Brazil Visas

Brazil's immigration system is governed by the Migration Law of 2017 (Law 13.445/2017), administered jointly by the Ministry of Justice's National Immigration Coordination (CGIG) and the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Brazilian consulates abroad issue entry visas and authorisations; the Federal Police register foreign nationals after arrival, issue the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), and manage residence-permit conversions. The Federal Revenue (Receita Federal) issues the CPF tax identification number that gates banking, real estate, and most regular life in Brazil.

The 2017 reform shifted Brazilian migration policy from a control-and-deport mindset to a rights-based residence framework. There are now two main categories: Visa (Visto) for entries lasting up to a defined period, and Residence (Residência) for longer or permanent stays. Residence permits are granted on broad humanitarian, family, work, study, retirement, and investment grounds. The visa exemption framework (Acordo de Isenção de Vistos) covers more than 90 nationalities for tourism and short business stays — typically 90 days renewable to 180 days within a 12-month window.

What makes Brazil distinctive is the mercosur framework: nationals of MERCOSUR member and associated states (Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Guyana, Suriname) can apply for a 2-year temporary residence based purely on nationality, convertible to permanent after 2 years. This is one of the most liberal regional migration regimes in the world. The guides in this hub focus on the documentation choreography between the consulate, the Federal Police, and the Receita Federal.

After arrival, the administrative sequence is what most newcomers underestimate. Within 90 days of entry on a residence visa, you must register with the Federal Police, generate a CRNM (residence card), obtain a CPF tax identification number from the Receita Federal, and — if working — sign an electronic CTPS labour contract. Failing to register on time can convert an approved residence into an irregular stay, requiring a fine and re-registration. Most steps now run through the SISMigra and gov.br portals, replacing the older paper-based queue model that dominated through 2019.