STUDENT VISA

Study in Brazil with a student visa.

Foreigners who enroll in a regular course, an internship or an exchange program in Brazil can apply for a temporary student visa (VITEM IV), or request residence authorization for study once they are in Brazil. We prepare the file and follow it through your Federal Police registration.

💬 Talk to our team See if you qualify

1 year

maximum validity of the student visa and of the first residence period, renewable each year while the course lasts.

90 days

to register with the Federal Police after you enter Brazil on a student visa.

15 h/week

minimum course load for regular courses and study exchanges, with justified exceptions.

ELIGIBILITY

Who qualifies.

The visa is tied to a defined educational institution and to a regular study activity. Once you hold residence for study, paid work compatible with your course load is allowed.

✓Students admitted to a regular course (basic, secondary, undergraduate, graduate, technical or language course) at an institution registered with a CNPJ.

✓Interns and students on a study or research exchange, with proof of enrollment at a foreign university and, for internships, the agreement signed by the intern, the host and the school.

✓Minors, with travel authorization signed by their parents or guardians and the name of a responsible adult in Brazil.

PAPERWORK

Main documents you'll need.

✓Valid passport, proof of payment of the consular fee and the completed visa application form.

✓Proof of enrollment or acceptance in the course (or, for internships and exchanges, proof of enrollment at a foreign university).

✓Proof of financial capacity, yours or of the people who support you in Brazil, or proof of a scholarship.

✓Criminal record certificate from your country of origin (or an equivalent document, at the consul’s discretion) and the immunization certificate when Anvisa requires it.

✓Proof of the transport you will use to enter Brazil and, when applicable, to leave, and the sworn translation and apostille of foreign documents where required.

TIMELINE

Approximate timeline.

Before you travel

Admission and documents

Get accepted by the institution and prepare the documents, including proof of funds and the criminal record certificate.

Consulate

Student visa (VITEM IV)

Application at the Brazilian consulate that serves your place of residence. Timing and the consular fee vary by consulate.

Within 90 days

Federal Police registration

After you enter Brazil, register with the Federal Police to obtain your residence for study (initially up to one year) and your CRNM.

Timing varies by consulate and by Federal Police unit. We give you an estimate after reviewing your documents.

BUDGET

Government fees & likely additional costs.

Approximate figures — confirm current amounts with us before budgeting.

Residence application fee (per applicant) R$200–350

CRNM issuance fee (per applicant) R$204.77

Consular visa fee Varies by consulate

Sworn translation and apostille (per document) R$150–400

Legal fees for the full application Quoted on request

Figures are approximate and change by regulation. Always confirm current amounts and requirements with us before filing.

PITFALLS

Common mistakes we see.

✕Choosing a course or institution without checking that the institution is registered with a CNPJ and that the course load meets the minimum.

✕Starting to study on a visitor stay without filing for residence authorization for study, and letting the authorized stay expire.

✕Missing the 90-day deadline to register with the Federal Police after arriving on a student visa.

✕Changing course or institution without notifying the Federal Police, or letting the annual renewal lapse.

HOW WE HELP

What we do.

✓Check which route fits you: the visa at the consulate or the residence authorization in Brazil.

✓Review your admission letter, financial proof and criminal record certificates.

✓Prepare the documents, with sworn translations and apostilles.

✓Guide your Federal Police registration and CRNM issuance.

✓Handle annual renewals and changes of course or institution.

FREE INITIAL CONSULTATION

Planning to study in Brazil?

Tell us your nationality and the type of course, and we will map the right route and documents before you apply.

💬 Book a consultation

This page is general information and is not legal advice. Each case depends on your nationality, documents and situation, and no outcome is guaranteed.