Brazil Working Holiday Visa - The Complete Guide

Have you ever considered exploring the lush Brazilian landscape while also earning money at the same time? With a Working Holiday Visa, you can unlock so many opportunities with short-term jobs, as well as discover a destination rich in cultural heritage, natural wonders and iconic landmarks.

Brazil is known for offering working holiday visa options to foreign nationals, which means that if you crave a city life setting intertwined with a welcoming atmosphere, this prime destination could be yours to explore! From the allure of the world-famous Rio De Janeiro and Brasilia, to delicious street food to enjoy just like a local, every experience will be worth savouring.

In this guide, we provide all the information you need to set your plans for a working holiday in Brazil in motion. So, get ready to start planning a trip of a lifetime. 

Imagine this:

• Experiencing the world-famous Carnival with its explosion of colour and talent in Rio de Janeiro while dancing the night away.
• Seeing the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue in real life - the selfie will never do it justice. 
• Watching the sunrise at Iguazu Falls - this will take your breath away no matter what time of the year or time, it’s beyond a natural wonder. 

A Quick Overview of The Working Holiday Visa

The Working Visa Holiday Program in Brazil offers short-term solutions for younger travellers planning to work for a limited, non-permanent duration of time in the country. It is important to remember that this visa does not include travelling to Brazil with family members, and it cannot be used if your intent is to have full-time employment in the country. You also need to be mindful of the allowed duration of your stay to ensure that you adhere to local laws.

For instance: The Working Visa in Brazil only allows employment of up to three months – the same rule applies if you are interested in doing a traineeship program.

However, the visa does allow a holder to stay in Brazil for up to a year. Also, you can exit and enter Brazil as many times as you like during the time that your visa is valid.

Eligibility Requirements 

Countries that can take part in the Brazil Work Holiday Visa program include New Zealand, France, Germany and Australia. This also implies that Brazilian citizens are allowed to participate in similar work holiday programs in these countries.

Also, remember these important conditions:

• There is an age limit: Individuals that are between 18 and 30 years old can apply for the Work Visa. 
• You will need a valid passport: This is a crucial step that you need to remember when you want to apply for your visa.
• Your reason for visiting Brazil must first and foremost be tourism: As mentioned earlier in this guide, your Work Visa does not have the purpose of allowing permanent employment.
• Nationality: Your country must have a working holiday agreement with Brazil. You can verify this by visiting the Brazil Immigration Public Services resource.
• Proof of sufficient funds: In terms of available money, there are two important considerations. First, you will need to have a return ticket ready or at the very least have the funds to purchase one. Second, you must have enough money for expenses during your trip.
• Insurance: Being covered during your visa duration is as much a requirement as it is a tool for peace of mind while you live and work in Brazil. For instance: Our Travel & medical insurance designed for Global Travelers offers several advantages, including coverage for prescription medication, as well as trip interruption benefits.
• Proof of good health: A medical certificate will be needed to verify this information.
• A clean police record: A police certificate may be required in some cases.
• No dependents are allowed: The Working Holiday Visa only applies to solo travellers.
• Work restrictions: Together with the three month work limit of your visa, you may also not work for the same employer for a period that exceeds three months.

Lastly, remember that the Brazil Work Holiday Visa is only valid for up to one year, and it cannot be renewed.

Required Documents and Preparations

A key part of applying for your Working Holiday Visa will be getting all important documents ready.

These include the following:

• Copies of your passport that are still valid; alternatively, copies of your travel documents.
• Passport pictures that adhere to the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)’s standards for easy recognition.
• Proof of funds (such as your bank statements).
• Evidence of the return flight ticket that you have booked; alternatively, confirmation that you have money available to purchase your travel means.
• Proof of your travel health insurance.
• A police clearance certificate.
• A medical certificate.

Top tip:

Some restrictions might apply to your application; for instance, according to New Zealand Immigration you cannot apply for the Working Holiday Visa in Brazil if you have had a previous successful application.

Application process

At the start of your application process, you can visit the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website here to fill out your application form.

You will need to:

• Submit all required documents.
• Fill in all mandatory fields.
• Complete your application, after which you will receive your application number.

Then, you need to print and sign your receipt, stick your passport photo into the specified area of your document, and then take all of your files to your Brazilian consulate which will process your visa application.

Ensure you check which fees you will need to pay, and what the quotas are for Work Holiday Visas that apply to your specific application. Also, remember that the workflow of your consulate might be different from others, including processing times. You can confirm with the consulate that you are visiting what the waiting times will be.

Once you have received approval, you can collect your visa and get ready for your much-anticipated Brazilian adventure.

Arriving in Brazil

Once you have arrived in Brazil, you must register at your nearest police station within 30 days. Also, it is important that you get your labour and social security booklet, which the Ministry of Labour and Employment provides. Your passport and proof of registration at the police station will be needed to get this free resource.

Popular Jobs Under The Working Holiday isa

Several opportunities can be considered when it comes to your Working Holiday Visa, and many allow you to interact with the local community. Some examples are retail jobs, working in restaurants or hotels, or even doing administrative tasks that allow you to gain valuable work experience as well.

Hot spots to Visit in Brazil 

There certainly is no shortage of amazing attractions that you can visit during your working holiday. Here are some of our top picks that you can consider:

• São Paulo: Museums, concerts, theatre performances, nightclubs and restaurants galore make this exciting metropolis a must for those who adore urban lifestyles.
• AquaRio, Rio de Janeiro: Savour the beauty of local marine life at this famous aquarium – including sharks and dolphins.
• Bom Jesus da Lapa, Bahia: This breath-taking sanctuary is a must for those who relish beautiful religious and historical sites.
• Museu de Arte Moderna do Rio de Janeiro (MAM): Experience exceptional art from some of Brazil’s top artists.
• Copacabana Beach, Rio de Janeiro: A must for travellers who adore a beach-side location with an exciting nightlife.

How to Best Get Around Brazil

Brazilian public transport has a reputation for being efficient, and thanks to solutions such as multi-day metro cards, you can easily save money when travelling.

Bus travel is one of the most reliable, safe and convenient transport options in Brazil. Tickets are usually cheap, making it ideal for travellers who want to ensure that they do not spend too much money on travel costs.

Should you opt for bus transport, it is important that you check schedules and arrive in advance to ensure you are not late for work or other appointments.

Taxis and rideshares can be considered for shorter trips, and it is usually easy to get numbers for taxis at popular places such as bars and restaurants.

If you are not in a hurry and want to do some sightseeing leisurely, a train ride is another way to get to beautiful destinations.

Social Life in Brazil

Brazilian culture is underpinned by a strong focus on family which shapes communities and their interactions. Brazilians are also known for their welcoming personalities and social gatherings happen often, allowing friends and families to enjoy one another’s company.

Sport is also a popular pastime, especially soccer and Capoeira (which combines dancing and martial arts).

Last but not least, dancing is another favourite past-time in Brazil, so, if you are keen to practice some samba steps while attending a carnival, it is a perfect opportunity to learn how locals perfect their dances!

Tax Obligations

As with any employment contract, it is important to know how you will be taxed while you work with your Working Holiday Visa.

Here are some important facts to consider:

• If you stay in Brazil for less than 183 days within a year, you will be seen as a non-resident where tax is considered.
• However, you will only be taxed on the income that you earn in Brazil, and if your wages are paid by a non-Brazilian source, you could avoid taxation.

Final Thoughts

A Working Holiday Visa can be a perfect opportunity to experience the culture and heritage of a foreign country – all while you earn enough funds to ensure your time spent in your country of choice is one of perfect enjoyment and lasting memories.

Brazil is a lively setting infused with a rich heritage, and you will certainly enjoy making memories during your stay in this exceptional country.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is eligible for a Working Holiday Visa in Brazil?

Applicants who wish to apply for this visa must be between 18 and 30 years old, and their aim for visiting the country must be primarily for tourism purposes. They must also have enough funds to support their lifestyle during their stay in Brazil, and have either a return ticket to their home country or proof that they have funds to buy such a ticket.

What are the required documents needed when applying for the Visa?

The most important documents include the following:

• A valid passport.
• A passport-sized photo that adheres to international standards.
• Proof of sufficient funds (such as bank statements).
• A police clearance certificate that attests to a clean record.
• A medical certificate which affirms good health.
• Health and travel insurance covering the duration of a foreign citizen’s stay.

How long is the Brazilian Working Holiday Visa valid for?

This type of visa is valid for 12 months and it cannot be renewed. Also, if an individual has in the past gotten approval for this visa, they cannot apply for it again.

Are there any restrictions when it comes to the Working Holiday Visa?

Most importantly, visa holders cannot take up permanent employment in Brazil, and they are not allowed to work for the same employer for more than three months. Also, the Working Holiday Visa only covers solo travellers.

How does the visa application process work?

After filing your online application and providing all relevant information to the Brazilian consulate, the processing time typically takes between 10 to 15 days. Do remember to check with the consulate what your waiting time would be, as workloads might be different during the year.

Are there any quotas for Working Holiday Visas in Brazil?

There are indeed set annual numbers, which are determined by bilateral agreements with participating countries. This is why it is important that you apply early for your visa and confirm whether there are any other restrictions that you need to keep in mind.