Brazil Introduces Electronic Temporary Visas: Who Can Apply?

Brazil Introduces Electronic Temporary Visas: Who Can Apply?

Brazil has introduced electronic temporary visas for eligible nationals, removing the routine need to hand over a passport so a consulate can attach a visa sticker. The change took effect on 1 September 2026 and covers temporary visa routes for purposes including work, study, family reunion and digital nomad stays.

For someone arranging a move, keeping their passport and avoiding a collection appointment can make a practical difference. However, the application still needs to meet the requirements of the relevant visa category. Here is what to check before relying on the new process.

Who qualifies for Brazil’s electronic temporary visas?

The change applies to nationals of countries exempt from Brazil’s visitor visa requirement. British citizens are among those covered.

This can sound confusing: why would someone who can visit without a visa need to apply for one? The distinction is the purpose and duration of the stay. Permission to make a short visit does not automatically cover taking up local employment or moving to Brazil to live with family.

US, Canadian and Australian passport holders fall outside this particular reform because they are no longer exempt from Brazil’s visitor visa requirement. Their visitor e-visa arrangements are separate from the new electronic temporary visa process.

Check the position for each traveller’s passport. Partners or colleagues travelling together may need to follow different procedures.

How does the new application process work?

Applications use Brazil’s Sistema Consular Integrado (SCI), with the form and supporting documents submitted electronically. Once approved, the temporary visa can be issued electronically and sent to the applicant’s email address.

In routine cases, applicants should no longer need to surrender their passport solely for visa issuance. Consular officers can still request original documents, further evidence or an interview where needed.

Follow the instructions of the consulate responsible for your place of residence, including any local submission steps. If you already have an application underway, ask how it will be completed before submitting another one.

What does this mean for your move?

Taking up a job or an overseas assignment

Where your work route requires prior residence authorisation, that stage still comes first. The application is handled through MigranteWeb before the consular visa can be issued.

Employers should establish the required approvals before confirming when an employee can start work. Removing passport handling may simplify travel planning, but it does not provide a reliable basis for shortening the assignment timetable.

Working remotely from Brazil

The digital nomad route covers qualifying remote work for an employer outside Brazil. It does not provide permission to take a job with a Brazilian employer. An employer’s agreement to remote working is only one part of the eligibility assessment.

Before committing to a longer stay, consider the work you will actually do, who you will work for and how you will evidence the arrangement. IAS can help you identify the immigration questions that need resolving before the move.

Joining a partner or family member

Family applicants still need evidence of the qualifying relationship and the relevant family member’s status in Brazil. Allow time to obtain civil documents and complete any required legalisation or translation.

If several family members are moving, plan their applications together so that one outstanding document does not disrupt everyone’s travel.

What should you do before travelling?

Keep a copy of the electronic visa and follow the consulate’s instructions about printing it for travel. Check the personal details, permitted purpose and validity as soon as it arrives.

Temporary visa holders must also complete the applicable Federal Police registration after arrival. For consular temporary visas, the usual deadline is 90 days from entry. Put this into your relocation plan alongside accommodation and other arrival arrangements.

How IAS can help with a move to Brazil

Whether you are moving independently, joining family or arranging an employee’s assignment, our global immigration team can help you assess the route, organise the evidence and plan the stages that need to happen before travel.

For employers, we can help bring the employee’s immigration requirements and any accompanying family applications into one clear plan. Tell us who is moving, their nationality, what they intend to do in Brazil and their intended travel date, and we can discuss the support available for their circumstances.