Visitor Visa or Temporary Visa: understand the differences between Brazilian visas and know which one to apply for

The best way to avoid having your Brazilian visa application denied is to understand which visa category best fits your objectives during your stay in Brazil.Below, we explain two types of visas that often cause confusion among applicants.

Visitor Visa

The visitor visa is intended for foreign nationals who wish to enter Brazil without the intention of establishing residence, for short-term stays.

This visa category is suitable for those who plan to travel to Brazil for purposes such as tourism, meetings, trade fairs, business prospecting, contract signing, international transit, participation in academic, scientific, or cultural events, as well as artistic or sports activities without an employment relationship in Brazil.

The authorized stay is up to 90 days, with the possibility of requesting an extension for an additional 90 days, for a maximum total stay of 180 days.

The visitor visa must be applied for at a Brazilian consulate or embassy abroad, and any request for extension must be submitted to the Brazilian Federal Police, in Brazil.

Temporary Visa

The temporary visa, in turn, is intended for foreign nationals who wish to establish residence in Brazil for a fixed period, even if not permanently.

The main purposes provided by law include: employment (with or without an employment contract), study (undergraduate, graduate, or exchange programs), research, teaching or academic extension activities, investment in Brazil, or family reunification.

Depending on the purpose, the temporary visa may be valid for up to one year. It should not be confused with a residence authorization, which is granted after entry into Brazil.

Those who enter Brazil with a temporary visa are required, once in the country, to register with the Brazilian Federal Police and apply for their National Migratory Registration Card (CRNM).

The temporary visa must be requested at a Brazilian consulate or embassy abroad. However, in specific situations, Brazilian law allows the foreign national to apply for a residence authorization directly in Brazil, even if they entered the country as a visitor.

To determine which type of visa best suits your needs, it is recommended that you consult an attorney specialized in Brazilian immigration law or contact a Brazilian consulate.

If you need assistance, we have a team of immigration attorneys specialized in Brazil, available to assist you in English, Spanish, or French.

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