What documents are required for a foreigner to work in Brazil?

Learn which documents are required for a foreigner to work legally in Brazil, whether they are immigrants, refugees, or asylum seekers.

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

Foreign Work Permit in Brazil

Companies in Brazil interested in hiring foreign workers, whether permanent or temporary, must apply to the Ministry of Labor for a foreign work permit in Brazil. With this permit, the company must demonstrate the need for the foreigner’s qualifications for the activity being performed.

This process is completed electronically. A series of documents are required to be submitted throughout the process. The estimated response time from the Ministry of Labor is between 15 and 30 calendar days.

When reviewing the application, the compatibility between the qualifications and professional experience with the future activities performed at the company will be assessed, allowing the foreigner to work in Brazil. This proof is provided through diplomas, certificates, or statements from entities where the professional has worked.

Employment Contract between the Parties

The request for authorization to obtain a temporary visa will be analyzed by the Ministry of Labor upon presentation of an Employment Contract signed between the parties.

This employment contract must contain the minimum required clauses and be for a specified term. Furthermore, it must comply with the rules set forth in the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT).

Normative Resolution No. 2/2017 presents three employment contract templates with mandatory clauses in its appendices, assisting interested parties in the process.

Other Documents for Foreigners to Work in Brazil

In addition to the employment contract signed by both parties, foreigners must also submit several documents to the Ministry of Labor, in accordance with Normative Resolution No. 1/2017. Below, we list the documents required for foreigners to work in Brazil, both for individuals and legal entities.

Required Documents for Individuals

• Residence Permit Application Form — signed by the individual or legal representative;
• A valid travel document or other document proving your identity and nationality;
• A document proving your parentage;
• Identification document;
• Proof of election or appointment of your legal representative, duly registered with the appropriate agency;
• Indication or copy of the Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF);
• Power of attorney if the applicant is represented by a proxy;
• Federal Tax Collection Form with proof of payment;
• Criminal record clearance certificate or equivalent document issued by the competent judicial authority where the applicant has resided for the last five years;
• Declaration under penalty of law, in the absence of a criminal record clearance certificate in any country.

Documents in a foreign language must be translated by a sworn public translator. They must then have a certificate, called a Hague Apostille, which will validate these translated documents. Generally, The Hague Apostille seal can be included on the document in the same places where signatures are authenticated — in Brazil, this can be done at notary offices, for example.

Documents Required for Legal Entities (Companies, etc.)

For foreigners working in Brazil, if a legal entity is involved, they must also include the same documents listed above. However, instead of the CPF (Individual Taxpayer Registry) and identification document, they must include the CNPJ (National Registry of Legal Entities) and the legal act governing the legal entity, respectively.

Documents in a foreign language must also be apostilled according to The Hague Apostille.

Residence Visa for Brazil

With the authorization for the foreigner to work in Brazil in hand, it’s time to apply for a residence visa. Visas are obtained at Brazilian Embassies or Consulates abroad. To apply, the following documents are required:

• Passport valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Brazil;
• Copy of the applicant’s birth certificate;
• Signed visa application form;
• A biometric photo measuring 3.5 x 4.5 cm: the photo must be pasted onto the form;
• A criminal record certificate issued within the last 90 days;
• It’s recommended that applicants obtain international health insurance;
• Consular fees: may vary by country and region.

Foreigner’s Identity Card

Once a foreigner has their permanent or temporary visa approved, they must apply for their National Migration Registration Card (CRNM) at the Federal Police. The CRNM is the former National Foreigner Registry (RNE) and was replaced by the new Migration Law of 2017.

The National Migration Registration (RNM) is mandatory for those with a temporary visa. It’s important to note that the RNM is different from the CRNM, as the former is the numerical registration that allows the foreigner to be identified, while the latter is the physical identification document. Therefore, every CRNM contains the RNM number printed on it.

For foreigners to work in Brazil, they must apply for their RNM upon arrival in the country. The maximum application period is 90 days from arrival in Brazil. Not all Federal Police units offer this service, so it’s necessary to inquire in advance on the official website. Additionally, it is necessary to schedule an appointment through the website.

Once your appointment is scheduled, you must bring the following documents with you on the day:

• A completed application form, available on the website;
• Two recent 3×4 color photos with a white background;
• Proof of contact details and email address;
• Copy of proof of residence;
• Document proving identity and nationality;
• Birth or marriage certificate;
• Original visa application/visa consultation form at the STI, as applicable;
• Proof of payment of the fee, when applicable.

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