Brazil has updated its visitor visa rules to allow foreign nationals to enter the country for technical assistance services or technology transfer activities under contracts, cooperation agreements, or similar arrangements between foreign and Brazilian legal entities.

The change is expected to streamline the entry of foreign investors and specialized professionals whose activities support business operations and technology-driven projects in Brazil.

Brazilian immigration policy is governed by Law No. 13,445/2017, the Migration Law, which sets out the rights and obligations related to the entry and exit of foreign nationals, nationality, naturalization, and the emigration of Brazilian citizens. The law is regulated by Decree No. 9,199/2017, which details the procedures applicable to visas, residence authorizations, and related rights.

The rules applicable to visitor visas were recently amended to include the entry of foreign nationals who come to Brazil to provide technical assistance services or carry out technology transfer activities.

Key Regulatory Change

Following the update, visitor visas may now cover the following activities:

• Business-related activities, including participation in meetings, trade fairs, and corporate events
• Journalistic coverage, filming, and reporting
• Prospecting for business opportunities
• Signing contracts
• Auditing or consulting activities
• Acting as an aircraft or vessel crew member
• Providing technical assistance services or carrying out technology transfer under a contract, cooperation agreement, or similar arrangement between a foreign legal entity and a Brazilian legal entity

For visitor visas granted under these activities, the maximum stay is 90 days and may be extended for an additional 90 days upon request to the Federal Police.

The need to obtain prior authorization or a visitor visa must be assessed according to the foreign national’s country of origin and the applicable rules under the General Visa Regime Table for Entry of Foreign Nationals into Brazil (QGRV).

Entry Procedures and Documentation

For nationals of visa-exempt countries, entry authorization will be processed by the Federal Police upon arrival in Brazil. Where a visa is required, the application must be submitted through MigranteWeb 2.0 or to the Brazilian consulate with jurisdiction abroad.

To enter Brazil and, where applicable, file the visa application, the foreign national must present the following documents:

• Passport
• Proof of means of subsistence, such as a bank statement or other document showing available financial resources
• Proof of flight reservation
• Recent passport-size photograph
• Completed online visa application form
• Contract executed between the Brazilian entity and the foreign entity contracting the foreign national

For technical assistance services, the foreign national must enter Brazil with a return ticket already purchased and health insurance valid for the entire stay, helping mitigate liability risks for the Brazilian entity.

Key Practical Implications

MERCOSUL countries are among those exempt from prior visa requirements. Nationals of these countries may enter Brazil without a visa for up to 90 days for purposes such as tourism, work, and study, among others, with a possible extension of up to 180 days. For longer stays, it is advisable to obtain a residence authorization from the Federal Police, as provided under the MERCOSUL Agreement.

For nationals of countries that require a visa, once the 180-day period extended by the Federal Police has expired, a temporary work visa without an employment relationship will be required, subject to proof of a work offer in Brazil.

The changes represent a relevant step toward greater socioeconomic integration, stronger economic activity, and improved coordination among the authorities responsible for immigration matters.

Recommended Next Steps

Companies that rely on foreign technical assistance or technology transfer activities should:

• Review internal mobility and immigration procedures
• Confirm whether the foreign national’s country of origin is visa-exempt under the QGRV
• Assess whether the activity qualifies for a visitor visa or requires another immigration route