A Brazil permanent visa, also known as VIPER, is a type of visa that allows foreign nationals to reside permanently in Brazil. The VIPER is valid indefinitely, and holders of this visa have the freedom to work and engage in any legal activities within the country.
However, it is important to note that the VIPER implies a desire to reside permanently in Brazil. If the visa holder leaves the country for more than two consecutive years, the visa will expire and the ID for foreigner (RNE) will be automatically revoked. This means that the person will have to reapply for a new permanent visa if they wish to return to Brazil.
To avoid expiration, VIPER holders must ensure that they spend at least two years in Brazil before leaving the country. Additionally, after the initial visa is granted, the visa holder must register with the Federal Police in Brazil within 30 days of arrival to obtain their RNE. Failure to do so may result in fines and complications with future visa applications.
To apply for a VIPER, the applicant must meet certain eligibility criteria, which includes having a valid passport, a clear criminal record, and proof of financial stability to support themselves in Brazil. The application process involves submitting various documents, including a birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), proof of income, and police clearance certificate from their home country.
Once approved, the VIPER allows the holder to live and work in Brazil indefinitely, as long as they comply with Brazilian laws and regulations. However, it is important to note that the VIPER is not a guarantee of citizenship, and holders of this visa are still considered foreigners in Brazil.
The Brazil permanent visa (VIPER) is an excellent option for foreign nationals who wish to reside permanently in Brazil. However, visa holders must comply with the two-year rule and other legal requirements to avoid expiration and complications with future visa applications.
There are the following subcategories of Brazil Permanent visa (VIPER):
- Family reunion visa
- Retirement visa
- Visa for the director, manager, or administrator of religious authority, social service, or non-profit/non-governmental organization
- Other permanent visa subcategories
Eligibility criteria for Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa
To be eligible for a Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa, the applicant must meet the following criteria:
- Have a valid passport
- Provide proof of legal entry into Brazil
- Be in good health and provide a medical certificate
- Provide a police clearance certificate
- Demonstrate financial stability or employment in Brazil
- Have a clean criminal record
- Have a valid reason for staying in Brazil permanently, such as a job, family, or investment
It is also worth noting that applicants may be required to provide additional documents, depending on their individual circumstances and the specific requirements of the Brazilian embassy or consulate handling their application. It is recommended that applicants consult with the embassy or consulate before submitting their application to ensure that they have provided all necessary documents and met all eligibility criteria.
Required documents for Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa application
To apply for a permanent visa (VIPER) in Brazil, you will need to gather the following documents:
Passport: Your original passport must be valid for at least six months from the date of application and must have at least two blank visa pages.
Visa application form: Fill out the online visa application form and print it out.
Two recent passport-size photos: These photos should be taken within the last six months, in color, and with a white background.
Birth certificate: An original or certified copy of your birth certificate is required.
Marriage certificate (if applicable): If you are married, you will need to provide an original or certified copy of your marriage certificate.
Police clearance certificate: You will need to obtain a police clearance certificate from your country of origin and any country you have lived in for more than six months in the past year.
Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Brazil. This can be in the form of bank statements, employment contracts, or other financial documents.
Health certificate: You will need to obtain a health certificate from a licensed physician.
Proof of residence in Brazil: If you already have a temporary visa, you will need to provide proof of your residence in Brazil, such as a rental contract or utility bills.
Criminal record certificate: You will need to obtain a criminal record certificate from your country of origin and any country you have lived in for more than six months in the past year.
Please note that the Brazilian government may require additional documents depending on your individual circumstances. It is best to consult with the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country for specific requirements.
How to apply for Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa
To apply for a Permanent Visa (VIPER) in Brazil, you will need to follow these steps:
Gather all the required documents: Make sure you have all the necessary documents mentioned in the previous answer.
Fill out the online visa application form: Go to the Brazilian Federal Police website and fill out the online application form for the VIPER visa. You will need to create an account on the website and provide all the required information.
Schedule an appointment: After filling out the application form, you will need to schedule an appointment at the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country. The appointment can be made through the website or by contacting the embassy/consulate directly.
Submit your application and documents: On the day of your appointment, submit your application form and all the required documents to the embassy/consulate. You may also need to pay a visa fee at this time.
Wait for the visa to be processed: The processing time for a VIPER visa can take several weeks to a few months. You can check the status of your application on the Brazilian Federal Police website using your application number.
Collect your visa: Once your visa is approved, you can collect it from the embassy/consulate. Make sure to bring your passport and any other documents required for visa collection.
It is important to note that the Brazilian government may request additional documents or information during the application process.
Processing time for Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa
The processing time for a Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa can vary depending on several factors, including the volume of applications being processed by the Brazilian government and the completeness of your application. Generally, the processing time for a VIPER visa can take several weeks to a few months.
It is recommended to apply for a VIPER visa well in advance of your intended travel dates, as the processing time can be unpredictable. You can check the status of your application on the Brazilian Federal Police website using your application number.
If you need your visa urgently, you can contact the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country to request expedited processing. However, this may come with additional fees and requirements.
Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa fees
Brazil Permanent Visa (VIPER) fee is 150-360 USD. However, the Brazilian government has established a standard fee schedule for visa applications, which includes the following fees:
- Visa application fee: This fee is charged for processing your visa application and can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for and your country of origin.
- Residence authorization fee: This fee is charged for issuing the VIPER visa and authorizing your residence in Brazil.
The fees for a VIPER visa may also depend on other factors, such as reciprocity fees (if your country charges Brazilian citizens for visa applications) and other service fees.
Visa extension and renewal options for Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa
Once you have been granted a Brazil Permanent Visa (VIPER), you can live and work in Brazil indefinitely as long as you comply with the visa's conditions. However, you will need to renew your VIPER visa every ten years, or earlier if your passport expires before the end of the ten-year period.
To renew your VIPER visa, you will need to submit a new application and provide updated documents such as a new passport, police clearance certificate, and financial documents to prove your ability to support yourself and any dependents in Brazil.
In addition to renewing your VIPER visa, you may also need to extend your stay in Brazil if you plan to stay for longer than 90 days at a time. To extend your stay, you will need to go to the Brazilian Federal Police and apply for an extension. The extension can be granted for up to 90 days at a time, but you can apply for multiple extensions as long as you comply with the visa's conditions.
It is important to note that the Brazilian government may require additional documents or information during the visa renewal or extension process.
Important tips for a successful Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa application
Here are some important tips for a successful Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa application:
- Start the application process early: The processing time for a VIPER visa can take several weeks to a few months, so it is best to start the application process early and allow enough time for processing.
- Ensure that all required documents are complete: Make sure that you have all the required documents and that they are complete and up-to-date. Incomplete or inaccurate documents can cause delays or even result in visa denial.
- Provide accurate and truthful information: Be honest and provide accurate information in your visa application form. Any false or misleading information can result in visa denial or even legal consequences.
- Demonstrate financial stability: Provide evidence of your financial stability, such as bank statements, income tax returns, and employment contracts, to show that you can support yourself and any dependents during your stay in Brazil.
- Have a clear purpose for your stay in Brazil: Clearly state your purpose for visiting Brazil and provide any necessary supporting documents, such as a job offer letter or enrollment in a Brazilian educational institution.
- Follow the application instructions carefully: Follow the instructions for the visa application process carefully, including the online application form and any specific requirements for submitting documents.
- Seek assistance if needed: If you have any questions or concerns about the visa application process, seek assistance from the Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country.
By following these tips, you can increase your chances of a successful Brazil Permanent (VIPER) Visa application.