Brazil Business Visa — Requirements, Cost, Processing Time
Key highlights
- Covers business meetings, trade fairs, and contract negotiations
- Multiple-entry options often available for frequent travellers
- Validity varies by nationality, often up to 5 or 10 years
- Streamlined 'VIVIS' category for short-term professional visits
- Permits attendance at conferences and corporate seminars
- Allows for prospecting of investment opportunities in Brazil
- Reciprocal fee structures based on the applicant's citizenship
Processing time
10-15 working days
Processing times fluctuate based on the specific consulate and the time of year. Summer and Carnival seasons often see longer wait times.
Estimated cost
$100 - $340
- Consular Fee$80 - $290 (country dependent)
- Service/Processing Fee$20 - $50
Requirements
- Applicant must not receive any payment from a Brazilian source
- Passport must be valid for at least six months from the entry date
- Invitation letter from the Brazilian host organization is mandatory
- Letter from current employer detailing the trip purpose and duration
- Proof of legal status in the country where the application is made
- Clean criminal record may be requested by certain consulates
- Financial self-sufficiency must be demonstrated via bank statements
- Non-refundable visa fee must be paid during the application process
- Completed online visa application form (RER) with uploaded documents
Documents you'll need
- Valid passport with at least two blank pages
- Digital receipt of the online Visa Request Form (RER)
- One recent passport-sized photo (white background)
- A formal invitation letter from the Brazilian host company
- Employment letter from the applicant’s current employer
- Proof of sufficient financial means (bank statements)
- Round-trip flight itinerary or flight reservation
- Proof of residence in the jurisdiction of application
How to apply, step by step
- 1
Complete the Online Application
Visit the official Brazilian government visa portal to fill out the Visa Request Form (RER). Upload digital copies of your photo, signature, and documents.
- 2
Print and Sign the Receipt
Print the Transaction Receipt (RER) generated after the online form submission. You must sign this and attach a physical passport photo to it.
- 3
Locate your Consulate
Check the specific Brazilian Consulate that serves your jurisdiction. Some require appointments, while others operate on a walk-in or mail-in basis.
- 4
Pay the Consular Fee
Pay the consular fee via the method specified by your local mission (often a USPS Money Order or bank transfer). Keep the proof of payment.
- 5
Submit Documentation
Submit your physical passport, the signed RER receipt, and all supporting documents (invitation letter, employer letter, bank statements) to the consulate.
- 6
Wait for Processing
Wait for the visa to be processed. You can usually track the status of your application online using the code provided on your RER receipt.
- 7
Collect Your Visa
Once approved, collect your passport in person or receive it via a pre-paid return envelope if the consulate provides that service.
Tips to avoid refusal
- Ensure the invitation letter from Brazil explicitly mentions that no payment will be made to the applicant locally.
- Upload all documents to the online portal before visiting the consulate to avoid delays.
- Check your passport for 'blank' pages; Brazil requires 'Visas' pages, not 'Amendments' pages.
- Confirm the reciprocal fee for your specific nationality, as these can vary significantly.
- Do not book non-refundable flights until the visa is granted, as processing times are never guaranteed.
- Double-check that the name on your application perfectly matches your passport spelling.
Frequently asked questions
Related visa guides
Visa policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements with the official embassy or consulate before applying. PermitlyHQ provides general guidance and is not a substitute for legal or immigration advice.