The Voo Simples Law simplifies the entry of foreign companies

The authorization processes for foreign airlines interested in operating scheduled international air services in Brazil have been simplified by Law No. 14,368 of June 14, 2022, known as the Voo Simples Law (available only in Portuguese). From now on, prior government authorization (operating authorization) is no longer required from companies interested in operating scheduled international flight services in the country.

Obtaining operating authorization, granted by means of a decision of the Board of Directors of the National Civil Aviation Agency (ANAC), was the first step taken by companies. Only with this authorization, which could take between 20 and 30 days from the submission of the complete documentation, and without any pending issues, was the company able to provide its application for registration in the Board of Trade of the state where it would be installed, and only then could it apply for operational authorization from ANAC.

With the repeal of the provision that required the operating authorization in the Brazilian Aeronautical Code (available only in Portuguese), the company will now register information such as legal representative, capital and social statute, previously registered in the authorization to operate in the country, directly with the commercial board, as regulated by the Department of Business Registration and Integration (DREI), of the Ministry of Economy.

ANAC’s role is now restricted to operational authorization. However, the applicant company can file the technical documentation with the Agency simultaneously with the commercial registry process. With this measure, the processing time for operational authorization will be significantly reduced, since ANAC’s technical areas will be able to carry out the necessary analyses and point out any requirements to be corrected, without delaying the processing at the commercial board and other bodies to which the process must be submitted.

ANAC will soon publish a normative ruling to guide companies regarding the new procedures. More information about the process of entry of foreign companies in Brazil can be found on the air services page of the Agency’s website.