Brazil Visa Requirements for Indians
Brazil, a vibrant South American nation known for its expansive Amazon rainforest, diverse culture, and bustling metropolises, continues to attract Indian citizens for various purposes, including business.
General Brazil Visa Requirements for Indians:
Before delving into specific visa types, it's crucial to understand the common requirements that apply to all Indian applicants for a Brazilian visa:
Valid Passport:
Your original passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended date of departure from Brazil.
It must have at least two blank visa pages for the visa sticker.
A photocopy of the passport's bio-data page (with your photo and personal information).
Online Visa Application Form (RER):
All applicants must complete the online visa application form (RER - Recibo de Entrega de Requerimento) through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
After filling, print the receipt (RER) and attach your photograph to it, then sign it in the designated areas.
This RER number is crucial for your application.
Recent Passport-Sized Photograph:
One recent color photograph (taken within the last six months).
Specifications: 5x5 cm (or 2x2 inches) with a plain white background. The photo should be a full-face view, with a neutral expression, and free from shadows or glare. It should adhere to ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards.
Proof of Financial Means:
Original bank statements for the last three to six months, duly stamped and signed by the bank, demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your expenses during your stay in Brazil.
Latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) for the past two to three years.
For employed individuals: Latest three months' salary slips and an employment certificate/leave sanction letter from your employer.
For self-employed individuals: Business registration proof (e.g., MOA/Partnership Deed) and business bank statements.
Flight Itinerary/Travel Arrangements:
Confirmed round-trip flight tickets (e-ticket printout) to and from Brazil.
This serves as proof of your intent to return to India. A detailed travel itinerary outlining your daily plans, cities to be visited, and confirmed hotel reservations for the entire duration of your stay.
Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate:
A Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is strongly recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for travel to Brazil, as it is considered an endemic area.
While Brazilian authorities may not always ask for it upon entry, it is mandatory for re-entry into India from Brazil. Therefore, it's crucial to get vaccinated and carry the certificate.
Covering Letter:
A personalized letter from the applicant, addressed to the Embassy/Consulate of Brazil, explaining the purpose of your visit, duration of stay, and confirming your travel plans.
Travel Insurance:
It is advisable, and often implicitly required, to have comprehensive travel insurance that covers the entire duration of your trip, including medical emergencies and repatriation.
Specific Brazil Visa Requirements for Indians: Business Visa (VITEM II)
For Indian citizens traveling to Brazil for business-related activities, the "VITEM II" or Business Visa is the appropriate category. This visa is typically for short-term visits and does not permit engagement in paid employment in Brazil.
In addition to the general requirements mentioned above, the following specific documents are crucial for a Brazil Business Visa:
Invitation Letter from Brazilian Company/Entity:
An original invitation letter on the inviting Brazilian company's letterhead.
This letter must be signed and notarized in Brazil by a Notary Public (Cartório).
Content requirements for the invitation letter:
Full name, passport number, and designation of the Indian applicant.
Purpose of the visit (e.g., business meetings, negotiations, attending trade fairs, conferences, prospecting business opportunities).
Exact dates of arrival and departure.
Places to be visited in Brazil.
A clear statement indicating who will bear the financial expenses for the applicant's trip and stay in Brazil (the Indian company or the Brazilian company).
Full name, designation, contact details, and signature of the authorized person from the inviting Brazilian company.
The inviting company's CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa JurÃdica – Brazil's National Register of Legal Entities) number.
Letter from Indian Company:
An original letter on the Indian company's official letterhead.
This letter should introduce the applicant, state their designation, confirm the purpose and duration of the business trip to Brazil, and mention the name and address of the inviting Brazilian company.
It should also guarantee that the applicant will adhere to Brazilian laws and return to India after the trip.
Duly signed and stamped by an authorized signatory.
Indian Company's Business Registration Proof:
A copy of the Indian company's Registration Certificate, Certificate of Incorporation, or Partnership Deed.
Proof of the company's financial standing, such as audited financial statements or the latest Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN) / Permanent Account Number (PAN) details.
Professional Background/Business Cards:
Your professional business card.
Sometimes, a brief company profile or evidence of existing business relations between the Indian and Brazilian companies (e.g., contracts, past correspondence) may be requested.
Application Process for Brazil Visa for Indians:
Online Application (RER):
Fill out the electronic visa application form (RER) on the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:
https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/ Upload your photograph and signature as per the specifications.
Print the RER receipt and sign it.
Document Compilation:
Gather all the required original documents and their photocopies as per the checklist for your specific visa type (e.g., Business Visa).
Appointment Scheduling (E-Consular System):
Indian citizens must use the E-Consular system to request an appointment for visa submission at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate General.
The system allows you to upload scanned copies of your documents for initial validation.
Visa Fee Payment:
The visa fee for a business visa varies, but is typically around INR 8,000 to INR 10,000 (as of current knowledge, subject to change).
Payment methods are specified by the respective Embassy/Consulate General (often cash or bank transfer to a designated account). Pay the fee after your documents are validated through the E-Consular system.
Submission at Embassy/Consulate:
On your scheduled appointment date, visit the Brazilian Embassy in New Delhi or the Consulate General in Mumbai (depending on your jurisdiction) with all your original documents, photocopies, the printed RER receipt, and proof of visa fee payment.
Jurisdiction:
Embassy of Brazil, New Delhi: Covers all of India except the states covered by the Mumbai Consulate.
Consulate General of Brazil, Mumbai: Covers Maharashtra, Goa, and Karnataka.
Processing and Collection:
The typical processing time for a Brazil visa for Indians is 7-10 working days, though it can vary based on workload and individual case complexities.
Expedited services are generally not available. You can usually track your application status. Once approved, collect your passport with the visa from the Embassy/Consulate or arrange for its dispatch.
Important Notes:
No Visa on Arrival: Indian citizens require a pre-arranged visa to enter Brazil.
There is no visa-on-arrival facility. Business Visa vs. Work Visa: A Brazilian Business Visa (VITEM II) is strictly for short-term business activities and does NOT authorize employment or receiving a salary from a Brazilian entity. If you intend to work and be paid by a Brazilian company, you must apply for a Work Visa (VITEM V), which is a much more complex process involving prior approval from the Brazilian Ministry of Labour and is typically initiated by the Brazilian employer.
A business visa cannot be converted into a work visa or any other long-term visa within Brazil; you would need to return to India and apply for the appropriate visa. Accuracy and Completeness: Ensure all information is accurate and consistent across all documents. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
Official Sources: Always refer to the official website of the Embassy of Brazil in New Delhi or the Consulate General of Brazil in Mumbai for the most current and precise Brazil visa for Indians requirements and application procedures.
In summary, obtaining a Brazil visa for Indians, especially for business purposes, requires meticulous preparation of documents and adherence to the online application and appointment system. The invitation letter from Brazil and the supporting letter from your Indian company are critical for a business visa.
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