IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? The Brazilian government has established several holidays in the coming weeks as part of the nation’s hosting of the FIFA World Cup.

What does the change mean? Municipal and national government offices, as well as private offices, will operate on limited business hours.

  • Implementation timeframe: June 12 through July 14.
  • Visas/permits affected: All visas and permits.
  • Who is affected: Foreign nationals in Brazil.
  • Impact on processing times: The office closures may have a small impact on processing times.

Background: The 2014 FIFA World Cup will take place in Brazil beginning June 12. The government has issued a decree that establishes holidays during the event. Government offices will generally close at noon on days on which the Brazilian national team is scheduled to play. Each city will have its own holidays depending on whether scheduled matches will be played there. If the Brazilian team advances to the second round, the government will issue an updated holiday schedule.

June 12 World Cup opening ceremony and Brazil match
June 17 Brazil match day
June 18 Games in Rio de Janeiro – municipal holiday starting at noon
June 19 National Holiday – Corpus Christi
June 23 Brazil match day
June 25 Games in Rio – municipal holiday starting at noon
July 04 Games in Rio – municipal holiday all day

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals should contact individual offices for specific business hours during the tournament.

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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