Path to staying
- Study12 months, renewable
- Post-study workup to 24 months
- Permanent residencyafter 4 years
- Citizenshipafter 4 years
Overview
- Country
- Brazil
- Visa name
- Student Visa (VITEM IV / VTRE)
- Local name
- Visto Temporário de Estudante
- Status
- Active
- Duration
- 12 months
- Renewable
- Yes
Temporary visa (VITEM IV, now part of the VTRE category under new migration law) for international students enrolled in academic programmes at Brazilian universities registered with the Ministry of Education (MEC). Covers undergraduate, postgraduate, language courses, exchange programmes, internships, and research. Brazilian public universities offer free tuition to all students.
Tuition and costs
- Tuition policy
- Mixed
- Free condition
- Enrolled at a federal or state public university.
- Tuition range
- $0 – $8,000/year
- Proof of funds
- $400/month
- Funds type
- Bank statement
- Scholarships
- Available
Federal and state public universities (USP, UNICAMP, UFRJ, etc.) charge NO tuition to any student regardless of nationality. Private universities: R$15,000–R$60,000/yr ($3,000–$12,000). Medical/dental programmes at private institutions can exceed this. Brazil is one of the few countries offering free public university education to international students.
Work rights during study
- Work allowed
- Yes
- Vacation hours
- Unlimited
- Permission
- Automatic
VITEM IV holders may engage in paid work as long as working hours are compatible with their course load. Paid internships (estágio) that are part of the course curriculum are explicitly permitted. The official position from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs states employment is allowed if compatible with studies. Must not engage in activities incompatible with student status. Regulations are ambiguous — consult the Federal Police for specific guidance.
Post-study work options
| Program | Type | Duration | Min degree | Work | PR path |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Temporary Residence for Work (VTRE Trabalho) | Work permit | 24 mo–48 mo | Any | Unrestricted | Yes |
Language requirements
| Test | Purpose | Language | Min score | Details |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Celpe-Bras (Certificado de Proficiência em Língua Portuguesa para Estrangeiros) | Admission | Portuguese | Intermediário | Required for admission to Portuguese-taught programmes. Intermediário level minimum. Some programmes accept alternative proof of Portuguese proficiency. PEC-G students receive Portuguese language training before degree studies. |
Fees and costs
| Fee | Type | Amount | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | Application | $100 | One time |
| Federal Police Registration (CRNM) | Registration | $40 | One time |
Dependents and family
- Dependents
- Allowed
- Restriction
- Spouse and minor children.
- Spouse work
- Not allowed
- Conditions
- Dependent visa holders cannot work. Must obtain a separate work visa.
Long-term pathway
- Work permit
- Possible
- Permanent residency
- After 4 years
- Citizenship
- After 4 years
- Study time counts
- Yes, full credit
How to apply
- Method
- In person
- Processing
- 5-15 days
- Interview
- Not required
- Official site
- www.gov.br
- Health insurance
- Not required
Notes and caveats
Visa renewal at Federal Police within 30 days before expiry, with proof of attendance and academic progress. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months. Criminal record certificate must be issued within 90 days before application. Public universities have competitive admissions processes for international students. PEC-G (Programa de Estudantes-Convênio de Graduação) provides places at public universities for students from developing countries.
Also in Brazil
Last verified May 3, 2026 Source