How to get a Brazil business visa

As the largest economy in Latin America, Brazil is a magnet for international trade, conferences, and corporate expansion. However, for professionals from countries like the United States, Canada, and Australia, accessing this vibrant market has recently undergone significant changes. With the reintroduction of visa requirements effective April 10, 2025, understanding the nuances of the Brazil Business E-Visa is more critical than ever.

Navigating government portals and immigration jargon can be daunting. Whether you are attending a tech summit in São Paulo, auditing a subsidiary in Rio de Janeiro, or exploring market opportunities in Brasília, this guide will streamline your application process. Below, we break down everything you need to know—from document checklists to processing times—answering the most common questions searched by genuine users.

Who Needs a Brazil Business E-Visa in 2025?

The landscape of Brazilian immigration reciprocity changed significantly this year. As of April 10, 2025, citizens of the United States, Canada, and Australia are required to obtain a visa to enter Brazil for tourism or business purposes.

While citizens of the EU, UK, and many Latin American countries remain visa-exempt for short stays, the "reciprocity rule" means that if your country requires Brazilians to have a visa, Brazil likely requires one from you. The E-Visa (Electronic Visa) is a digital alternative to the traditional paper visa stamped at a consulate, specifically designed to make this process smoother for eligible nationalities.

What is the Difference Between a Business Visa and a Work Visa?

This is the most critical distinction for business travelers to understand to avoid legal trouble.

• Brazil Business E-Visa (VITEM II category): This is for professionals entering Brazil for specific, short-term activities where no remuneration comes from a Brazilian source. You generally cannot be on the payroll of a Brazilian company.
• Allowed: Meetings, conferences, signing contracts, auditing, journalistic coverage, and market prospecting.
• Work Visa (VITEM V): This is for individuals who will be living in Brazil and receiving a salary from a Brazilian entity, or performing technical assistance that involves a transfer of technology.

Search Intent Tip: If you are "working" in the sense of attending meetings but paid by your US/Home employer, you need a Business Visa. If you are fixing a machine and getting paid by the Brazilian client, you may need a Technical Work Visa.

What Activities are Allowed Under a Brazil Business E-Visa?

The Brazil Business E-Visa covers a broad spectrum of corporate activities, provided they are non-remunerated in Brazil. According to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty), permissible activities include:

• Corporate Meetings: Discussing strategy, sales, or partnerships.
• Trade Fairs and Conferences: Participating as an attendee or exhibitor (provided no goods are sold directly to the public).
• Auditing and Consulting: Reviewing financial records or providing expert advice (paid from abroad).
• Market Research: Evaluating business opportunities.
• Signing Legal Documents: Contracts, MoUs, or real estate deeds.
• Media Coverage: Filming or reporting for foreign media outlets (requires specific authorization in some cases).

What Are the Document Requirements for a Brazil Business E-Visa?

One of the main advantages of the electronic system is that you do not need to physically mail your passport. However, the digital scrutiny is high. You will need clear, high-resolution scans of the following Brazil eVisa Requirements:

• Valid Passport: Must be signed and valid for at least one month after your intended date of departure from Brazil. It must have at least two blank visa pages.
• Passport-Style Photo: A recent color photo (taken within the last 6 months) with a plain white background. No glasses, hats, or shadows. The dimensions should be square (2x2 inches) or ICAO standard.
• Proof of Residence: A driver's license or utility bill confirming your home address.
• Round-Trip Flight Itinerary: A confirmation showing entry and exit from Brazil. You do not always need to purchase the ticket, but a reserved itinerary is required.
• Proof of Financial Means: A printed bank statement (last 30 days) showing sufficient funds (typically at least US$ 2,000) or a credit card statement with a sufficient limit.
• Business Letter (The "Sending" Letter): A letter from your employer in your home country on company letterhead. It must state your job title, length of employment, the specific purpose of the trip to Brazil, and a guarantee of financial support during your stay.
• Invitation Letter (The "Receiving" Letter): While sometimes optional for tourist e-visas, business travelers should absolutely upload an invitation letter from the Brazilian company. It should include the CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID) of the company and contact details.

How to Apply for the Brazil Business E-Visa Online

The application is online.

1. Fill the Form: Complete the Brazil eVisa application form. Be consistent with your "Purpose of Travel." Select "Business".
2. Upload Documents: Ensure files are in PDF, JPG, or PNG format and do not exceed the size limits (usually 2MB-5MB per file).
3. Pay the Fee: Visa fee fee online (subject to change based on exchange rates and reciprocity). Payment is usually via credit card.
4. Wait for Processing: You will receive a reference number to track your application.
5. Download and Print: Once approved, the PDF visa is emailed to you.

Why Choose an Agent (brazil-evisa.info)

One of the most common user queries is: "How long does it take to get a Brazil business visa?"

While the standard government processing time is often cited as 5 business days, real-world delays are common due to high demand or minor document errors. This is where using a specialized agent service like brazil-evisa.info can be a strategic advantage for business travelers who cannot afford delays.

Why Choose a Specialized Agent?

Government portals can be strict; a single blurry upload or incorrect date format can lead to an instant rejection, forcing you to restart the process and pay again. Agents provide:

• Document Review: Experts check your business letters and photos before submission to ensure they meet strict consulate standards.
• 24/7 Support: Assistance with complex questions about business activities.
• Expedited Options: Unlike the standard portal, agents often offer tiered processing speeds to match your urgency.

Brazil-Evisa.info Processing Tiers

If you are on a tight schedule, services like brazil-evisa.info typically offer the following processing options:

• Normal Processing: 6-9 Working Days (Best for early planners)
• Rush Processing: 4-7 Working Days (Ideal for standard business trips)
• Super Rush Processing: 3-5 Working Days (Essential for last-minute meetings)
• Pro Tip: Always apply at least 2 weeks in advance to account for any potential "document correction" requests from the consulate, regardless of the service used.

Is the Brazil Business E-Visa Valid for Multiple Entries?

Yes. For citizens of the US, Canada, and Australia, the Brazil Business E-Visa is typically issued as a Multiple Entry visa.

• Validity Period: It is usually valid for 5 years or 10 years (depending on your passport validity and specific nationality reciprocity).
• Stay Duration: You are generally allowed a stay of up to 90 days per visit, not exceeding 180 days per year.

Can I Extend My Stay or Convert My Visa While in Brazil?

This is a common question.

• Extension: Yes, you can request an extension of your stay (prorrogação de prazo) at the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) in Brazil. This must be done before your current authorized stay expires. You will need to pay a fee and prove you still have the funds to support yourself.
• Conversion: Converting a Business E-Visa to a Work Visa or Residency Permit while inside Brazil is possible but bureaucratic. It involves the Ministry of Justice and Public Security. Many companies prefer their employees to return home and re-enter on the correct VITEM V work visa to avoid legal grey areas.

Common Reasons for Brazil Business E-Visa Rejection

To ensure your "search intent" for a successful application is met, avoid these pitfalls:

• Blurry Documents: If the system cannot read the MRZ (machine-readable zone) on your passport scan, it will be rejected.
• Inconsistent Dates: If your flight itinerary dates don't match the dates in your application form.
• Missing Signatures: Your passport must be signed on the bio page (or adjacent page depending on the country). Unsigned passports are an automatic rejection.
• Lack of Business Context: Applying for a "Business" visa without a letter from your employer or an invitation from Brazil looks suspicious. If you lack these, you might be better off applying for a Tourist visa if your trip is purely exploratory (though check regulations first).

Is Travel Insurance Mandatory for Brazilian Business Trips?

While not always strictly enforced at the immigration counter for entry, proving you have health insurance valid in Brazil is technically a requirement for the visa application in many jurisdictions. Furthermore, the Brazilian public health system (SUS) is available to everyone, but business travelers are strongly advised—and often required by their corporate policies—to have comprehensive private travel insurance to cover medical repatriation or private hospital care.

Can I Apply for the E-Visa While Already in Brazil?

No. This is a frequent point of confusion. The Brazil E-Visa is an entry requirement. You must be physically outside of Brazil when you apply. If you are already in Brazil on a different visa (or expired visa) and try to apply for an E-Visa for your next trip, the system may flag your application if your IP address or travel history shows you are currently in the country. You must leave the country to apply for a new entry visa.

Do I Need to Buy My Flight Ticket Before the Visa is Approved?

Technically, no, you do not need a paid ticket, but you do need a confirmed itinerary. The Brazilian consulate requires proof of "intended entry and exit." Most business travelers use a travel agency itinerary or a refundable ticket.

Risk Warning: The official advice is always: Do not purchase non-refundable tickets until your visa is actually in hand. If your visa is delayed for administrative review, you don't want to lose the cost of your flight.

What Happens if My Passport Expires Before the Visa?

If your Brazil Business E-Visa is valid for 10 years, but your passport expires in 2 years, do not throw away your old passport.

You can travel with two passports:

1. The expired passport contains the valid printed E-Visa (or the link to it).
2. The new, valid passport. Both passports must be from the same country and nationality. If you renew your passport, you do not necessarily need to apply for a new visa immediately, provided the old visa is still valid and you carry both documents.

Can My Family Accompany Me on a Business Trip?

Yes, but they cannot travel on your Business E-Visa. Each family member (spouse, children) must submit their own separate E-Visa application.

• Visa Type: They should usually apply for a Tourist E-Visa if they are not conducting business.
• Minors: Applications for children under 18 require additional documentation, specifically a Consent Letter signed by both parents and often notarized, even if both parents are traveling with them.

Can I Use a Business E-Visa for "Digital Nomad" Work?

If you are entering Brazil to attend meetings for a week, the Business E-Visa is correct. However, if you plan to stay for 3-6 months and work remotely for your home company, you should consider the specific Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV).

• The Gray Area: While you can answer emails on a Business E-Visa, staying for 90 days primarily to work remotely may be considered a violation of the Business visa status. Immigration officers may ask for proof of your business meetings or conference attendance to justify a long stay on a Business E-Visa.

Conclusion: Prepare for your Brazil Trip Today

Brazil offers incredible opportunities for business growth, but the reintroduction of the visa requirement for major North American and Oceanic nations adds a layer of complexity to your travel planning. By securing your Brazil Business E-Visa well in advance and ensuring your documentation—specifically your business letters and financial proof—is impeccable, you can ensure a smooth entry into the country.