International students planning to get a Brazilian student visa must obtain the Temporary Visa (VITEM IV). This visa enables foreigners to pursue academic programs, including undergraduate, postgraduate, exchange programs, technical courses, and internships at officially recognized Brazilian institutions by the Ministry of Education (MEC).
Brazil Student Visa
1. Types of Student Visas
2. Visa Fees
3. Processing Time
4. Required Documents
5. How to Apply
6. Important Considerations
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Summary
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1. Type of Brazilian Student Visa
The types of student visas available in Brazil are mainly categorized into two primary types: the Student Visa (VITEM IV) and the Exchange Student Visa (VITEM V).
1. Student Visa (VITEM IV)
2. Exchange Student Visa (VITEM V)
1. Student Visa (VITEM IV):
The VITEM IV Student Visa is designed for foreign students who plan to study in Brazil through formal academic programs.
It applies to individuals accepted into universities or accredited educational institutions and is required for study periods exceeding 90 days.
As part of the application, the Brazilian Ministry of Education requires applicants to provide official proof of admission from a recognized institution.
This visa is issued for an initial period of one year and can be extended according to the length of the academic program.
Upon completing their studies, students are expected to return to their home country.
In 2022, approximately 18,000 international students obtained this visa, demonstrating its significance for educational and cultural exchange.
Brazil Student Visa (VITEM IV) Application Form
2. Exchange Student Visa (VITEM V):
The VITEM V visa is intended for international students participating in academic exchange programs or university-sponsored initiatives in Brazil.
It is commonly used by students enrolled in study-abroad programs arranged through agreements between their home universities and Brazilian institutions.
This visa is usually issued for a defined duration, often matching the academic semester of the host university.
It permits students to enroll in courses, participate in cultural-exchange activities, and take part in community or institutional projects.
In recent years, interest in this visa category has increased, largely due to Brazil’s vibrant culture and the wide range of educational experiences it offers.
Understanding the different student visa options helps applicants choose the pathway that best aligns with their academic and cultural goals in Brazil.
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2. Brazil Student Visa Fees
The standard student visa fee is €120; however, this may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality.
• The Consulate will request payment only after verifying your documents.
• Advance payments are not accepted.
• Payments must be made from a Finnish bank account.
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3. Brazil Student Visa Processing Time
• Standard processing time is up to 5 business days, starting from when all documents and
Payments are received.
• No expedited or emergency services are available.
• Processing may take longer for certain nationalities requiring the Ministry of External Relations
consultation.
Tip: Submit your application well in advance of your travel date.
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4. Documents Required for a Brazilian student visa
1) Online Visa Application Form
Complete the online visa form available at https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br/. Upload all the necessary documents, submit the form, print it out, and sign it.
Ensure that every field in the application is correctly filled out, and all required documents are attached.
Important: Enter your parents’ full names exactly as they appear on your population register extract (see item 5). Even if your parents are deceased, their full names must still be included.
Ensure that your personal phone number and email address are accurate and active.
- Sign the printed form inside the designated box using blue or black ink. Do not write outside the borders.
- Please upload your photo, signature, and all required documents before submitting.
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2) Valid Passport
- Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Brazil.
- Passports that are damaged, dirty, or altered may be rejected by the Consular Section.
- The passport must have at least two blank pages (pages for amendments cannot be used).
- If you already hold a valid Brazilian visa, submit the passport containing that visa, even if expired or was issued in a previous passport.
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3) Recent Photograph (taken within the last 3 months)
A recent color photo sized 36mm x 47mm (same as Finnish passport size) is required.
- The photo must have a white background, be in color, front-facing, with no shadows, following ICAO standards.
- It must be printed on high-quality photographic paper. Digital or low-quality paper photos are not accepted.
- Photos older than three months or used in previous applications cannot be reused.
Tip: To avoid rejection, use a professional photographer’s service.
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4) Extract from the Population Information System or Birth Certificate
For Finnish Citizens:
- The extract or birth certificate must include the full names of both parents.
- The applicant’s city of birth must be written exactly as it appears in the passport (same spelling and language).
Entries such as “abroad” or only the country name are not acceptable.
- The document must bear an ink stamp and handwritten signature (digital copies are not accepted).
- It must be issued in English or accompanied by an official English translation.
- The document must be notarized and apostilled by the Magistrate (DVV).
For Non-Finnish Citizens:
- Submit a birth certificate from your home country that lists both parents’ full names.
- The city of birth must exactly match what appears in the passport.
- The certificate must include an ink stamp and signature; digital formats are not valid.
- It must be issued in English or officially translated into English.
- Certificates from countries under the Hague Apostille Convention must have an Apostille.
- Certificates from countries not part of the Convention must be legalized by a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country.
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5) Proof of Legal Residence in Finland (for non-Finnish citizens)
Submit your original permanent residence card or a certified copy notarized by a Magistrate (DVV). An Apostille is not required.
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6) Applicants Under 18 Parental Consent Form
Download the Parental Consent Form (PDF) from the official website.
The form must:
- It must be signed by both parents or a legal guardian in front of a Finnish notary (DVV/Magistrate).
- Have signatures notarized and apostilled at DVV/Magistrate.
This document must be carried to Brazil, as airlines and bus companies may request it for domestic travel.
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7) Proof of Financial Means
You must demonstrate sufficient funds to support your stay in Brazil. Acceptable documents include:
- Bank statements from the last three months show an adequate balance.
- Pay slips from the past three months.
- Credit card statements with available credit limit.
- Funding confirmation from Kela or your educational institution.
Documents must be in English or Finnish (or officially translated into English/Portuguese). Multiple documents may be combined to prove financial capability.
For minors, proof of funds from parents or legal guardians is required.
Note: Student visa holders are not permitted to work in Brazil.
If funded by a Finnish institution, provide a signed letter on official letterhead, including:
- Applicant’s full name, birth date, and passport number.
- Purpose and duration of the trip.
- Specific funding details.
- Signature notarized at DVV/Magistrate (no Apostille required).
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8) Prepaid Postal Label
Purchase one prepaid Posti label (maximum 250g) from the Posti website, either Express or Registered Letter:
- Express Letter
- Registered Letter
Applications submitted without a postal label will not be processed.
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9) Additional Documents for Exchange Students
- Acceptance Letter from the Brazilian educational institution stating the course details and duration.
o If from a private institution, it must be notarized in a Brazilian notary office (car Torio) or through an authenticated digital platform such as Gov.br.
o Letters from public institutions (federal, state, or municipal) do not require notarization.
o the letter must be written in Portuguese.
- Letter from Finnish University confirming enrollment and participation in an exchange program.
o Must be in English and notarized/apostilled at DVV/Magistrate.
o Original hard copy required (digital or printed emails not accepted).
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10) Additional Documents Internship (Estacio)
- A notarized letter (with Apostille) from your Finnish university confirming the internship is part of your current studies.
- An original acceptance letter from the Brazilian company, notarized in a car Torio in Brazil.
- A Term of Commitment (TCE) signed by the student, the Brazilian host organization, and the Finnish institution.
o The document must be in English or Portuguese.
o All signatures must be notarized (in Finland and Brazil as applicable).
o original documents only.
This visa type applies to students currently enrolled or graduates within the last 12 months.
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11) Students Attending Portuguese Language Courses
Provide an original acceptance letter from the Brazilian language school:
- Must be in Portuguese and notarized in a carotid in Brazil.
- The course should consist of at least 15 hours per week.
- Only original documents are accepted.
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5. How to Apply for a Brazilian Student visa
1. Complete the Online Visa Application Form
• Go to the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ visa application portal: https://formulario-mre.serpro.gov.br
• Select “Student Visa (VITEM IV)”.
• Fill out the form carefully with your personal, educational, and travel details.
• Upload scanned copies of all the required documents (see list below).• Once complete, print the visa form and sign it.
2. Prepare the Required Documents (Originals + Copies)
• Make sure you have the following documents, both uploaded online and in paper (originals), to send by mail:
• ✅ Passport (valid for at least 6 months and with 2 blank pages)
• ✅ Recent passport-size photo (white background)
• ✅ Proof of acceptance or enrollment letter from a recognized Brazilian educational institution
• ✅ Proof of financial means to support your stay in Brazil
• ✅ Criminal record certificate from your country (issued within the last 3 months)
• ✅ Medical certificate (if requested)
• ✅ Visa application receipt (RER) printed and signed
• ✅ Proof of residence (address in your country)
• ✅ Payment receipt for the visa fee (if applicable, check the consulate’s website)
3. Send the Application by Mail
• Send all original documents (in paper) and the signed visa form to the Brazilian Consulate responsible for your jurisdiction.
• You can either:
• 📮 Mail your documents via Posit (or your national postal service), or
📬 Deposit them in the consulate’s mailbox (available Monday-Friday, 10:00 to 13:00).
• ⚠️ Important: The same documents must be uploaded online and sent in paper.
• Incomplete or inconsistent applications will be returned to the applicant.
4. Wait for Processing
• Processing times vary (typically 2 to 4 weeks).
• You may be contacted if additional documents or clarifications are needed.
5. Receive Your Visa
• Once approved, your passport with the visa will be returned by mail or ready for pickup (depending on the consulate’s policy).
• Check the consulate’s website for return instructions.
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6. Important Considerations
• Incomplete applications will be returned.
• The Embassy may request an interview or more documents.
• Aggressive or disrespectful behavior can result in visa denial.
• All temporary visa holders must register with the Federal Police in Brazil within 90 days of
arrival.
• After registration, you must obtain a Brazilian CPF number, which is essential for banking,
mobile services, and rentals.
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7. FAQs
Do I need a visa?
Visa requirements depend on your nationality, not your passport. Check the Brazilian visa exemption list for updated information.
How long can I stay in Brazil with the visa?
Your visa typically allows entry within a 1-year validity period, but your authorized stay begins upon entry and varies by visa type.
Does holding a visa guarantee entry?
No. Entry is ultimately decided by Brazil’s Federal Police at the point of entry.
Can EU citizens stay for more than 90 days without a visa?
No. Visa-exempt EU nationals may only stay up to 90 days for tourism or business. This period cannot be extended.
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8. Summary: Brazil Study Visa (VITEM IV)
To study in Brazil, international students must apply for the VITEM IV visa. This involves submitting a
completed application, a valid passport, acceptance letters, proof of financial means, and other
supporting documents. The process includes both online submission and mailing originals to the
consulate. Processing typically takes up to 5 working days. Students must also register in Brazil upon arrival and may need a CPF for daily activities.
