Brazil•South AmericaVITEM IV — Internship & Trainee Residence (Autorização de Residência - Estágio/Trainee)
At a Glance
1–2 months
Not confirmed
Varies by consulate
1 year
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
None
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary residence authorization for foreign students or recent graduates undertaking supervised internships or trainee programs at Brazilian organizations.
The residence authorization for internship and trainee programs is regulated under the framework of the 2017 Migration Law and its associated decrees, specifically designed to facilitate international professional and academic exchange. It was established to allow foreign students and recent graduates to gain practical experience within Brazilian companies, fostering knowledge transfer and cultural exchange. By providing a clear legal path for these activities, Brazil aims to integrate into the global talent market while ensuring that these temporary stays are properly documented and aligned with educational or professional development goals.
This authorization is for foreign nationals who are either enrolled in higher education institutions abroad or are recent graduates seeking professional development in Brazil. The applicant must have a formal internship or trainee agreement signed by the student, the host company in Brazil, and, where applicable, the educational institution. It is distinctive because it bridges the gap between academic theory and professional practice, allowing companies to host international talent for specific, time-bound programs that enhance the participant's career prospects and promote international cooperation.
Stay & Extensions
| Initial grant | 1 year |
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BrazilVITEM VII — Work Visa - Employment Contract (VITEM V - Contrato de Trabalho / NR 02)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
For Academic Internships: Must be a student regularly enrolled in a foreign higher education institution or have completed a degree within the last year.
For Professional Internships/Trainee: Must be part of a professional exchange program offered by an employer established in Brazil.
Must have a formal internship agreement (Termo de Compromisso) signed by the student, the host company, and the educational institution (or exchange program manager).
Must possess a passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry.
Must provide proof of sufficient financial resources to cover stay and living expenses.
Must provide a criminal record certificate from the country of origin or residence for the last five years.
Must have valid health insurance coverage for the duration of the stay in Brazil.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Valid passport (at least 6 months validity).
Completed visa application form (RER).
Proof of enrollment in a foreign higher education institution or proof of degree completion.
Formal internship agreement (Termo de Compromisso de Estágio).
Criminal record certificate (apostilled/legalized).
Proof of financial means (bank statements, scholarship letter, etc.).
International health insurance policy.
Proof of payment of consular fees.
Passport-sized photographs.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Provides legal authorization to gain professional experience in a Brazilian company.
- Facilitates cultural immersion and language acquisition.
- Can serve as a pathway to future employment opportunities within Brazil.
- Allows for professional development in a globalized market environment.
Worth Knowing
- The internship must be strictly educational or professional training; it is not a standard work visa.
- Visa fees and processing times vary significantly by consulate and nationality.
- The internship agreement must comply with Brazilian labor laws (Lei de Estágio - Lei 11.788/2008).
- Residency authorization is usually temporary and tied to the duration of the internship program.
- Failure to register with the Federal Police after arrival can lead to fines or legal complications.
Application Process
Verify specific requirements with the Brazilian consulate in the country of residence.
Complete the online visa application form (Protocolo Web) on the official government portal.
Gather all required documentation, ensuring foreign documents are apostilled or legalized as required.
Pay the applicable visa processing fees.
Submit the application and documentation to the Brazilian consulate (or via the MigranteWeb system if applying for residency while already in Brazil).
Upon approval, receive the visa or residency authorization.
If entering with a visa, register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) within 90 days of arrival to obtain the National Migration Registration Card (CRNM).
Related visas
More visas in Brazil
Work visas in other countries
- Job Seeker Visa (D-10)
South Korea
- Intracompany Transferee - Specialized Knowledge
United States
- Technical Assistance Visa (Visa V de Asistencia Técnica)
Colombia
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