Brazil · Researcher Visa

VITEM I — Researcher / Academic

Official name VITEM I — Pesquisador / Professor Universitário (Researcher / Academic)

By António Mira, Founder · Member, Arab-Portuguese Chamber of Commerce & Industry (CCIAP) & Portuguese-Saudi Business Council (PSBC)
✓ Verified against the official government source · Last verified 2026-06-22 · Our methodology
3/10 diff
Moderate

Temporary visa for foreign researcher, academic, or extension worker at Brazilian institution. With or without employmen…

Min income
Processing
30+ days
Path to PR
No
Job offer
Not required
Direct answer

Temporary visa for foreign researcher, academic, or extension worker at Brazilian institution. With or without employment contract (Decreto 9.199 Art 143). If employment vinculo present, requires equivalent higher-education credential. CAPES + CNPq scholarship holders qualify. 2-year initial visa, renewable, can transform to indeterminate residence + path to ordinary naturalization (4y).

At a Glance

Visa Duration
24 months
Processing Time
30+ days
Min Income
Path to PR
No
Difficulty
3/10 — Moderate

Eligibility Requirements

RequirementDetails
Age Range17+
Job Offer RequiredNo
Sponsorship RequiredNo
Health Insurance RequiredNo

Family & Rights

RightDetails
Path to Permanent ResidencyNo

Related Pathways

Cost of Living

São Paulo
Single (monthly)€950
Family (monthly)€2,000
Rent 1BR (center)€500
Groceries€238
Transport pass€57
Rio de Janeiro
Single (monthly)€870
Family (monthly)€1,800
Rent 1BR (center)€450
Groceries€218
Transport pass€52
City1
Single (monthly)€774
Family (monthly)€1,616
Rent 1BR (center)€294
Groceries€194
Transport pass€46
City2
Single (monthly)€774
Family (monthly)€1,616
Rent 1BR (center)€294
Groceries€194
Transport pass€46
City3
Single (monthly)€774
Family (monthly)€1,616
Rent 1BR (center)€294
Groceries€194
Transport pass€46
Sao Paulo
Single (monthly)€774
Family (monthly)€1,616
Rent 1BR (center)€294
Groceries€194
Transport pass€46
Florianopolis
Single (monthly)€774
Family (monthly)€1,616
Rent 1BR (center)€294
Groceries€194
Transport pass€46

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the VITEM I — Pesquisador / Professor Universitário (Researcher / Academic)?

Temporary visa for foreign researcher, academic, or extension worker at Brazilian institution. With or without employment contract (Decreto 9.199 Art 143). If employment vinculo present, requires equivalent higher-education credential. CAPES + CNPq scholarship holders qualify. 2-year initial visa, renewable, can transform to indeterminate residence + path to ordinary naturalization (4y).

Can the VITEM I — Pesquisador / Professor Universitário (Researcher / Academic) lead to permanent residency?

No — this is a temporary pathway and does not itself lead to permanent residence. Holders often switch to a different route to pursue settlement.

Are there alternative pathways to Brazil?

Yes. Brazil offers 14 other immigration pathways. Compare all options on our Brazil country page.

What is the cost of living in Brazil?

Monthly costs for a single person in city center: São Paulo: €950/mo; Rio de Janeiro: €870/mo; City1: €774/mo. These include rent, groceries, transport, and utilities.

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Official source

Requirements on this page are based on this official/primary source:

Data last verified: 2026-06-22 · See our methodology

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