Hiring with the Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V): Requirements & Process in Brazil

Basic Eligibility Requirements for the Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V)

The VITEM V is intended for foreign nationals who will perform work or provide services in Brazil under a Brazilian sponsor. The visa is usually linked to a formal employment contract or service agreement and requires prior authorisation from Brazilian labour authorities. Because the visa is tied to a specific sponsor and activity, employers must ensure the role, scope of work, and contract terms are clearly defined and compliant.

Employee Requirements

• A confirmed job offer or service assignment with a Brazilian sponsoring entity
 
• Qualifications and professional experience relevant to the role
 
• Willingness to work only for the approved sponsor and within the approved scope
 
• A valid passport with sufficient remaining validity
 
• Compliance with general immigration and character requirements

Required Documents for Employee

• Valid passport
 
• CV/resume and proof of professional experience
 
• Education certificates or professional qualifications (if required)
 
• Signed employment contract or service agreement
 
• Police clearance certificate (as required)
 
• Medical documents or declarations (if requested)
 
• Recent passport-style photos

Required Documents for Employers

• Company registration documents and proof of active operations in Brazil
 
• Corporate tax and compliance records
 
• Employment contract or service agreement aligned with Brazilian labour law
 
• Formal sponsorship request submitted to the Ministry of Labour
 
• Justification for hiring a foreign professional and details of the role

Step-by-Step Process for Sponsoring a Temporary Work Visa (VITEM V) in Brazil

 
1. The employer defines the role, contract terms, and scope of work for the foreign hire.
 
2. The employer submits a work authorisation request to the Brazilian Ministry of Labour.
 
3. Once labour approval is granted, the employee applies for the VITEM V at a Brazilian consulate abroad.
 
4. The consulate reviews the application and issues the visa if approved.
 
5. The employee enters Brazil using the VITEM V.
 
6. After arrival, the employee completes local registration (including CPF and residence registration) to activate lawful employment.

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Costs & Fees Employers Are Responsible For to Sponsor a VITEM V in Brazil

Costs vary depending on visa duration, nationality, and whether external immigration support is used. Employers should plan for both government fees and internal administrative effort.

Government Fees & Who Pays What

 
• Work authorisation processing: Usually handled by the employer in Brazil.
 
• Consular visa fee: Paid by the applicant, though many employers reimburse or cover it.
 
• Registration fees after arrival: Apply when completing local immigration registration.

Employer Costs vs. Employee Costs

Costs Born By the Employer 

 
• Internal resources to prepare labour authorisation and sponsorship documents
 
• Legal or immigration advisory fees (if used)
 
• HR and payroll onboarding costs under Brazilian labour law
 
• Relocation or settlement support (if offered)

Costs Born by the Employee 

 
• Consular visa application fee (if not employer-covered)
 
• Personal document preparation costs

Costs Covered by Both 

 
• Post-arrival registration and compliance steps

Renewal/Extension Fee

Temporary Work Visas can usually be renewed if employment continues and compliance is maintained. Renewals require updated documents and fees, so employers should start the process well before expiry.

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Employer Responsibilities to Ensure Compliance

Brazil has strict labour and immigration enforcement, making ongoing compliance essential for sponsoring employers:

 
• Ensure the employee works only for the sponsoring entity and within the approved role and scope.
 
• Register the employee correctly with Brazilian authorities after arrival.
 
• Maintain compliant employment terms, including salary, benefits, and working conditions.
 
• Notify authorities of termination, role changes, or material contract updates.
 
• Track visa validity and manage renewals or cancellations on time.
 
• Understand non-compliance risks, including fines, visa cancellation, and future sponsorship restrictions.

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Hire Global Talent Your Way with Playroll

Borders shouldn’t slow down your hiring plans. Playroll gives you two flexible ways to hire globally. If relocation to Brazil is required, our visa sponsorship services support you through the VITEM V process – from labour approval to consular filing and compliance.

If relocation isn’t necessary, Playroll’s Employer of Record solution lets you hire talent in their home country. We handle employment, payroll, taxes, benefits, and compliance so you can onboard quickly without setting up a local entity. Wherever your next hire is based, we make global employment simple.