Visit Visa - Business (VIVIS) — Brazil

The Brazil business visa is issued abroad by a Brazilian consulate for business-related activities. You must meet the legal conditions for admission, and the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) oversees immigration control after entry.

What the visa is

The business visa is an authorization placed in your passport by a Brazilian consulate outside Brazil. It gives you the expectation of entry and stay for business, provided you comply with Brazilian law and any visa conditions.

A visa does not guarantee entry. The Federal Police (PF) controls admission at the border and manages immigration inside Brazil.

You should distinguish the business visa from other categories:

If your activities don't fit business purposes, apply under the correct category.

Who it’s for

Apply for a Brazil business visa if you plan to travel for legitimate business activities that don't fit tourism or other specific temporary visa categories.

This visa is appropriate if:

• Your trip is for business.
• You apply through a Brazilian consulate abroad.
• You meet the legal requirements for admission.

It is not appropriate if your purpose matches another defined category, such as:

• Tourism → Visit Visa - Tourism (VIVIS)
• Investment activities → Temporary Visa - Investor (VITEM IX)
• Artistic or athletic performance → Temporary Visa - Artist/Athlete (VITEM III)
• Research activities → Temporary Visa - Researcher (VITEM I)

Some applicants may encounter references to systems like the Form RER-Visa, depending on how their application is processed. The consulate determines visa issuance, and the PF handles immigration control after you arrive.

Your Brazil business visa limits what you can do in the country and how long you can remain. You must follow the activity restrictions tied to your visa category and complete registration with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) if required.

Failing to comply with these conditions can lead to fines, cancellation of your visa, or removal from Brazil.

Allowed activities

A Brazil business visa generally permits short-term, non-remunerated business activities. You may attend business meetings and negotiations, participate in conferences, trade fairs, or seminars, explore investment or commercial opportunities, conduct market research, or sign contracts on behalf of a foreign employer.

You cannot perform paid work for a Brazilian entity under a standard Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS) issued for business purposes. If you plan to receive compensation in Brazil or provide ongoing services, you need a different category.

The table below clarifies how business activities differ from other visa types:

If your activities exceed meetings or exploratory visits, apply for the appropriate Temporary Visa through a Brazilian consulate.

Maximum stay

Your permitted stay depends on the visa issued by the Brazilian consulate. The visa stamp specifies the authorized duration and number of entries.

A Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS) for business typically grants short-term stays. You must respect the period granted at entry and any cumulative stay limits shown in your visa.

If you hold a Temporary Visa (such as VITEM IX, VITEM I, or VITEM III), you must enter Brazil within the validity period shown on the visa, register with the Federal Police (PF) after arrival if required, and maintain the activity that justified your visa.

Overstaying can result in daily fines in BRL (R$) and restrictions on future entry. The PF calculates penalties and records violations in your immigration file.

Always confirm your authorized stay period with the issuing consulate and the Federal Police upon arrival.

You must be a foreign national to apply for a Brazil business visa. Brazilian consulates issue visas abroad, and the Federal Police (Polícia Federal – PF) manages immigration registration inside Brazil.

Eligibility depends on your purpose of travel and the visa category you select.

Who can apply

You can apply if you are a foreign citizen seeking entry to Brazil for business-related activities.

Brazil offers different visa categories based on your intended activity. For short business visits, you may fall under the Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS) if your activities qualify. For longer or activity-specific stays, other temporary visas may apply.

Examples include:

• Temporary Visa – Investor (VITEM IX)
• Temporary Visa – Researcher (VITEM I)
• Temporary Visa – Artist/Athlete (VITEM III)
• Form RER-Visa

Brazilian citizens cannot apply for a Brazilian visa. Permanent residents of Brazil do not apply for entry visas but may have separate registration requirements with the Federal Police (PF).

You must apply through a Brazilian consulate abroad. After entering Brazil, complete any required immigration registration with the PF.

Check eligibility categories

Choose the visa category that matches your exact purpose of travel. Brazil does not issue a single “business visa” for all activities.

Review your intended activities and compare them with the appropriate visa type:

• Short-term business meetings or visits → Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS), if applicable
• Investment activities → Temporary Visa – Investor (VITEM IX)
• Research activities → Temporary Visa – Researcher (VITEM I)
• Artistic or athletic engagements → Temporary Visa – Artist/Athlete (VITEM III)
• Other specific regulated activities → RER-Visa, where applicable

If you are unsure which category fits your situation, confirm directly with the Brazilian consulate handling your application. Each visa type has its own requirements and documentation standards.

Some business activities fit the standard application, but others involve multiple authorities or specialized visa categories.

You need to know which office handles your filing and when your case requires extra documentation or coordination.

Situations that may need expert help

Consider professional guidance if your activities do not clearly fit a Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS) and may require a temporary category instead.

This comes up if you plan to apply for:

• Temporary Visa – Investor (VITEM IX)
• Temporary Visa – Artist/Athlete (VITEM III)
• Temporary Visa – Researcher (VITEM I)
• Form RER-Visa

Each category demands specific supporting documents tied to your stay’s purpose.

You must submit documentation matching the visa type requested, not just a general business explanation.

Help may also be needed if you are filing directly with the Polícia Federal (PF) inside Brazil.

PF uses its own application form and expects documentation tailored to your visa category.

If your case involves a change in status, confusion about category selection, or uncertainty about which temporary visa applies, a professional review can reduce errors and delays.

Which authority handles filings

Brazil uses different authorities depending on where you apply.

If you apply abroad, a Brazilian consulate issues the visa.

If you are already in Brazil and need to register or file documents, you work directly with the Federal Police (PF).

PF handles immigration registration and processes filings submitted inside Brazil.

You must use the appropriate PF form when filing domestically, along with documents specific to your visa type.

When unsure about jurisdiction, confirm whether your step involves visa issuance (consulate) or in-country processing (PF).

A Brazilian consulate decides your business visa application based on its review of your documents and stated purpose.

Approval is never automatic, even with a complete VIVIS business application.

Decision is at officer’s discretion

When you apply for a Visit Visa – Tourism (VIVIS) for business activities, the consular officer makes the final decision.

Submitting the correct forms and supporting documents does not guarantee approval.

The officer evaluates whether your planned activities fit within the scope of a short-term business visit.

If your purpose appears closer to long-term work, investment, research, or performance, the officer may determine that a different category is more appropriate, such as:

If your activities do not align with VIVIS business parameters, the officer can refuse the application.

Brazilian consulates issue visas abroad, and their determination controls whether you may travel for business purposes.

Common review focus

Consular officers focus on whether your stated business purpose is clear, specific, and consistent across your application.

You should ensure:

• Your described activities match a short-term business visit.
• Your documentation supports the purpose you claim.
• Your plans do not suggest employment or residence in Brazil.

Officers also look at whether your profile fits the visa category you selected.

If your role resembles that of an investor, researcher, or performer, they may expect you to apply under VITEM IX, VITEM I, or VITEM III instead of VIVIS.

After entry, the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) (PF) handles immigration registration inside Brazil when required.

However, the consulate’s initial decision determines whether you receive the visa.

You must present a coherent and accurate application.

Any mismatch between your stated purpose and your supporting documents can affect the outcome.