Brazil•South AmericaVITEM VII — Work Visa - Employment Contract (VITEM V - Contrato de Trabalho / NR 02)
At a Glance
Varies
USD $100
30 days
Renewable
Renewal
Renewable
Family
Dependents allowed
PR Pathway
Yes
Sponsor
Job offer required
Work
Remote not required
Overview
Temporary work visa for foreign nationals hired under a formal employment contract with a Brazilian company, valid up to 2 years with renewal.
The VITEM V Work Visa for Employment Contracts is a cornerstone of Brazil's labor immigration framework, governed by the Migration Law (Law No. 13.445/2017) and specific Normative Resolutions (notably RN 02/2017). It was established to allow Brazilian companies to hire foreign talent when specific professional skills are not readily available in the local market. This visa fills the gap for long-term, formal employment, ensuring that foreign workers are integrated into the Brazilian labor system with full legal protections, including adherence to the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT).
This visa is for foreign professionals who have secured a formal job offer from a legally established entity in Brazil. The ideal applicant is a skilled worker whose expertise matches the requirements of a specific role that the sponsoring company has justified as necessary. What makes this visa distinctive is the mandatory employer-led sponsorship process, which requires prior authorization from the Ministry of Labor and Employment. Applicants must demonstrate their professional qualifications and commit to working exclusively for the sponsoring employer, ensuring a stable and regulated employment relationship.
Conversion Paths
Visas you can typically switch to from this status.
BrazilVITEM XI — Permanent Residence - Family-Based (Residência Permanente Familiar)
Requirements
PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS
Must be a minister of religion, member of a consecrated life institute, or religious order/congregation.
Must possess theological or academic religious education.
Must have an invitation from a religious institution based in Brazil.
Must not engage in paid employment with a Brazilian entity.
Must have sufficient financial support (provided by the sponsoring institution).
Must have a valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
KEY CRITERIA
Education
bachelor or higher
Experience
1+ years
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Completed and signed Visa Application Form (RER).
Valid passport with at least two blank pages.
Recent passport-sized photograph (white background).
Criminal record certificate (apostilled).
Original invitation letter from the Brazilian religious institution (notarized).
Proof of theological/academic religious education (diplomas/transcripts, apostilled).
Articles of incorporation/bylaws of the Brazilian religious institution.
Proof of legal representation of the Brazilian institution's head officer.
Financial affidavit from the Brazilian institution assuming responsibility for maintenance and repatriation.
Birth certificate (apostilled).
Advantages & Considerations
Key Benefits
- Allows for legal, long-term employment in Brazil.
- Provides full labor rights under Brazilian law.
- Usually valid for up to two years, with the possibility of renewal.
- Can lead to permanent residency after a certain period (typically 2-4 years).
- Allows for multiple entries and exits.
Worth Knowing
- The process is employer-driven; the applicant cannot initiate the work permit independently.
- Strict compliance with Brazilian labor laws is required.
- Processing times for the work permit can take 30–60 days before the visa application can even begin.
- Must register with the Federal Police upon arrival to obtain the CRNM.
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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