How to Apply for a Brazil Business Visa (VIVIS) from India (A Step-by-Step Guide)
Whether you're attending conferences, signing contracts, or exploring new markets, the right visa is your essential first step. The VIVIS (Temporary Business Visa) is what you’ll need for a business trip to Brazil. The process may feel a bit overwhelming at first but don’t worry, we’ve broken it down for you in a simple, step-by-step way that’s easy to follow, especially if you’re applying from India.
This blog will walk you through everything you need to know, from eligibility and documents to the application process, timelines, and even some helpful tips. Whether it’s your first international work trip or your tenth, this guide is here to make sure nothing gets missed.
Who Needs a Brazil Business Visa?
The Business Visa (VIVIS) is ideal for individuals traveling to Brazil for purposes such as:
- Attending trade fairs, business events, journalistic coverage, or seminars
- Attending meetings, signing contracts or business deals
- Prospecting for commercial opportunities
- Performing audits or consultancy work
- Academic extension, research, or learning
- Voluntary work
- Working aboard a cruise ship along the Brazilian coast
- Serving as an aircraft crew member
- Performing maritime activities (continuous basis), aboard a vessel or platform flying a foreign flag, which is operating (or will operate) in Brazilian jurisdictional waters
If you plan to engage in activities such as professional training or technical knowledge transfer, you’ll need a different visa (VITEM V), so make sure you’re applying for the right one.
Eligibility can also vary based on your citizenship or residency status- so let’s break that down before you apply.
Visa Eligibility Based on Your Citizenship or Residency Status
Let’s break it down, depending on your citizenship status and the purpose of your travel.
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If You Are an Indian Citizen
Yes, Indian passport holders must obtain a visa before traveling to Brazil for business purposes.
- Yellow Fever Certificate? You don’t need it to enter Brazil, but Indian health authorities will require it when you return to India. So, get vaccinated and carry the certificate with you.
- Diplomatic/Official Passport Holders: You’re in luck. You’re exempt from needing a visa for up to 90 days. But for longer stays or accreditation, a visa will still be required. The application can be submitted in India or in Brazil.
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If You’re a Brazilian Citizen or a Dual Citizen (Including Brazil)
No visa needed. Even if you hold dual citizenship, you must enter Brazil using your Brazilian passport. The Brazilian government does not issue visas to its own citizens under any circumstances.
Not sure if you qualify? Talk to a visa expert at BTW today!
Eligibility Special Considerations
Before you start the process, it’s important to know a few special eligibility rules that may affect your application:
- CRNM Holders: According to article 164 of DECREE Nº 9,199, OF NOVEMBER 20th, 2017, entry into Brazil is allowed to holders of a valid residence permit (CRNM). In those cases, you do not need to request a Brazilian visa.
- Prior Approval: Some nationalities and visa types require prior approval from Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This means longer processing times, so apply well in advance of your travel date.
Where to Apply in India
Your place of residence determines where you should apply:
- If you're in Maharashtra, Karnataka, or Goa, you can also apply via the General-Consulate of Brazil in Mumbai.
- For the rest of India (including Delhi NCR), applications must go through the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi.
Note: The Embassy in New Delhi reserves the right to refuse visa applications if document authenticity cannot be verified, especially for applicants without proven residence in India or Bhutan.
Need help figuring out your jurisdiction or booking an appointment? Let us assist you with the right consulate coordination.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Brazil Business Visa
Here’s a simple breakdown of the application process. It's not difficult, but being organized will definitely help!
Before Applying
Step 1: Choose the Right Visa
Make sure that the Brazil Business Visa (VIVIS) is suitable for your travel purpose. If unsure, you can consult the Embassy via email (consular.newdelhi@itamaraty.gov.br) before submitting the application
Note: Visa fees paid for the wrong visa category cannot be refunded.
Step 2: Gather All Required Documents
Collect both your original documents and copies based on your visa category. Being organized here will save you time later. (You can refer to the checklist below for Brazil Business Visa)
Applying for the Visa
Step 3: Fill Out the Online Form
Go to the official Visa Application Form website, complete it, and print out the RER receipt. Once you have the print out, attach your photo and sign it.
Note: Completion of the visa application form online does not constitute submission of the visa application to the Embassy. The visa application will only be processed once an appointment is requested
Step 4: Book an Appointment
Use the E-Consular System to schedule your appointment and upload scanned copies of your documents.
Note: The Embassy doesn’t accept visa applications via email.
Applicants for VIDIP (Diplomatic Visa), VISOF (Official Visa), and VICOR (Courtesy Visa, including G20 participants) are not required to schedule an appointment. They may directly submit their passports and documents at the Embassy’s counter during the designated submission hours (step 7).
Step 5: Pay the Visa Fee
At the end of your appointment form in the e-consular system, pay your visa fee by bank transfer. Remember to save your payment receipt; it’s essential for your application.
Note: Cash deposits are not accepted
Step 6: Book Your Appointment
Your appointment request will be then validated within 24 to 48 hours. You will receive an e-mail with a link to book your appointment, if no correction is needed.
Step 7: Attend Your Appointment
Visit the Embassy (or Consulate General in Mumbai for Maharashtra, Goa, or Karnataka residents) on your scheduled appointment date and time with:
- All original documents
- The printed and signed RER form
- Your payment receipt
- Your passport
Submission Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00 am-12:00 pm IST
Note: No walk-ins or unscheduled submissions will be accepted.
Step 8: Track Your Application
Track your application online using your name and date of birth. Look out for status updates like:
- Received: Application has been entered into the system
- Processing: Under review by the Embassy
- Authorized: Visa authorized and pending printing
- Ready for Collection: Your visa is issues & passport is ready to be picked up
If you're unable to track your visa application on the website and didn’t apply for it yourself, it’s a good idea to check with your travel agent to confirm whether they’ve submitted your application to the Embassy of Brazil.
Step 9: Collect Your Visa
Collect your passport when your application is ready. Collection times are:
- Monday-Thursday: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm IST
- Friday: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm IST
No appointment is necessary for pick-up.
Essential Documents: What You’ll Need
Gathering all the correct documents is crucial. Here’s a detailed checklist for all the documents:
General Documents:
- Passport: Original + photocopy (signed, with a minimum validity of 6 months and at least 2 blank pages)
- Passport-Style Photo: Recent photo that meets ICAO standards, taken in the last 6 months
- Visa Application Form (RER): Completed online, printed out, and signed
- Financial Proof: Bank statements from the last 3 months, salary slips, and Income Tax Returns
- Proof of Fee Payment: Visa fee payment receipt showing a bank transfer (cash is not accepted)
- Flight Itinerary: Confirmed booking details showing your entry to and exit from Brazil
- Hotel Reservation: Proof of accommodation for the entirety of your stay or similar document
- Personal Cover Letter: Details of the applicant ab]nd the trip
- Minors: Visa Authorization Form, notarized and signed by both parents.
- Travel Authorization Form (signed by both parents, notarized and apostilled by the MEA) if the minor is traveling alone or without one of the parents in Brazil.
Brazil Business visa (VIVIS) Specific Documents:
- Financial Proof: Bank statements from the last 3 months, salary slips, and Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past few years (plus business registration if self-employed).
- Cover Letter: From your Indian employer, detailing the purpose of your trip, a detailed itinerary, and the nature of your business activities. Signed by the authorized person, whose name, function and contact must be shown.
- Invitation Letter: From the inviting Brazilian company. The letter must be either digitally signed via the gov.br portal or notarized by a public notary (cartório), including the authorized person’s name, designation, and contact details.
Tip: Double-check all names, dates, and details on your documents to avoid processing delays.
Still confused about documentation? BTW Visa Services can help you organize and validate everything before submission.
Processing Time and Visa Validity
Expect a processing time of 10 to 15 business days- though this can vary during busy periods. The VIVIS permits a stay of up to 90 days in Brazil. If you need to extend your trip, you can apply for an extension while in Brazil at the closest office of the Brazilian Federal Police (up to an additional 90 days, bringing the total to 180 days within a 12-month period).
Important: Under the Business Visa, you are not allowed to receive a salary or any form of remuneration in Brazil (receive payment in exchange of work from a Brazilian tax identification number). Also, the activities must not exceed 90 days.
Final Tips for a Smooth Application
The Brazil Business Visa process can seem like a maze, especially when you're juggling travel plans, documentation, and deadlines. But with a bit of planning and attention to detail, your application can go off without a hitch. Here are some final tips to help you avoid common pitfalls:
- Plan Early: Begin your application well in advance of your travel date to account for any unexpected delays in processing.
- Double-Check Everything: Small errors or missing documents can lead to rejections or resubmissions. Triple-check all forms, names, and dates.
- Stay Informed: Visa rules may change periodically. Always refer to the official Brazilian Embassy website for the most up-to-date requirements.
- Be Organized: Keep all your documents neatly organized in a clearly labeled folder, in the order mentioned in the checklist. It helps immensely during submission and verification.
Pro Tip: Consider creating both digital and printed versions of your complete application file to keep handy during your journey.
Need Assistance?
Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry- BTW Visa Services is here to make it effortless for you.
We specialize in helping professionals and business travelers navigate international visa processes. From personalized documentation assistance and appointment scheduling to ensuring your application meets all Embassy standards- we handle it all, so you can focus on your business goals.
If you have any questions or need further clarification, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at xxxxxxx. Our team is there to help ensure your application process is as smooth as possible.
Brazil offers exciting business opportunities, vibrant culture, and a dynamic market- your journey begins with the right visa. We hope this guide helps take the stress out of the process, paving the way for successful business ventures in Brazil.
Boa viagem! Safe travels and good business ahead!