IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Brazilian authorities have issued additional COVID-19 measures that affect foreign nationals applying for residence authorization and all foreign nationals entering Brazil by water.

What does the change mean? Prior residence authorizations will not be published in the Official Gazette until further notice. Although immigration authorities will continue to consider prior residence authorization applications, the suspension of publication also suspends visa issuance at Brazilian consulates until further notice.

The ban on entry by sea or river, which took effect March 26 and remains in effect for 30 days, applies to all nationals, except Brazilian citizens and immediate family members, immigrants with permanent residence in Brazil, and a limited number of other categories.

  • Implementation time frame: Immediate and ongoing.
  • Visas/permits affected: Residence authorization.
  • Business impact: The suspension of residence authorization publication means that visa issuance at Brazilian consulates and registration procedures with the Federal Police are also suspended until further notice.

Background: Normally, when prior residence authorizations are approved, they are published in the Official Gazette and the foreign national has 90 days to register with the Federal Police after collecting the visa and traveling to Brazil. The Federal Police is currently only taking emergency appointments.

Analysis & Comments: The new measures follow Brazil’s travel ban on most of Europe, and several countries in South America and Asia to slow the spread of COVID-19. All nationals will be banned from entering Brazil via water. Employers should anticipate delays for residence authorizations.

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