Intermediary companies may now apply for technical visa work authorization

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? A new Ministry of Labor service order allows Brazilian intermediary companies to apply for technical visa work authorization for foreign workers who provide technical services.

What does the change mean? The change allows intermediary companies to bring foreign workers to Brazil to perform technical services work for other companies, provided they have an exclusivity clause establishing that they are the only company authorized to provide that specific technical service on Brazilian territory.

• Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
• Visas/permits affected: Technical visa work authorization.
• Who is affected: Brazilian and foreign companies interested in bringing high skilled technicians to Brazil.
• Business impact: The change makes it easier in some instances to obtain work authorization for foreign nationals who provide technical services to companies in Brazil.

Background: Previously, only companies that were listed as parties on the Technical Services Agreement or were part of the same corporate group could apply for technical visa work authorization for foreign nationals. With the change, another option is available where intermediary companies can apply for technical visa work authorization to bring in foreign workers to perform services for other companies in Brazil.

BAL Analysis: The change provides a new option for bringing technical assistance workers to Brazil. This not only makes immigration processes easier, but is expected in some cases to make it easier for companies operating in Brazil to get the technical services they need on a timely basis.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Brazil. For additional information, please contact brazil@bal.com.

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