Brazil•South AmericaVITEM I — Research, Teaching & Academic Extension Visa (VITEM I - Pesquisa, Ensino ou Extensão Acadêmica)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $100
Up to 2 years
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
No job offer needed
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary visa for researchers, professors, and academics conducting research, teaching, or academic extension activities in Brazil for periods exceeding 90 days.
VITEM I is Brazil's temporary visa for researchers, professors, and academics conducting research, teaching, or extension exceeding 90 days. Governed by Normative Resolutions 27/2018 (non-contract track) and 24/2018 (contract track), it supports international academic exchange with two distinct authorization pathways.
Permits stays up to 2 years from first entry; Federal Police registration required within 90 days. Without a contract, paid employment is prohibited; allowances, reimbursement, and competition prizes are permitted. With a contract, work requires prior Ministry of Justice authorization. Fee USD 100; renewable with permanent residency pathway; dependents permitted.
This visa is ideal for visiting researchers, international professors, and academic scientists invited by Brazilian institutions for collaborative research or teaching.
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Researchers, scientists, or professors visiting Brazil for academic research, teaching, or academic extension.
Must be affiliated with an institution (or be a beneficiary of a scholarship) or be part of an international agreement.
Can be with or without an employment contract in Brazil.
If the stay is 90 days or less, a VIVIS (Visitor Visa) may be more appropriate.
If there is a local employment contract, prior authorization from the Ministry of Justice and Public Security is required.
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Visa Application Form (RER) receipt.
Valid passport (at least two blank pages).
Recent passport-style photo.
Proof of academic/research purpose (e.g., invitation letter, research project description).
Proof of financial means or scholarship/funding declaration.
Criminal background check (if applicable).
Birth or marriage certificate (apostilled/legalized).
Proof of residence.
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Up to 2 years residence permit enables extended academic tenure in Brazil.
- No employment contract required for research, teaching, and academic extension.
- Spouse can work without restrictions, giving family full employment rights.
- Long-term renewable status allows stays beyond the initial 1-year visa validity.
- Direct pathway to permanent residency available for qualifying applicants.
- Can receive allowances, competition prizes, and expense compensation without contract.
- Official recognition of international scientific and academic cooperation missions.
Worth Knowing
- Paid employment requires prior authorization from Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
- Federal Police registration mandatory within 30 days of arrival for stays exceeding 30 days.
- Fees are non-refundable even if the visa is denied.
- No paid employment without contract authorization—violations risk visa cancellation.
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
| Student Visa Application Form | — |
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