Student Visa Brazil (VITEM IV): Complete Guide 2026

Quick Answer

The student visa (VITEM IV) is the authorization required for foreigners who wish to study in Brazil for more than 90 days. The main requirement is having confirmed enrollment at a Brazilian educational institution recognized by MEC (Ministry of Education). The application is made at the Brazilian consulate in the home country, and the visa can last from 6 months to 6 years, depending on the academic program. Students can perform paid internships related to their course, and there is the possibility of transitioning to a work visa after completing studies.

If you wish to study in Brazil and need guidance on the visa process, our immigration team can help.

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What Is the Student Visa (VITEM IV)?

The VITEM IV is the temporary visa for foreigners intending to pursue academic programs in Brazil. Regulated by Migration Law No. 13.445/2017 and Resolução Normativa CNIg No. 1/2017, this visa covers various study modalities:

• Undergraduate — Bachelor’s, teaching, and technology degrees
• Graduate — Master’s, doctoral, and post-doctoral programs
• Academic exchange — University mobility programs
• Language courses — Portuguese for foreigners (minimum 15h/week)
• Technical courses — Recognized vocational programs
• Academic research — Research projects linked to Brazilian institutions

Brazil has a solid university system with internationally renowned institutions such as USP, UNICAMP, UFRJ, and UFMG, as well as specific programs welcoming foreign students.

Complete VITEM IV Requirements

Mandatory documentation

1. Valid passport — with at least 6 months validity beyond the study period
2. Acceptance/enrollment letter — official document from the Brazilian institution confirming admission
3. Proof of financial means — demonstrating ability to support yourself during studies
4. International health insurance — valid coverage for Brazil throughout the period
5. Criminal background certificate — from country of origin (apostilled)
6. Academic transcript — from the last completed level of education (apostilled and translated)
7. Application form — completed through the MRE online system
8. Recent photographs — per consular specifications
9. Payment receipt — for the consular fee

For applicants under 18

In addition to the above documents:

• Authorization from both parents — with notarized signatures and apostilled
• Designated legal guardian in Brazil — an adult residing in the country
• Responsibility statement signed by the guardian in Brazil

Financial proof

Proof of means of subsistence may include:

Type of Proof	Accepted Documents
Scholarship	Letter from granting institution with amount and period
Family sponsorship	Financial responsibility declaration + sponsors’ bank statements
Personal funds	Bank statements from the last 6 months
Student loan	Student financing contract
Home country government	Official aid grant document

The minimum required amount varies by consulate but generally equals 1 Brazilian minimum wage per month (R$1,518 in 2026) for the study period.

Application Process

Step 1: Admission to a Brazilian institution

Before applying for the visa, the student must be admitted to a Brazilian institution:

• Public universities — Own entrance exam, ENEM for foreigners, or cooperation agreements
• Private universities — Simplified selection process, generally accepts direct enrollment
• Exchange programs — Agreement between home university and Brazilian institution
• Language courses — Direct enrollment at accredited schools
• PEC-G (Undergraduate) — Brazilian government program for students from developing countries
• PEC-PG (Graduate) — Government program for master’s and doctoral studies

Step 2: Document preparation (4-6 weeks)

Gather all documentation:

• Request the acceptance letter from the Brazilian institution
• Apostille documents under the Hague Convention
• Arrange sworn translation for documents in languages other than Portuguese
• Purchase international health insurance with coverage for Brazil
• Obtain criminal background certificate (typically valid for 90 days)

Step 3: Consulate application (2-4 weeks)

Schedule an appointment at the nearest Brazilian consulate:

• Present all original documents and copies
• Pay the consular fee (varies by nationality, generally USD 40-160)
• Attend consular interview (when required)

Step 4: Review and issuance (30-60 days)

The consulate reviews documentation and may:

• Approve — issues the visa in the passport
• Request supplementation — requests additional documents
• Deny — rejects the visa (may be appealed)

Step 5: Arrival in Brazil and registration

Upon arriving in Brazil:

1. Register with the Federal Police within 90 days
2. Obtain the CRNM (National Migratory Registration Card)
3. Obtain a CPF from the Receita Federal
4. Complete definitive enrollment at the educational institution

Visa Duration and Extension

Duration by program type

Program	Typical Visa Duration
Language course	6 months to 1 year
Exchange	6 months to 1 year
Undergraduate	4-5 years
Master’s	2-3 years
Doctoral	4-5 years
Post-doctoral	1-2 years
Technical course	1-2 years

Extension process

Extensions must be requested from the Federal Police before the visa expires:

1. Present an institution declaration confirming continued enrollment
2. Demonstrate satisfactory academic performance
3. Maintain valid health insurance
4. Prove means of subsistence
5. Pay the extension fee

The extension is granted for the period necessary to complete the academic program. There is no limit on extensions as long as the academic relationship is maintained.

Work Restrictions and Permissions

Curricular and extracurricular internships

Students with VITEM IV may undertake internships linked to their course:

• During the academic period — maximum 20 hours per week
• During vacations — up to 40 hours per week
• The internship must be compatible with the area of study
• Requires an internship commitment agreement between student, institution, and company
• Compensation is permitted (internship stipend)

Regular employment

Regular work (outside internships) is more restricted:

• Requires specific authorization from the General Immigration Coordination (CGIg)
• Authorization is not automatic — must be justified
• Must demonstrate that work does not interfere with studies
• Working hours are limited for compatibility with academic activities

Prohibited activities

• Full-time work during the academic period
• Own business activity (opening a company)
• Work unrelated to the area of study (as a rule)
• Informal or uncontracted work

Transition to a Work Visa

One of the great advantages of the student visa is the possibility of transitioning to a work visa after completing studies:

Transition process

1. Course completion — obtain diploma or completion certificate
2. Job offer — Brazilian company offers a formal position
3. Employer sponsorship — company requests work authorization from the Ministry of Labor
4. Status change request — filed with the Federal Police or CGIg
5. New CRNM issuance — with work authorization Learn more about our business law services.

Transition advantages

• No need to leave Brazil — the process can be handled domestically
• Brazilian diploma helps with hiring
• Professional network built during studies
• Market knowledge of Brazil
• Portuguese proficiency acquired during the course

Transition timeline

The student has a period of up to 1 year after course completion to request the immigration status change. After this period, it may be necessary to return to the home country to apply for a new visa.

Government Programs for Foreign Students

PEC-G (Undergraduate Student-Agreement Program)

• For students from developing countries in Africa, Latin America, and Asia
• Offers places at Brazilian public universities
• No tuition charges
• Requires passing Celpe-Bras (Certificate of Proficiency in Portuguese)
• Scholarships available in some cases

PEC-PG (Graduate Student-Agreement Program)

• Places in master’s and doctoral programs at public universities
• Scholarships offered by CAPES and CNPq
• Eligible countries: CPLP members, MERCOSUR, developing countries
• Annual selection process

Available scholarships

Program	Level	Approximate Monthly Value
CAPES	Master’s/Doctoral	R$2,100 - R$3,300
CNPq	Master’s/Doctoral	R$2,100 - R$3,300
FAPESP	Master’s/Doctoral (SP)	R$2,800 - R$4,100
PEC-PG	Master’s/Doctoral	R$1,700 - R$2,500
Private universities	Undergrad/Graduate	Variable (tuition discount)

Diploma Validation and Academic Documents

Foreign diploma revalidation

To practice a regulated profession in Brazil with a foreign diploma, revalidation is required:

• Undergraduate — Revalidation by a Brazilian public university with an equivalent program
• Master’s/Doctoral — Recognition by a public university with a CAPES-recommended graduate program
• Carolina Bori Platform — MEC online system for revalidation requests

Required academic documents

• Original diploma (apostilled)
• Complete academic transcript (apostilled)
• Course syllabi for completed subjects
• Sworn translation of all documents

Estimated Costs for Studying in Brazil

Item	Estimated Cost
Visa fee	USD 40-160
Apostille	R$50-200 per document
Sworn translation	R$200-500 per document
Health insurance	R$200-500/month
Housing (rent)	R$800-2,500/month (by city)
Food	R$600-1,200/month
Transportation	R$200-400/month
Public university	Free
Private university	R$800-4,000/month
Academic materials	R$100-300/month

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

1. Applying without confirmed enrollment — The acceptance letter is a mandatory document
2. Not apostilling documents — Without apostille, the consulate may refuse the application
3. Working without authorization — May result in visa cancellation
4. Not renewing the visa on time — Apply for extension before expiration
5. Not registering with the Federal Police — CRNM is mandatory within 90 days

How ZS Advogados Can Help

Our visas and immigration team offers guidance for foreign students:

• Requirements and documentation guidance
• Complete documentation preparation and review
• Consular process follow-up
• Federal Police registration and CRNM issuance
• Student visa extension
• Transition to work visa after course completion
• Diploma validation advisory

Contact us for guidance on your case.

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This article is for informational purposes and does not replace individualized legal advice. Brazilian immigration and education legislation is subject to change. Last updated: May 2026.