Frequently asked questions about work permits for employees in Brazil
Can employees apply for their own work visas in Brazil?
No. Only an employer can start the visa application process, which requires all work visa applicants to have a job lined up before applying for their Brazilian work visa.
Do US citizens need a work permit to work in Brazil?
Yes. Every foreign national who plans to work in Brazil must have a work visa, even if they're only taking short, temporary business trips into the country.
What documents are required to apply for a Brazilian work permit?
Before applying for a Brazilian work permit, a foreign worker needs a resident visa and a work contract with an employer that already has a legal presence in Brazil (either through their own entity or an EOR).
Then, their employer can start the application process.
The employer needs the following documents:
- Work Permit Application Form
- Applicant and Candidate Form
- Documentation showing the legal status of the business entity sponsoring the visa (company statutes or contractual alterations registered with the Commercial Board or Public Civil Registry and a copy of the National Legal Entity Registration Card)
- Documentation showing a legal representative has been appointed for the employer
- Documentation showing that the employer will take responsibility for medical and/or hospital expenses for the employee
- Documentation of state revenue collection (GRU) including proof of payment of immigration tax
- Proof that the employee's pay is no higher than that of the highest paid by the company for the same role
- An employment contract (signed by both parties) for a term no longer than two years
The employee needs these required documents:
- All addresses where they will live and work in Brazil
- An authorized copy of their passport
- Proof of education and relevant professional experience
What’s the fastest way to get a work permit in Brazil?
There's no way to rush the process of getting a work visa in Brazil. Luckily, processing times for Brazilian visas tend to be shorter than in many other countries, averaging a few weeks at most.
How much does it cost to get a Brazil work permit?
There is no standard visa application fee in Brazil—the cost of applying for a work permit depends on the applicant's home country. For US citizens, it costs $290. For UK citizens, $225. No matter where the applicant is from, the cost of the permit shouldn't exceed a few hundred US dollars.
Keep in mind that in addition to work visa fees, employers are required to pay immigration taxes when they bring a foreign national to Brazil to work.
Are family members included in work visa applications in Brazil?
A Brazilian work visa may allow the applicant to bring dependents with them to Brazil. Dependents are:
- Unmarried children under 18 years of age
- Ascendents or descendants of any age, if the applicant must support them
- Siblings, grandchildren, or great-grandchildren under 18 who are orphaned, or of any age if they cannot care for themselves
- Spouse or partner of any sex
Dependents of work visa holders may also legally work in Brazil, provided they are over 16 years of age.
How long is a Brazilian work visa valid?
A temporary work visa is valid for two years.
How do you renew your Brazilian work permit?
If an employee's work permit is set to expire or they change employers, they can submit a new application for a work permit. Temporary work permits can be renewed only once in Brazil, for an additional two years. After that, the visa holder must apply for permanent residency if they wish to stay in Brazil.
Hire and set up employees in Brazil with Rippling
Whether you’re a Brazilian employer or based overseas, Rippling can help you hire, onboard, and set up employees in Brazil within minutes.
- Onboard employees and contractors in 90 seconds.
- Sponsor work visas in Brazil with Rippling’s immigration services, backed by top-tier legal advisers.
- Manage HR, IT, and Finance in one unified system.
