Academic research, scientific cooperation, academic extension programmes, visiting professors (VITEM I)
VI. Important information regarding the visa process
VII. Visa frequently asked questions - FAQ
I. General information
The agreement with the European Union and the Federative Republic of Brazil on short-stay visa waiver for holders of ordinary passports was published in the Federal Official Gazette on 8 October 2012 and has entered into force in Brazil.
It means that EU nationals travelling to Brazil for academic and research reasons max. 90 days, no longer require a visa to enter the country.
Important: Researchers, scientists, visiting professors or members of cultural or scientific missions with nationalities that requires a visa and those with a visa exempt nationality (ie. Finnish) who wish to stay longer than 90 days may request a Research, teaching or academic extension visa (VITEM I).
ATTENTION:
The need for a visa to Brazil is related to the person's nationality. Having a Finnish residence permit and / or a residence permit or visa from another country does not exempt your from a Brazilian visa, when the Brazilian visa is needed due to your nationality.
Check the need for a Brazilian visa, due to your nationality, and visa exemptions on our website "Nationalities that require a visa and visa exemptions" (this list is updated on a regular basis ).
Depending on the nature of the research or activity, approval from a Brazilian authority may be required. Those carrying out research/studies for undergraduate, post-graduate, masters and doctorate degrees must apply for a student visa (VITEM IV) instead. VITEM I applies to post-doctorate level only.
Those doing research in Brazil sponsored by institutions associated to the Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation (MCTI) of Brazil, such as the National Institute of Amazonian Research (INPA), have to apply for prior approval by ordinance ("Portaria") issued by the MCTI, which authorizes the scientific activity and the researchers’ participation. The ordinance must be officially published in the Brazilian Official Gazette (Diário Oficial da União).
This procedure does not apply to those researchers receiving scholarships from the Brazilian National Counsel of Technological and Scientific Development (CNPq), Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES), Funding Authority for Studies and Projects (FINEP) or by State Research Foundations (Fundações Estaduais de Amparo à Pesquisa).
Legal basis:
The application for a VITEM I visa can have one of the following legal basis:
a) VITEM I based on Normative Resolution 27/2018 (click here for the resolution - Portuguese only):
This type of visa may be granted to researchers, scientists and visiting professors – with no employment relationship with a Brazilian institution – for the purposes of academic research, scientific cooperation, academic extension programmes, and teaching, as long as the stay is set to last longer than 90 days.
VITEM I – RN27 holders are strictly forbidden to practise any paid work in Brazil, but are allowed to receive payments from the government, a Brazilian employer or a private entity for the purposes of daily allowances, compensation or travel expenses, as well as to receive cash prizes in competitions in the science, technology and innovation fields.
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b) VITEM I based on Normative Resolution 24/2018 (click here for the resolution - Portuguese only):
This type of visa may be granted to researchers, scientists and visiting professors – with employment relationship with a Brazilian institution – regardless of the intended length of stay.
VITEM I – RN24 applications are subject to prior approval by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and National Security. The process must be initiated in Brazil, by the sponsoring institution (on behalf of the applicant), with submission of the pertinent application and supporting documentation to that Ministry. Once the procedure in Brazil is concluded and approved, the authorisation will be transmitted to the Embassy via the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Only then will the applicant be able to proceed and lodge the visa application itself.
Length of stay in Brazil: Up to 2 years (according to agreement with the institution / awarded scholarship / authorisation from the Ministry of Justice and National Security).
Extension of stay: extension subject to approval by the Brazilian Ministry of Justice and National Security.
II. How to apply for a visa
The visa application and all original documents (the same uploaded to the online application form) must be sent by mail (Posti) or deposited in our mailbox (only from Monday to Friday, from 10:00 to 13:00 h).
It is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure the application is lodged accordingly and with all original mandatory documents (in paper).
Important: The same documents must be uploaded to the online form and sent by mail (in paper).
Incomplete applications will be returned to the applicant.
III. Mandatory documents
Note: All the following listed documents are mandatory.
All documents must be presented in original (copies are not accepted).
Incomplete applications will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
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1) Online visa application form
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Fill in the electronic application form at https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/, upload all requested documents, submit, print out, sign. When filling in the application form it is very important to completely fill out all fields and upload all required documents. Important: Special attention to the field parents’ full names, that should be informed as stated in your extract from population (item 5). Note: If deceased, their full names will still be required. Attention: It is also very important to inform your (own) correct telephone number and your (own) correct e-mail address. a) The form should be signed inside the designated box in blue or black ink. Do not exceed the borders. b) Applicant must upload photo, signature and all mandatory documents. |
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2) Original valid passport |
a) Passport should be valid for the entirety of the intended stay. b) The Consular Section of the Embassy reserves the right not to endorse soiled, damaged or defaced passports. c) Passport must have at least 2 unused (blank) pages. Note that pages reserved for amendments cannot be used for visa purposes. d) Applicants with a valid Brazilian visa must also present the passport with the visa, even if it is in another passport or the passport has expired. |
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3) One recent (3 months maximum) 36mm x 47mm photograph |
The photo dimensions for the Brazilian visa are the same as the standard size for the Finnish passport. a) Photo must be in color, front view, white background, no shadows, ICAO standard (example here). b) Photo should be "developed" in photography paper, in ultra high quality. Photos in regular paper, with low quality or digital only versions are not accepted. c) Photos should be recent (3 months old maximum). The same photo cannot be used for more than one application. Note: To avoid your photo being rejected, we strongly recommend to use a professional photographer's service. |
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4) Original Extract from the Criminal Records (all applicants 18 years old or older) |
4.1 If living in Finland for one year or longer: Finnish Extract from the Criminal Records a) The Extract from the Criminal Records must show the applicant's city of birth. The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. b) The extract should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. c) The extract must be recent (3 months old maximum) d) The extract must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the foreign extract must also receive an official translation to English. e) The extract must be notarized in Maistraatti. f) The extract must receive an Apostille - https://dvv.fi/en/apostille-en-org |
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4.2 If living in Finland for less than one year: Certificate of criminal records from the country of origin / last residences a) The certificate criminal records must show the applicant's city of birth. The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. b) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. c) The certificate must be recent (3 months old maximum) d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the foreign extract must also receive an official translation to English. e) Certificates issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must receive an Apostille. Apostille authorities, by country: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41 f) Certificates issued in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation (Brazilian Embassy or Consulate) in the country where the certificates were issued. |
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5) Original Extract from the Population information system or Birth certificate
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5.1. For Finnish nationals: a) The Extract from the Population Information System or Birth certificate must show the parents' full names. b) The Extract from Population Information System or Birth certificate must show the applicant's city of birth. The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. c) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the foreign extract must also receive an official translation to English. e) The Finnish extract must be notarized in Maistraatti f) The Finnish extract must receive an Apostille - https://dvv.fi/en/apostille-en-org |
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5.2. For other nationalities: a) The original birth certificate which shows the parents' full names issued by the country of origin b) The birth certificate must show the applicant's city of birth. The city must be written exactly the same way as in the passport - same spelling and same language. Important: City of birth "abroad" or city of birth showing only the name of the country are NOT accepted. c) The certificate should be with ink stamp and signature. Digital versions / digital signatures are not accepted. d) The certificate must be issued originally in English. If not issued originally in English, the foreign extract / birth certificate must also receive an official translation to English. e) Certificates issued in countries that are members of the Hague Apostille Convention must receive an Apostille. Apostille authorities, by country: https://www.hcch.net/en/instruments/conventions/authorities1/?cid=41 f) Certificates issued in countries that are not members of the Hague Apostille Convention must be legalized by the Brazilian Diplomatic Representation (Brazilian Embassy or Consulate) in the country where the certificates were issued. |
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| 6) For non-Finnish nationals: Original Finnish residence permit card. |
Original Finnish residence permit card. A certified copy of the Finnish residence permit card (done at Maistraatti) is also accepted. An apostille is not needed. |
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7) Proof of sufficient funds to support the whole stay of the applicant in Brazil
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The following documents are accepted: Last 3 months statements of bank account with sufficient saldo, last 3 months payment slips, last 3 months credit card statements with available limit, Kela or University certificate of funding. a) The statements are accepted in English or Finnish. If not issued originally in English or Finnish, the document must also receive an official translation to Portuguese or English. b) The documents listed above may be combined to prove financial self-sufficiency during the whole trip. For those receiving funding from a Finnish institution (University, School, Private Company, etc), the following document is also accepted: Support letter from funding institution. d) The letter must be issued in official paper with institution name and logo. e) The letter must contain specific information on the visit, applicant's data (full name, date of birth, passport number, etc), that the funding is destined to a trip to Brazil and detail what it covers. f) The letter must be signed by a responsible person of the institution and contain their full name and contacts. g) The signature of the institution's responsible person must be notarized in Maistratti - DVV. (An apostille is not needed.) |
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8) Proof of applicant’s degree and qualification to the position
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a) The document must be in English. If not issued originally in English, the document must receive an official translation to Portuguese or English. |
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9) For applications based on RN 27/2018
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Official signed invitation letter from the Brazilian education or research institution to which the applicant will be linked, confirming acceptance, the character, place and duration of the position a) The document must be in Portuguese. b) The letter must be printed on official letterhead of the institution c) The letter must contain the following information: The applicant's full personal details, including job, position and function; Description of the activities, duration, period (include start and end dates of the activities); Details of the institution and person in charge in Brazil (full name, telephone, e-mail etc.); Declaration confirming that there is no employment relationship between the parts; and Legal basis for the request: which article / paragraph / item / subitem of Normative Resolution 27/2018 the application relates to. d) The letter must be signed by an authorized person (to sign) at the Institution (those who can legally respond for the institution according to Brazilian regulations). e) Important: If the Brazilian educational institution is not a Public Institution / University, the document must be legalized by a notary public ("cartório") in Brazil (an apostille is not necessary). You should plan ahead and request that the original letter is sent from your host institution or person to you, by mail (Posti, DHL, Fedex, UPS, etc), so that you can present the original to the Embasy, together with your application. Alternatively, digital notarizations by Brazilian notaries ("cartórios") are accepted, as long as the document interiety and validity can be verified by the Embassy at the moment of the application. The responsability of the verification system is not of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs or the Embassy in Helsinki. Therefore, if the digital document cannot be validated by the Embassy, the visa will not be granted. |
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10) Additional documents, according to case: |
10.1. For the purposes of research / academic extension / postdoctoral studies, if the researcher / scientist holds a scholarship from a Brazilian accredited higher education institution, from CNPq, Capes, Finep, or a private / state-sponsored Research Foundation, or from an accredited private / public Support Foundation to higher education / research institutions: a) declaration issued by the institution responsible for financing the scholarship; b) signed Term of Commitment. |
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10.2. For research purposes, under an international agreement recognised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MRE): a) international agreement, memorandum of understanding, additional protocols, or equivalent documents mentioning the applicant’s appointment; b) proof of compatible qualification / professional experience; c) invitation letter addressed to the applicant, making reference to the respective international agreement, describing the activities, specifying the duration (including start and end dates), and declaring that the applicant will not be funded by a Brazilian source. |
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10.3. For research purposes, in order to take part in projects between foreign institutions / research and development centres of foreign companies and a Brazilian company, company incubator, Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institution (ICT), Technological Innovation Centre (NIT), support foundation, technology park, technology hub, or private / public higher education and research institution: a) copy of the Ordinance ("Portaria") of the Brazilian Ministry of Science, Technology, Innovation (MCTIC) which authorises the activity and the applicant’s participation, published in the Official Gazette (D.O.U.); b) signed Term of Commitment. Please note: if the research / scientific activity is to be conducted in laboratories and in case of postdoctoral degree studies without a scholarship, these documents must also be presented. |
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10.4. For teaching purposes, under the condition of visiting professor without employment relationship with the Brazilian higher education institution: a) declaration confirming that the applicant will be funded by an institution in the applicant’s country of origin, under the umbrella of an interinstitutional agreement or similar instrument celebrated between the foreign and Brazilian parts. |
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11) Buy 1 (one) prepaid postal label at Posti website
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Buy the postal label "maximum 250g" type, at the Posti website (choose express OR registered): (Express Letter) https://www.posti.fi/en/private/letters-and-mail/send-a-letter-or-postcard/valuable-or-urgent-items (Registered Letter) https://www.posti.fi/en/private/letters-and-mail/send-a-letter-or-postcard/valuable-or-urgent-items Note: Express letters are faster than registered letters. Instructions on how to correctly purchase the Posti postal label are available on our website at “Posti - Postal Label”. Terms and conditions for services by mail are available on our website at "Service by Mail ( Posti )" IMPORTANT: Applications sent to the Embassy without the postal label will NOT be processed. To avoid unnecessary delays, please follow our instructions an provide us the Posti postal label. |
IV. Consular fee
Once the application is received, the Consular Section will check whether it has been duly prepared and that it contains all documents.
If the application is ready for processing, the Consular Section will forward the applicant, by e-mail, information for payment of the consular fee.
The consular fee for a temporary visa is €120,00 for nationals of most countries, with some exceptions.
All consular fees must be lodged to the Embassy of Brazil’s account, by transfer originating from a Finnish bank account.
The Consular Section will only send payment information (by e-mail to the applicant) after the required documentation has been received and checked.
Payments in advance are not accepted.
V. Processing time
The estimated processing time for temporary visas is up to 5 working days after all the documentation has been received at the Embassy and fees are paid.
The Consular Section does not provide express or emergency visa services of any sort.
In times of heavy workload processing times may increase. Therefore, do not leave your application to the last minute and do not commit yourself to travel plans until your visa is granted.
Nationals from certain countries require consultation with the Brazilian Ministry of External Relations before a visa can be granted. In that case the processing time may be longer than usual.
Note: The Consular Section does not provide information on the status of visa applications that are already being analysed.
IMPORTANT:
The Consular Section does not offer urgent, express or faster services of any kind and does not issue urgent or emergency documents, including visas. Check the current processing times for consular services at "Processing Times".
Visa applicants must allow the Embassy the full processing time. If you have a trip to another country and cannot wait for the processing time DO NOT apply for a visa with us, as we cannot hurry up your process due to your private engagements.
More information on the visa process is available here.
VI. Important information regarding the visa process
- Visa requests that lack any of the documents listed will not be processed and will be returned to the applicant.
- The requirements listed above should not, in any way, be considered all inclusive.
- The Consular Section of the Brazilian Embassy in Helsinki reserves the right to request additional information and/or documentation when they are deemed necessary.
- A Consular interview may be requested by the Brazilian Consular Authority whenever necessary to clarify circumstances of the trip or identity / information provided by the applicant.
- Visa applications may be refused by lack of documents or for inconsistencies in the data provided (incomplete or mismatching information).
- A visa shall be denied to any foreign citizen who, when submitting his/her application, behaves in an aggressive, insulting or disrespectful way.
- Keep in mind that visas may be granted or denied by the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland, notwithstanding the residence authorization, according to Brazilian migratory law and visa regulations.
- Please note that issuing or denying a visa is a sovereign act of Governments. It is a prerogative applied by every country and strengthened by international practice. The kind of visa - if granted - and the validity period of the visa are also a sovereign decision of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland.
- All temporary visa holders must register with the Federal Police within 90 days from first entry.
Upon registration, the individual will have to present all the following documents:
a) Passport with the Brazilian temporary visa;
b) Original Visa Application Form (with stamp and signature of the Brazilian Consular Authority in Finland);
c) Extract from Population Information System (or Birth Certificate) containing both parents’ full names and cirty of birth (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application); and
d) Extract from the Criminal Records (applicants over 18 years old) (the same presented to the Embassy with the visa application).
IMPORTANT: The extract from population / birth certificate and the extract from criminal records must receive an apostille (for countries that are part of the Apostille Convention, for example, Finland) or legalized by a Brazilian Embassy (countries that are not part of the Hague Apostille Convention) in the country of origin.
The documents must also be subsequently translated into Portuguese, in Brazil, by a sworn translator ("tradutor juramentado").
- It is strongly recommended that bearers of temporary visas to Brazil register themselves at the Tax Revenue Office (Receita Federal), before the trip, to acquire a Brazilian CPF number. The CPF is necessary for many daily activities in Brazil, for example opening a bank account, buying and activating telephone sim cards, renting appartments, signing contracts with service providers (internet, telephone, energy, water, gas), doing business in Brazil, etc.
The CPF for foreign citizens is requested at the Embassy, only in person (by appointment). Instructions on how to proceed are available on our website at CPF - Foreign citizens resident in Finland.
- General terms and conditions are subject to change without prior notice.