---
title: "Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide"
description: "Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) 2026 guide: employer sponsorship, MTE approval, documents, processing time, costs, validity, dependents, and how it compares to VITEM XIV."
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og_type: "website"
og_title: "Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide"
og_description: "Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) 2026 guide: employer sponsorship, MTE approval, documents, processing time, costs, validity, dependents, and how it compares to VITEM XIV."
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crawl_date: 2026-09-27
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language: "en-US"
author: "Camila Araujo Mota"
author_credential: "OAB-licensed Brazilian Immigration Lawyer (OAB/CE 50.065)"
author_profile: "https://getbrazilvisa.com/camila-araujo-mota"
reviewed_by: "Camila Araujo Mota"
publisher: "GetBrazilVisa"
source: "https://getbrazilvisa.com, Path B build-time prerender"
---
Last updated: September 9, 2026

# Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide

An educational guide to Brazil's employer-sponsored work visa: the legal basis, who qualifies, documents, the Ministry of Labor authorization process, processing time, costs, and how it compares to the Digital Nomad Visa.

## Quick Answer

The **Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)** is a temporary residence visa for foreign nationals hired by a **Brazilian employer**. It requires prior **work authorization from the Ministry of Labor** (CGIL), is issued at a Brazilian consulate abroad, and is **valid for up to 2 years, renewable**. Total processing typically takes **30-90 days**. Legal basis: **Lei 13.445/2017** and CNIg Normative Resolutions. Self-sponsored remote workers should use the **VITEM XIV** instead.

## We Handle Four Residency Routes. The Work Visa Is Not One of Them

GetBrazilVisa handles the digital nomad (VITEM XIV), retirement, marriage and family reunion, and investor routes for foreigners moving to Brazil. This guide explains the Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) for educational purposes. The work visa needs a Brazilian employer as sponsor, and we don't apply for it. Our co-founder Camila Araujo Mota, OAB-licensed immigration lawyer, can refer your case to a trusted work visa specialist in her professional network.

![Camila Araujo Mota, OAB-licensed Brazilian immigration lawyer](https://getbrazilvisa.com/assets/camila-headshot-BJfahbXt.webp)

Written by Camila Araujo Mota

OAB-Licensed Immigration Lawyer · [OAB/CE 50.065](https://cna.oab.org.br/) · VITEM XIV Specialist

Talk to a Brazil Work Visa Specialist

Camila (OAB-licensed Brazilian immigration lawyer) reviews your situation and refers you to a trusted work-visa specialist in her network. No fees for the referral.

### Need help with your Brazil Work Visa?

Answer a few questions in the client app and Camila Araujo Mota, OAB-licensed Brazilian immigration lawyer, tells you which Brazil visa fits your situation and what it takes. Initial assessment at no cost.

Find the right Brazil visa for me

## What is the Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)?

The **VITEM V** is Brazil's primary temporary visa for foreign nationals coming to Brazil to perform paid work for a Brazilian employer. It is one of the temporary visa classes (VITEMs I through XIV) created under **Lei 13.445/2017**, Brazil's Migration Law, and regulated in detail by the Normative Resolutions of the Conselho Nacional de Imigração (CNIg) and the Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral (CGIL) under the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MTE).

Unlike the [Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV)](https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-digital-nomad-visa), which is self-sponsored and reserved for remote workers paid by foreign companies, the VITEM V is **strictly employer-sponsored**. A Brazilian company (or a Brazilian subsidiary of a foreign company) must file a work authorization request with the Ministry of Labor before the foreign worker can apply for the visa at a Brazilian consulate abroad. The visa is tied to the employment relationship. When the contract ends, the visa is no longer valid.

VITEM V covers a wide range of work arrangements: standard employment contracts, intra-company transfers (where a foreign multinational sends an executive or technician to its Brazilian subsidiary), technical assistance contracts under technology transfer agreements, and contracts for highly qualified professionals. Each scenario falls under a specific Normative Resolution that governs eligibility, salary thresholds, and document requirements.

**Legal Basis at a Glance.** VITEM V is created by Article 14 of Lei 13.445/2017. The procedural rules are set out in CNIg Normative Resolutions, notably Resolution CNIg 02/2017 (standard employer-sponsored employment contracts), Resolution CNIg 04/2017 (technicians under technology transfer agreements), and Resolution CNIg 11/2017 (executives and directors under qualifying foreign investment, which also covers intragroup transfers). Resolution CNIg 01/2017 sets the general procedural framework these category-specific resolutions build on. Brazil's Ministry of Labor maintains an updated list at gov.br/trabalho-e-emprego.

## Who Qualifies for the Brazil Work Visa?

To qualify for a VITEM V, three conditions must be met simultaneously: a **valid Brazilian employer** willing and able to sponsor the application, a **qualified foreign worker** with the credentials, experience, or specialization the role requires, and a **compensation package** compatible with the position and the Brazilian labor market.

### Employer Eligibility

The sponsoring company must be a Brazilian legal entity with a valid CNPJ (corporate taxpayer number) and be current on its federal tax and labor obligations. The company must also comply with the **two-thirds rule** under Articles 352-358 of the Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT): at least two-thirds of employees and two-thirds of total payroll value must be paid to Brazilian nationals. Companies that fail this test are typically denied work authorizations for new foreign hires.

### Worker Eligibility

The foreign worker must demonstrate that they possess the qualifications, professional experience, or technical knowledge required for the position. In practice, this is shown through:

-   University diploma and academic transcripts (apostilled and translated)
-   At least 2 years of professional experience in the field, or 9 years for technicians under Resolution 02/2017
-   Professional certifications relevant to the role (for example, OAB for lawyers, CRM for doctors. Most regulated professions in Brazil require local professional council registration before practising)
-   Clean criminal record from country of residence

### Salary Compatibility

There is no single statutory minimum salary for VITEM V, but the offered compensation must be compatible with the position, with the worker's qualifications, and with prevailing Brazilian labor market rates. For highly qualified professionals, market practice is that the salary substantially exceeds twice the Brazilian minimum wage (the national monthly minimum wage is updated annually by federal decree). For executive intragroup transfers, the salary threshold is materially higher and is set by the applicable Normative Resolution.

## Documents Required for the Brazil Work Visa

The VITEM V documentation falls into three groups: documents the **employer** provides for the Ministry of Labor authorization, documents the **worker** provides for both the authorization and the consular visa, and the **employment contract** that connects them. Every document originating outside Brazil must be **apostilled under the Hague Convention** and **translated to Portuguese by a sworn translator** (tradutor juramentado).

### Employer Documents

-   Cartão CNPJ (corporate taxpayer card), current
-   Contrato social or estatuto social (articles of incorporation) with all amendments
-   Certidão Negativa de Débitos (CND), federal tax clearance
-   Certificado de Regularidade do FGTS (CRF), proof of good standing on the workers' severance fund
-   Justification letter explaining why the foreign hire is necessary
-   Organizational chart and payroll proportion documentation (for the two-thirds rule)

### Worker Documents

-   Passport with at least 6 months of validity beyond the intended date of entry
-   University diploma and transcripts (apostilled, translated)
-   Professional experience letters from previous employers (apostilled, translated)
-   Criminal record certificate from country of residence, issued within the last 90 days (apostilled, translated)
-   Birth certificate (apostilled, translated), required for Federal Police registration in Brazil
-   Marriage certificate, if applicable (apostilled, translated)
-   Recent passport-style photographs per the consulate's specifications
-   Visa application form generated through the e-Consular system (e-Cônsul)

### The Employment Contract

The contract is the connective tissue between worker and employer in the file. It must be signed by both parties, specify the position, salary, duration, place of work, and contain the standard repatriation clauses required under Brazilian labor regulations for foreign workers (the employer commits to covering the cost of repatriation at the end of the contract).

## Step-by-Step Application Process

The VITEM V application is sequential. Each phase must complete before the next begins. Skipping ahead (for example, the worker applying at the consulate before the authorization is published) is the most common cause of delay and rejection.

### Step 1: Ministry of Labor (MTE) Authorization Request

The Brazilian employer files the work authorization request electronically through the Ministry of Labor's digital portal. The filing includes the employer documents, the signed employment contract, the worker documents, and the justification letter. Filing fees apply at the federal level (the Guia de Recolhimento da União, GRU).

### Step 2: CGIL Review and Decision

The Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral reviews the file against the applicable Normative Resolution. The review checks employer good standing, worker qualifications, salary compatibility, and compliance with the two-thirds rule. CGIL may request additional information; responding promptly is critical.

### Step 3: Publication in the Diário Oficial da União

Once approved, the authorization is published in Brazil's federal official gazette (DOU). The DOU publication date triggers a 90-day window in which the worker must apply for the visa at the consulate.

### Step 4: Consular Visa Application

The worker books an appointment at the Brazilian consulate with jurisdiction over their place of residence, completes the e-Cônsul form, and submits the application with apostilled documents, the published authorization, the consular fee, and any consulate- specific extras (passport-format photos, residence proof in the consular district).

### Step 5: Visa Issuance and Entry to Brazil

The consulate issues the VITEM V as a sticker in the passport, with a defined validity for entry (commonly 90 days from issuance). The worker enters Brazil within that window.

### Step 6: Federal Police Registration (within 90 days of entry)

The worker must register with the Polícia Federal within 90 days of entry to receive the **CRNM** (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório), the physical residence card. The CRNM is required to sign an employment contract on the books, open a Brazilian bank account, and obtain a CPF if not already issued.

**Missing the 90-day Federal Police window** results in administrative fines and complicates future renewals. Set a calendar reminder the day you land. Cannot find a slot? [Vagalerta books it for you](https://vagalerta.com/en/#book). R$ 99, paid after the booking exists.

## Processing Time

Total processing time for a VITEM V is typically **30 to 90 days**, but can extend further for complex cases. The two main phases each have their own timeline:

| Phase | Typical Duration | Notes |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Ministry of Labor authorization (CGIL) | 30-60 days | Faster under the simplified procedures for highly qualified professionals |
| DOU publication | 1-3 days after approval | Triggers the 90-day window to apply at the consulate |
| Consular visa issuance | 5-20 business days | Varies by consulate workload and country |
| Federal Police registration (in Brazil) | Same-day to 60 days for CRNM card | Must initiate within 90 days of entry |

Factors that extend processing include incomplete employer documentation, missing apostilles or translations, requests for additional information from CGIL, regulated professions requiring local council pre-registration, and consulates with high caseloads.

## Costs (Market Rates)

VITEM V costs are split between government fees (paid in Brazil and at the consulate) and professional services (apostille, sworn translation, and legal fees). The following are typical market ranges; GetBrazilVisa does not invoice for VITEM V services.

| Item | Typical Range | Paid By |
| --- | --- | --- |
| GRU: federal authorization filing fee | R$168-500 | Employer |
| Consular visa fee | US$80-290 (varies by reciprocity) | Worker (often reimbursed by employer) |
| Hague Apostille, per document | US$10-100 per document | Worker |
| Sworn translation (Portuguese) | R$60-150 per page | Worker / Employer |
| Brazilian immigration lawyer (employer side) | R$5,000-25,000+ per case | Employer |
| Federal Police registration fees | R$200-300 | Worker |

In practice, the employer absorbs the bulk of VITEM V costs : the federal filing, the corporate lawyer, and often the consular fee. The worker typically pays for personal document apostille, translations, and Federal Police fees.

## Validity and Renewal

The initial VITEM V is granted for up to **2 years**, aligned with the duration of the employment contract. It can be **extended for an additional 2 years** provided the employment relationship continues and the employer remains in good standing. After the temporary period (typically 4 years total), the worker can apply for **permanent residence** (residência por prazo indeterminado) at the Federal Police.

Renewals must be filed at the Federal Police **before the current authorization expires**. Late filings result in fines and, in some cases, the requirement to leave Brazil and reapply from abroad. The renewal file includes updated employer documents, continuation of the employment contract, and confirmation that all CRNM data is current.

**Time on VITEM V counts toward naturalization.** Brazilian law allows naturalization after 4 years of continuous residence (reduced to 1 year for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries and spouses of Brazilian citizens). VITEM V time counts. Permanent residence after the temporary period is the typical bridge.

## Dependents: Spouse and Children

The primary VITEM V holder's dependents apply for **VITEM XI (family reunification)** visas tied to the primary visa. Eligible dependents include:

-   Spouse, including registered same-sex partners and stable unions (união estável) properly documented
-   Dependent children under 18 years of age
-   Children up to 24 if enrolled in higher education and financially dependent
-   Dependent parents who can demonstrate economic dependency on the primary holder

Each dependent files their own application with apostilled proof of the family relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, stable union certificate), apostilled criminal record (for dependents over 18), and a copy of the primary holder's visa or CRNM. Dependents receive validity periods matching the primary holder. Spouse dependents on VITEM XI are permitted to work in Brazil under Lei 13.445/2017's general residence-authorization work rights, once they register a CTPS (Carteira de Trabalho).

## Common Rejection Reasons

The Ministry of Labor rejects or shelves VITEM V authorization requests for a predictable set of reasons. Knowing them in advance is the difference between a 30-day approval and a 4-month back-and-forth:

-   **Two-thirds rule failure.** The sponsoring company is below the 2/3 Brazilian-employee threshold or the 2/3 payroll value threshold under CLT Articles 352-358.
-   **Salary deemed incompatible.** The offered compensation is judged below market for the position or below the threshold in the applicable Normative Resolution.
-   **Insufficient justification.** The employer cannot demonstrate why a foreign hire is necessary rather than a qualified Brazilian candidate. This is particularly common when local talent is plausibly available.
-   **Missing or expired tax clearance (CND).** Employers must be current on federal taxes and FGTS; any past-due balance halts the file.
-   **Missing apostille or translation.** Foreign documents without Hague apostille or without a Portuguese sworn translation are not accepted.
-   **Criminal record issues.** Serious criminal convictions in the worker's record can trigger rejection on public-order grounds under Lei 13.445/2017.
-   **Regulated profession without council registration.** Doctors, lawyers, engineers, accountants, and other regulated professionals must resolve local council registration in parallel; absence delays or blocks the file.

Most rejections are **fixable**. They reflect incomplete files rather than ineligibility. Working with an experienced corporate immigration lawyer on the employer side reduces the rejection rate substantially.

## Switching from Tourist or Other Visa Categories

As a rule, the VITEM V is **issued at a Brazilian consulate abroad** after the Ministry of Labor authorization is published. In-country conversion from a tourist visa is not the default path. There are exceptions:

-   **Intragroup transfers** under Resolução CNIg 11/2017 (an investment-linked executive category) and certain technology transfer contracts can be processed as residence permit applications at the Federal Police inside Brazil, bypassing the consular step.
-   **Conversion from VITEM XIV (Digital Nomad) to VITEM V** requires a new MTE authorization filed by a Brazilian employer. Existing VITEM XIV status does not entitle the holder to a VITEM V automatically.
-   **Workers already in Brazil** on other temporary visas (student, family reunification) can switch to VITEM V if a Brazilian employer files a new work authorization. The conversion timing must be carefully managed to avoid gaps.

If you are considering switching, see our companion guide [Which Brazil Visa Do I Need?](https://getbrazilvisa.com/which-brazil-visa-do-i-need) for a category-by-category eligibility decision tree.

### Need help with your Brazil Work Visa?

Answer a few questions in the client app and Camila Araujo Mota, OAB-licensed Brazilian immigration lawyer, tells you which Brazil visa fits your situation and what it takes. Initial assessment at no cost.

Find the right Brazil visa for me

## VITEM V vs VITEM XIV: Which Is Right For You?

For many foreign professionals considering Brazil, the first question is not "how do I get a work visa". It is "do I need a work visa at all?" If your income comes from a **foreign employer or foreign clients**, the [VITEM XIV Digital Nomad Visa](https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-digital-nomad-visa) is faster, simpler, and self-sponsored. No Brazilian employer required. The VITEM V is the right path only when a **Brazilian company is actually hiring you** onto its Brazilian payroll.

| Attribute | VITEM V (Work Visa) | VITEM XIV (Digital Nomad) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Legal Basis | Lei 13.445/2017 + CNIg Resolutions | Resolution CNIg 45/2021 |
| Sponsor | Brazilian employer required | Self-sponsored, no employer |
| Income Source | Salary from Brazilian company | Foreign employer or foreign clients only |
| Minimum Income | Market salary, typically ≥ 2× minimum wage | US$1,500/month or US$18,000 savings |
| Initial Validity | Up to 2 years | 1 year, renewable to 2 years total |
| Path to Permanent Residence | Yes, after temporary period | No direct path |
| Processing Time | 30-90 days (MTE + consulate) | 15-30 business days via MigranteWeb |
| Brazilian Income Tax | From day 1 of work | Not on foreign income within 183-day rule |
| Application Channel | Employer files with CGIL → consulate | MigranteWeb in Brazil OR consulate abroad |
| Dependents | VITEM XI family reunification | Spouse, children, parents included |
| GetBrazilVisa handles? | No, referral to network | Yes, flagship service |

For a deeper comparison of the two paths, see [Digital Nomad Visa vs Work Visa: Which One Do You Need?](https://getbrazilvisa.com/digital-nomad-visa-vs-work-visa-brazil)

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)?

The VITEM V is Brazil's temporary work visa for foreign nationals hired by a Brazilian employer. It is governed by Lei 13.445/2017 (the Brazilian Migration Law) and Normative Resolutions issued by CNIg and the Ministry of Labor. The employer must obtain prior work authorization from the Ministry of Labor (Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral) before the foreign worker can apply for the visa at a Brazilian consulate abroad.

### Can I apply for a Brazil work visa without an employer?

No. The VITEM V is strictly employer-sponsored. A Brazilian company (or a Brazilian subsidiary of a foreign company) must file the work authorization request on your behalf with the Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral. Self-sponsored remote workers should look at the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) instead.

### How long does the Brazil work visa take?

Total processing is typically 30 to 90 days. The Ministry of Labor authorization phase takes 30 to 60 days, and the consular visa issuance phase another 5 to 20 business days after authorization is published in the Diário Oficial da União. Complex cases involving regulated professions or executive transfers can run longer.

### What is the minimum salary for a Brazil work visa?

There is no single statutory minimum, but the offered salary must be compatible with the position and the Brazilian labor market. Resolution CNIg 04/2017 (for technicians under technology transfer agreements) and subsequent normative resolutions reference salary thresholds tied to the worker's qualifications. In practice, work visas for skilled professionals are approved at salaries of at least 2 times the Brazilian minimum wage and usually significantly higher.

### How long is the VITEM V valid?

The initial VITEM V is granted for up to 2 years, matching the employment contract. It can be extended for an additional 2 years and, after that period, converted to a permanent residence permit if the employment relationship continues. The visa is tied to the sponsoring employer. You cannot freely switch jobs without filing a new work authorization.

### Can my spouse and children come with me on a Brazil work visa?

Yes. Spouses (including registered same-sex partners and stable unions) and dependent children under 18 can apply for derivative VITEM XI family reunification visas tied to the primary VITEM V holder. Each dependent needs their own apostilled birth or marriage certificate, criminal record, and passport. Dependents receive the same validity period as the primary holder.

### Do I need to register with the Federal Police after arriving in Brazil?

Yes. Every VITEM V holder must register with the Polícia Federal within 90 days of first entry to Brazil. Registration produces the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório), the physical residence card. Failure to register on time results in administrative fines and complicates future renewals.

### Can I change employers on a Brazil work visa?

Not freely. The VITEM V is tied to the sponsoring employer named in the Ministry of Labor authorization. If you change jobs, the new employer must file a new work authorization, and you may need to leave and re-enter Brazil with a new visa. Some Normative Resolutions allow employer changes within the same group of companies without a new visa, but standalone job changes typically require a new application.

### What is the difference between VITEM V and VITEM XIV?

The VITEM V is for foreign workers employed by a Brazilian company. The salary is paid in Brazil and is subject to Brazilian income tax and social contributions from day one. The VITEM XIV (Digital Nomad Visa) is for remote workers paid by foreign companies. No Brazilian employer is involved, the worker is self-sponsored, and income from foreign sources is not taxable in Brazil for residents staying under 183 days in a 12-month period.

### Can a US citizen get a Brazil work visa?

Yes. US citizens are eligible for VITEM V on the same terms as other nationalities. As of April 10, 2025, US citizens must additionally obtain a Brazilian eVisa for initial entry as visitors, but the VITEM V itself is the work residence visa and is issued at a Brazilian consulate in the US after the employer's Ministry of Labor authorization is published.

### Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa inside Brazil?

Generally no. The Ministry of Labor authorization process must precede the visa issuance, and the visa is normally collected at a Brazilian consulate abroad. Specific normative resolutions (for example for transfer of technology contracts or intragroup transfers) allow in-country residence permit applications via the Federal Police, but these are exceptions and require employer filing.

### What documents does the Brazilian employer need to file?

The employer submits: corporate registration (CNPJ card and articles of incorporation), proof of regular tax and labor standing (CND tax certificate, FGTS clearance), the signed employment contract with the foreign worker, justification for hiring a foreign national, and the applicable forms under the relevant CNIg/CGIL normative resolution. Filing is done through the Ministry of Labor's digital portal.

### Are there quotas on foreign workers in a Brazilian company?

Yes. Under the Brazilian Labor Code (CLT, Articles 352-358), companies with 3 or more employees must maintain at least two-thirds (2/3) Brazilian nationals on payroll and at least two-thirds of the total payroll value paid to Brazilians. This rule applies at the establishment level and is verified by the Ministry of Labor when reviewing work authorization requests.

### Can a work visa lead to permanent residence in Brazil?

Yes. After holding a VITEM V continuously for the maximum temporary period (typically 4 years total, 2 initial plus one 2-year extension), the worker can apply for permanent residence (residência por prazo indeterminado) provided employment continues. Time spent on VITEM V also counts toward the 4-year residence requirement for Brazilian naturalization.

### Does GetBrazilVisa handle work visa applications?

No. A work visa needs a Brazilian employer to sponsor you through the Ministry of Justice, and we do not file them. GetBrazilVisa files four residency routes for foreigners: digital nomad (VITEM XIV), retirement (RN 40/2019), marriage and family reunion (VITEM XI), and investor (VIPER). If you are paid from outside Brazil, the digital nomad route is self-sponsored and is usually what you actually want.

## Primary Sources

-   [Lei 13.445/2017: Brazilian Migration Law (planalto.gov.br)](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/_ato2015-2018/2017/lei/l13445.htm)
-   [Ministry of Labor: Imigração Laboral portal (gov.br)](https://www.gov.br/trabalho-e-emprego/pt-br/assuntos/imigracao-laboral)
-   [Ministério da Justiça: Migrações (gov.br)](https://www.gov.br/mj/pt-br/assuntos/seus-direitos/migracoes)
-   [Ministério das Relações Exteriores: consular network (gov.br)](https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br)
-   [Polícia Federal: CRNM registration (gov.br)](https://www.gov.br/pf/pt-br)
-   [Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT): Articles 352-358, two-thirds rule](https://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/decreto-lei/del5452.htm)
-   [Imprensa Nacional: Diário Oficial da União (DOU)](https://www.in.gov.br/)

### Need help with your Brazil Work Visa?

Answer a few questions in the client app and Camila Araujo Mota, OAB-licensed Brazilian immigration lawyer, tells you which Brazil visa fits your situation and what it takes. Initial assessment at no cost.

Find the right Brazil visa for me

Before you decide

## Why we recommend applying with a lawyer

You can file the Brazil digital nomad visa yourself, and people are approved that way. Camila strengthens your application package, personalised to you and based on knowing what immigration authorities look for. We also help you avoid the lengthy **cartas de exigência** that immigration officers send, which we see many people deal with when they apply by themselves.

### Camila as your legal representative

-   A written petition

    A legal argument for your case citing RN 45/2021, signed under OAB/CE 50.065. A file without one is a form; a file with one is an argued case.

-   Your Brazilian criminal records

    Federal, plus one per Brazilian state you have lived in. Camila obtains them and files them with your application.

-   Sworn translations, by a tradutor público

    Only a publicly appointed translator counts. Both letters below ask for originals alongside translations, and one asks twice.

-   The forms checked before they are filed

    A blank justification, the wrong form, a date of birth that does not match the payment slip. All three are in the letters below.

-   Your document list, in order

    What each document is, where to get it, how long it takes, which need an apostille, and what to start first.

-   A lawyer who has read your file

    Answers come from the lawyer holding your case, not from a help desk working through a script.

-   The filing, and whatever comes back

    Camila files as your legal representative and answers the Ministry in your name. An exigência on a case she filed is her work, not yours.

### Hurdles on the way

A **carta de exigência** is an immigration officer asking for more before they will decide. It is written for lawyers, and the case waits until every item is answered. Here are two recent examples we received from clients who applied on their own. Tap a letter to read it.

Carta de exigência

2 pages · 5 items · July 2026

Sent the translation of the criminal record but not the original. Read the full letter

Carta de exigência

3 pages · 9 items · May 2026

Criminal record: original and translation, for every country lived in over five years. Read the full letter

Names, process numbers and timestamps have been removed. Everything the Ministry asked for is exactly as it was written.

### The Federal Police step, after approval

Approval is not the last thing that happens. Your residence has to be registered in person with the Polícia Federal before your RNM card exists, and that step is its own process.

-   **The documents are not the ones you already sent.** The Federal Police ask for their own set, and assembling it correctly from outside the Brazilian system is where most people stall.
-   **What is required differs by state.** The unit that registers you in São Paulo does not ask for the same things as the one in Florianópolis, and the published guidance does not always match the counter.
-   **The appointment is the hard part.** Slots at the busy units open without warning and are taken quickly. Camila books yours.

## Need a Work Visa Specialist? Or the Digital Nomad Visa Instead?

If a Brazilian employer is hiring you, Camila will refer your case to a trusted corporate immigration specialist in her network. If you work remotely for foreign clients, you likely qualify for our flagship Digital Nomad Visa service.

[Explore the Digital Nomad Visa](https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-digital-nomad-visa)[Which Brazil Visa Do I Need?](https://getbrazilvisa.com/which-brazil-visa-do-i-need)

**This page is general information, not legal advice.** It explains Brazilian immigration rules as they stood on the date shown, for a general audience. Reading it creates no lawyer-client relationship with Camila Araujo Mota (OAB/CE 50.065) or with GetBrazilVisa, and nobody here has reviewed your situation. Advice you can act on is advice Camila gives you directly in writing, in your own case, after she has seen your documents. Rules, fees, and processing times change without notice and consular practice varies by post, so verify anything you are about to rely on against the official source or ask us before you act. [Read the full legal notice](https://getbrazilvisa.com/legal-notice).

---

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I am happy to have found a fair and trustworthy lawyer here in Brazil! I highly recommend Camila (and GetBrazilVisa) for all immigration matters in Brazil.\n\nThanks Camila!!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Seth Rush"},"reviewBody":"I can’t recommend Camila highly enough. Her rates were extremely reasonable, and the level of care, responsiveness, and professionalism she provided was exceptional.\n\nI initially hired her to help me obtain a Digital Nomad Visa, but during the process I decided to switch to a Family Visa and apply for residency instead. Even though the scope of the work changed, she remained just as attentive and supportive throughout. 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If you need immigration assistance in Brazil, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend her."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"DJ"},"reviewBody":"I moved to Brazil from Denmark on the digital nomad visa in October of 2025 with the help of Camila. She was very professional and even when I had to delay my arrival she accomodated and made sure I was taken care of. From preparing my documents to getting my Brazilian ID card, she helped me with every step. Thank you!"},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Riley Eusden"},"reviewBody":"without the help of camila and her legal team, I surely would have failed this visa process. The forms and requirements, And all the documents are so complicated you really need a legal advisor to help you do it correctly. I wish I had hired her at the start of the application instead of halfway through."},{"@type":"Review","reviewRating":{"@type":"Rating","ratingValue":5,"bestRating":5},"author":{"@type":"Person","name":"Mikael Mäkinen"},"reviewBody":"I was working from USA running my company and wanted to try a year in Brazil. The digital nomad visa process looked manageable on paper but once I started dealing with getting my documents apostilled through the DVV and figuring out what the Brazilian consulate actually needed, I hit a wall. Camila sorted everything out and was super patient with my million questions. If you plan on moving to Brazil, I highly recommend their service."}],"address":{"@type":"PostalAddress","addressCountry":"BR","addressLocality":"Fortaleza","addressRegion":"CE"}},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#webpage","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa","name":"Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide","description":"Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) 2026 guide: employer sponsorship, MTE approval, documents, processing time, costs, validity, dependents, and how it compares to VITEM XIV.","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#website"},"about":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#service"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#organization"},"breadcrumb":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#breadcrumb"},"speakable":{"@type":"SpeakableSpecification","cssSelector":["h1",".quick-answer","#faq h2","#what-is-vitem-v h2"]},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/og-home.jpg","contentUrl":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/og-home.jpg","width":1200,"height":630},"datePublished":"2026-05-10T00:00:00-03:00","dateModified":"2026-09-09T00:00:00-03:00"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Brazil Digital Nomad Visa","item":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-digital-nomad-visa"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":3,"name":"Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide","item":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa"}]},{"@type":"Article","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#article","headline":"Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V): Complete 2026 Guide","description":"Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V) 2026 guide: employer sponsorship, MTE approval, documents, processing time, costs, validity, dependents, and how it compares to VITEM XIV.","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#webpage"},"url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/og-home.jpg","contentUrl":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/og-home.jpg","width":1200,"height":630},"author":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#camila"},"reviewedBy":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#camila","name":"Camila Araujo Mota","jobTitle":"Immigration Lawyer, OAB/CE 50.065","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/camila-araujo-mota"},"publisher":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#organization"},"datePublished":"2026-05-10T00:00:00-03:00","dateModified":"2026-09-09T00:00:00-03:00","inLanguage":"en-US","isPartOf":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#website"},"about":{"@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/#service"},"keywords":"brazil work visa, VITEM V, brazil work permit, brazil work visa requirements, brazil employer sponsorship visa, how to get brazil work visa","articleSection":"Immigration Guide","wordCount":3100},{"@type":"HowTo","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#howto","name":"How to Apply for a Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)","description":"Step-by-step educational overview of the Brazil VITEM V work visa application process, from employer Ministry of Labor authorization through Federal Police registration.","totalTime":"P90D","step":[{"@type":"HowToStep","position":1,"name":"Employer files work authorization with Ministry of Labor","text":"The Brazilian employer submits the work authorization request to the Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral (CGIL) under the Ministry of Labor (MTE), including the employment contract, corporate documents, and justification for hiring a foreign national.","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#application-process"},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":2,"name":"Authorization published in the Diário Oficial da União","text":"Once approved, the work authorization is published in Brazil's federal official gazette (DOU). The publication is the legal basis for the consulate to issue the visa.","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#application-process"},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":3,"name":"Apply for VITEM V at a Brazilian consulate abroad","text":"The foreign worker books an appointment at the Brazilian consulate with jurisdiction over their residence and submits the visa application with apostilled documents, the published authorization, and the consular fee.","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#application-process"},{"@type":"HowToStep","position":4,"name":"Enter Brazil and register with the Federal Police","text":"After entering Brazil with the VITEM V stamp, the worker must register with the Polícia Federal within 90 days to obtain the CRNM residence card.","url":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#application-process"}]},{"@type":"FAQPage","@id":"https://getbrazilvisa.com/brazil-work-visa#faq","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V)?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The VITEM V is Brazil's temporary work visa for foreign nationals hired by a Brazilian employer. It is governed by Lei 13.445/2017 (the Brazilian Migration Law) and Normative Resolutions issued by CNIg and the Ministry of Labor. The employer must obtain prior work authorization from the Ministry of Labor (Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral) before the foreign worker can apply for the visa at a Brazilian consulate abroad."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I apply for a Brazil work visa without an employer?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. The VITEM V is strictly employer-sponsored. A Brazilian company (or a Brazilian subsidiary of a foreign company) must file the work authorization request on your behalf with the Coordenação-Geral de Imigração Laboral. Self-sponsored remote workers should look at the Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) instead."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long does the Brazil work visa take?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Total processing is typically 30 to 90 days. The Ministry of Labor authorization phase takes 30 to 60 days, and the consular visa issuance phase another 5 to 20 business days after authorization is published in the Diário Oficial da União. Complex cases involving regulated professions or executive transfers can run longer."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the minimum salary for a Brazil work visa?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"There is no single statutory minimum, but the offered salary must be compatible with the position and the Brazilian labor market. Resolution CNIg 04/2017 (for technicians under technology transfer agreements) and subsequent normative resolutions reference salary thresholds tied to the worker's qualifications. In practice, work visas for skilled professionals are approved at salaries of at least 2 times the Brazilian minimum wage and usually significantly higher."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"How long is the VITEM V valid?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The initial VITEM V is granted for up to 2 years, matching the employment contract. It can be extended for an additional 2 years and, after that period, converted to a permanent residence permit if the employment relationship continues. The visa is tied to the sponsoring employer. You cannot freely switch jobs without filing a new work authorization."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can my spouse and children come with me on a Brazil work visa?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Spouses (including registered same-sex partners and stable unions) and dependent children under 18 can apply for derivative VITEM XI family reunification visas tied to the primary VITEM V holder. Each dependent needs their own apostilled birth or marriage certificate, criminal record, and passport. Dependents receive the same validity period as the primary holder."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Do I need to register with the Federal Police after arriving in Brazil?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Every VITEM V holder must register with the Polícia Federal within 90 days of first entry to Brazil. Registration produces the CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório), the physical residence card. Failure to register on time results in administrative fines and complicates future renewals."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I change employers on a Brazil work visa?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Not freely. The VITEM V is tied to the sponsoring employer named in the Ministry of Labor authorization. If you change jobs, the new employer must file a new work authorization, and you may need to leave and re-enter Brazil with a new visa. Some Normative Resolutions allow employer changes within the same group of companies without a new visa, but standalone job changes typically require a new application."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What is the difference between VITEM V and VITEM XIV?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The VITEM V is for foreign workers employed by a Brazilian company. The salary is paid in Brazil and is subject to Brazilian income tax and social contributions from day one. The VITEM XIV (Digital Nomad Visa) is for remote workers paid by foreign companies. No Brazilian employer is involved, the worker is self-sponsored, and income from foreign sources is not taxable in Brazil for residents staying under 183 days in a 12-month period."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can a US citizen get a Brazil work visa?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. US citizens are eligible for VITEM V on the same terms as other nationalities. As of April 10, 2025, US citizens must additionally obtain a Brazilian eVisa for initial entry as visitors, but the VITEM V itself is the work residence visa and is issued at a Brazilian consulate in the US after the employer's Ministry of Labor authorization is published."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can I convert a tourist visa to a work visa inside Brazil?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Generally no. The Ministry of Labor authorization process must precede the visa issuance, and the visa is normally collected at a Brazilian consulate abroad. Specific normative resolutions (for example for transfer of technology contracts or intragroup transfers) allow in-country residence permit applications via the Federal Police, but these are exceptions and require employer filing."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"What documents does the Brazilian employer need to file?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"The employer submits: corporate registration (CNPJ card and articles of incorporation), proof of regular tax and labor standing (CND tax certificate, FGTS clearance), the signed employment contract with the foreign worker, justification for hiring a foreign national, and the applicable forms under the relevant CNIg/CGIL normative resolution. Filing is done through the Ministry of Labor's digital portal."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Are there quotas on foreign workers in a Brazilian company?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. Under the Brazilian Labor Code (CLT, Articles 352-358), companies with 3 or more employees must maintain at least two-thirds (2/3) Brazilian nationals on payroll and at least two-thirds of the total payroll value paid to Brazilians. This rule applies at the establishment level and is verified by the Ministry of Labor when reviewing work authorization requests."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Can a work visa lead to permanent residence in Brazil?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Yes. After holding a VITEM V continuously for the maximum temporary period (typically 4 years total, 2 initial plus one 2-year extension), the worker can apply for permanent residence (residência por prazo indeterminado) provided employment continues. Time spent on VITEM V also counts toward the 4-year residence requirement for Brazilian naturalization."}},{"@type":"Question","name":"Does GetBrazilVisa handle work visa applications?","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"No. A work visa needs a Brazilian employer to sponsor you through the Ministry of Justice, and we do not file them. GetBrazilVisa files four residency routes for foreigners: digital nomad (VITEM XIV), retirement (RN 40/2019), marriage and family reunion (VITEM XI), and investor (VIPER). If you are paid from outside Brazil, the digital nomad route is self-sponsored and is usually what you actually want."}}]}]}
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