; or
• A person who has a Brazilian under their guardianship, curatorship, or custody.

In addition, you must prove the existence of a bond between you and your relative who lives in Brazil, whether Brazilian or foreign with a residence permit.

Naturalized foreigners can work in Brazil

According to the Brazilian Constitution, naturalized Brazilians have the same rights as native-born Brazilians. There are only a few exceptions, such as political, public and military positions, for example.

Therefore, naturalized Brazilians can work in the country, especially since they have already proven their right to a residence permit in the naturalization process and have the necessary documents, such as a CPF.

Foreigners with a residence permit can work in Brazil

Foreigners with a residence permit have also undergone a prior assessment by the Brazilian Government and have the opportunity to work in Brazil, as well as reside in the country.

However, the foreigner’s documents must be up-to-date, such as the National Migration Registration Card (CRNM), the former RNE and the CPF, which regularizes the taxable person’s status in Brazil.

Business Investor Visa

The Business Investor Visa is aimed at those who want to invest in traditional companies or start-ups. In addition, it allows you to bring your family too, if you wish, by granting the foreigner a residence permit.

In short: the investment in a company (traditional or start-up) must be between R$150,000.00 and R$1,000,000.00 (depending on the area you want to invest in, such as technology or innovation).

Real Estate Investor Visa

The Real Estate Investor Visa also allows foreigners to reside in Brazil, as well as their family members. To do so, you must invest in real estate in the country, and in the North or Northeast, in urban areas, the minimum value is R$700,000.00 or, in other regions, R$1,000,000.000.

Researcher Visa

The Researcher Visa is ideal for students, researchers, professors, and professionals in academic fields who wish to travel to Brazil for the purpose of carrying out research, teaching, or academic extension activities. The stay period is 2 years.

The requirements are:

• Supporting documentation proving the reason, such as a letter of acceptance from a university;
• Valid passport;
• Application form;
• Recent photo;
• Proof of financial resources, including scholarships you may receive.

Volunteer Visa

The Volunteer Visa allows foreigners to perform volunteer services in Brazilian non-profit organizations. The stay period is 1 year. However, remember that this visa does not grant the right to paid work, since it only allows for volunteer work.

In summary, you need:

• Acceptance from the non-profit institution;
• Be at least 18 years old;
• Prove that you have the financial resources for the stay;
• Other specific requirements may be required, such as proof of health insurance, criminal record certificates, valid passport, among others.

Working Holiday

The Working Holiday visa is aimed at young adults who wish to travel to another country for tourism purposes and, at the same time, work to cover their travel expenses. It is currently available to people from countries that are part of the program, which, in addition to Brazil, includes Australia, Canada, New Zealand and France.

You must meet the following requirements:

• Be between 18 and 30 years old (or up to 35 years old in some countries);
• Have a valid passport;
• Have no dependents accompanying you on the trip;
• Have sufficient financial resources to support yourself during the trip;
• Have no significant criminal record;
• Prove health insurance for the entire trip;
• Be from one of the countries that are part of the program.

Care when choosing a visa, what you should consider

An assessment process before coming to Brazil is a smart way to avoid future problems. Therefore, check the reason for your visit, that is, the purpose of your trip. Therefore, check:

• Purpose of travel to Brazil;
• How long you need to stay in the country;
• What documents are required for the correct visa;
• Regularize your passport;
• Gather financial proof of subsistence;
• And in some cases, prepare for an interview at Brazilian Embassies or Consulates.

How can a lawyer help a foreigner with their strategy for working in Brazil?

A specialized lawyer understands Brazilian laws and types of visas, and also has direct contact with consulates and embassies. In other words, it’s easier to count on a qualified professional when choosing the right visa, since Brazil offers several types.

In addition, having help when gathering documents and filling out forms avoids additional expenses, such as applying for a visa again.

Therefore, keep in mind:

• Make an estimated assessment of the time you need to stay in Brazil;
• What are your goals in the country;
• Provide your documents to the chosen lawyer;
• Speak to a professional in advance, since visa deadlines can vary depending on the type and also the availability of embassies and consulates.

How a foreigner can work in Brazil

In a country as diverse as Brazil, the doors are open to foreigners who wish to contribute to the social and economic situation. However, the path to working legally requires understanding the visas available. Whether opting for a Work Visa, exploring the flexibility of the Digital Nomad Visa, or investing in the future with Investor Visas, each choice has its own particularities.

In addition, you must remember that regularization is the key to avoiding setbacks, since failure to comply with the rules can result in fines and even deportation. Choosing the right visa, aligned with personal and professional goals, is crucial.

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