Brazil•South AmericaVITEM III — Humanitarian Visa (VITEM III - Acolhida Humanitária)
At a Glance
Renewal
Not renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary visa for nationals from crisis zones (Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, Ukraine) with full work authorization and permanent residency pathway.
The Humanitarian Visa (VITEM III) provides safe haven for individuals fleeing armed conflict, natural disaster, or grave human rights violations. It is open to nationals of countries officially designated as experiencing humanitarian crises—including Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, and Ukraine—reflecting Brazil's commitment to protecting vulnerable populations in crisis.
Valid for 180 days, it converts to temporary residence (2-year status) upon Federal Police registration within 90 days, with a pathway to indefinite residency thereafter. Holders receive full work authorization and spouses may work with legal authorization. Though non-renewable as a temporary permit, it offers a PR pathway through the conversion process.
This visa is ideal for displaced persons from crisis-designated countries seeking legal protection, employment rights, and a path to permanent residence.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 6 months |
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a national or stateless person from a country or region officially designated by the Brazilian government as experiencing a humanitarian crisis (e.g., Haiti, Syria, Afghanistan, Ukraine).
Must demonstrate the need for humanitarian protection.
Must hold a valid travel document (passport).
Must not have a criminal record in the country of residence (in most cases).
Must be able to travel to a designated Brazilian consulate abroad to apply.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport or travel document.
Completed visa application form (RER).
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Criminal record certificate from the country of residence.
Proof of means of transport to Brazil.
Birth certificate (often required for identity verification).
Additional documents as requested by the specific consular authority.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Full work authorization guaranteed under Portaria Interministerial MJSP/MRE nº 60/2025
- Direct pathway to permanent residency after initial 180-day validity
- 180-day single-entry visa converts to 2-year temporary residence on Federal Police registration
- Spouse granted work authorization without restriction
- No visa application fee required
- Access to public healthcare system (SUS) and social services
- Indefinite residence available after 2 years of temporary residence
- Dependents can accompany the visa holder
Worth Knowing
- Qualification limited to nationals of government-designated humanitarian crisis countries
- Must register with Federal Police within 90 days to convert to 2-year temporary residence
- Only accepts applications at specific designated Brazilian consular posts abroad
- Single-entry format requires Federal Police registration to convert to multiple-entry status
- Not renewable after expiry without converting to permanent residency pathway
- Restricted to nationals of specific countries (Afghanistan, Haiti, Syria, Ukraine, etc.)
Application Process
Obtain acceptance letter
From Brazilian educational institution
Prepare documents
Gather all required documents
Complete visa application
Fill out visa application form
Submit to consulate
Apply at Brazilian embassy or consulate
Pay visa fee
Pay application fee
Receive visa
Visa valid for study duration
Register with Federal Police
Complete registration within 30 days if staying over 30 days
Application Forms
| Visa Application Form (formulário de solicitação de visto) | — |
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