Brazil has introduced electronic temporary visas (VITEM) for eligible visa-exempt nationals, reducing the need for physical passport submission during the consular visa issuance process.
Brazil has introduced electronic temporary visas (VITEM) for eligible nationals of countries that are exempt from Brazil’s visitor visa requirement, effective 1 September 2026.
Under the new procedure, eligible temporary visas can be issued electronically rather than through a traditional visa sticker placed in the applicant’s passport. The change is intended to simplify the consular stage of the Brazilian immigration process and reduce the need for applicants to submit physical passports solely for visa issuance.
The electronic process applies to eligible temporary visa categories including work, family reunion and digital nomad visas, among others.
Applicants are expected to submit the relevant visa application and supporting documentation electronically through Brazil’s Integrated Consular System (SCI). Once an application has been approved, the electronic visa can be sent to the email address provided during the application process.
What Does Brazil’s Electronic Visa Change Mean for Applicants?
For eligible foreign nationals, the new system should make the visa process more efficient by reducing the need to submit and collect a physical passport solely for a visa sticker to be issued.
This may also simplify immigration planning for international employees and their families relocating to Brazil, particularly where passports are required for other travel during the application process.
The change primarily relates to the consular visa issuance stage. Foreign nationals entering Brazil on a temporary visa may still be required to complete post-arrival immigration formalities, including registration with the Brazilian Federal Police where applicable.
Brazilian legislation already provides a legal framework allowing visas to be requested and issued electronically without a consular sticker being placed in the traveller’s passport.
Organisations moving employees internationally should therefore continue to consider the full immigration process, rather than treating electronic visa issuance as the final stage of the relocation.
Is Electronic VITEM Available at Every Brazilian Consulate?
Although the electronic process took effect from 1 September 2026, implementation across Brazil’s international consular network may not be uniform immediately.
Some Brazilian Embassies and Consulates may continue to display earlier application procedures while the new system is rolled out.
Applicants should therefore verify the requirements of the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate responsible for their application before filing, including:
- whether electronic VITEM issuance is currently available;
- how supporting documents must be submitted;
- whether any original documents are still required;
- how the approved electronic visa will be delivered; and
- what post-arrival formalities apply after entering Brazil.
Employers and Global Mobility teams should also account for potential differences between consular posts when planning employee relocations and assignment timelines.
What Should Employers and Global Mobility Teams Consider?
The move towards electronic temporary visas may simplify part of the immigration process, but employers should continue to review each assignment individually.
This includes confirming the appropriate visa category, preparing the required documentation, monitoring consular requirements and ensuring that any post-arrival immigration obligations are completed.
Businesses managing international employees may also wish to review their wider immigration compliance procedures to ensure immigration requirements remain coordinated throughout the employee relocation process.
How Hudson McKenzie Can Help
Hudson McKenzie supports employers, HR and Global Mobility teams, as well as individual applicants, with Brazilian immigration matters, including work and temporary visa applications, immigration compliance and relocation-related requirements.
Our global immigration team supports businesses and individuals across multiple jurisdictions and can help determine the appropriate process based on the applicant’s nationality, visa category and circumstances.
As Brazil continues to digitalise its immigration procedures, obtaining case-specific advice can help employers and applicants understand the relevant application process, documentation requirements and post-arrival obligations.
If you require assistance with a Brazilian temporary visa or another immigration matter, contact Hudson McKenzie.
Disclaimer: This update is provided for general information only and does not constitute legal advice.
Get the latest insights on global immigration delivered straight to your inbox
