Want more details? Check our FAQ below or Contact Us directly!
Imagine waking up in Rio de Janeiro, surrounded by iconic beaches, welcoming locals, and a culture that inspires curiosity and adventure. Learning Portuguese here isn’t just about studying, it’s about immersing yourself in an unforgettable journey filled with new friendships, exploration, and personal growth.
At Rio & Learn, we’ve seen first-hand how life-changing it can be for students to fully dive into Brazil’s exciting lifestyle. If you’re ready to take that step, the student visa VITEM IV (Temporary Visa IV) is the one for you.
This visa allows foreign students to study in Brazil and enjoy a full cultural and linguistic immersion in one of the world’s most exciting destinations. With over 13 years of experience, we specialize in guiding students smoothly through the visa application process, helping you take the first step toward an incredible educational and life adventure in Brazil.
Brazil follows a reciprocal visa policy, meaning citizens from countries that require Brazilian nationals to obtain visas will also need a visa for Brazil. Countries such as the United States, Canada, and Australia need a e-Visa even for tourism purposes.
However, depending on your nationality, you may be eligible for 90 days in Brazil under a tourist visa, with the possibility to extend your stay for another 90 days, allowing a total of 180 uninterrupted days! Eligible countries include the United Kingdom, Japan, Spain, South Korea, most Latin American countries, and others. To check if your country qualifies, please read this document.
If you want to extend your stay, head to the nearest Immigration Office with your documents and ask for an extension. In Rio, the Immigration Bureau is at Santos Dumont Airport, 2º floor. If you are in another Brazilian State, look for your nearest Immigration Bureau here.
✅ Valid Passport (valid for at least 6 months) with two blank pages
✅ One recent 3×4 photo with a white background
✅ Proof of enrollment in a Brazilian educational institution (such as Rio & Learn)
✅ Bank statements or other proof of financial capability (around R$ 150 per day)
✅ Criminal Background Check* from countries of residence in the past 5 years
✅ Visa application form completed and signed. The form may vary if you apply from a consulate outside of Brazil.
✅ Birth / Marriage Certificate Apostilled* by the country issuing the original document and translated to Portuguese
✅ Form filled in with contact information if in Brazil. Consulate’s version may vary.
✅ Filled form that you are not coming to perform a job as a scientist, researcher or teacher if in Brazil. Consulate’s version may vary.
✅ Proof of health insurance valid in Brazil for the duration of your stay (strongly recommended or required by some consulates)
✅ Receipt of visa fee payment for residency authorization*
✅ An appointment scheduled at the Federal Police, or Consulate if outside, to deliver the documentation.
*More details below.
You should submit your application through the Consular Section or Consulate General of Brazil in your home country. You can apply for the Visa in any Brazilian Consulate in the world!
Links, forms, steps, or documents may vary a bit depending on the consulate. Check the website of the consulate responsible for your area. However, first you must enroll in an educational program in Brazil where you can apply for a student visa, like our 12-month course 😉 We will be here to guide you throughout the process!
If you’re already in the country, you can complete your application through the Brazilian Federal Police. Start by filling out the online application form at gov.br, then schedule your appointment with the Federal Police Department in your area.
Mandatory fees (GRU): The Federal Police website doesn’t always explain clearly how to pay the required fees, so here’s what you need:
Click here to generate the payment receipt (GRU)
Wherever you are applying for a student visa for Brazil, here is a list of required actions:
Also, don’t forget that all the documents from the list must be printed.
The Federal Police in Brazil can ask for other documents that are not listed here if they consider it necessary to evaluate your visa requirements.
If you decide to apply for your visa via your consulate, remember that taxes and document requirements might differ!
Want more details? Check our FAQ below or Contact Us directly!
Here at Rio & Learn, we have a lot of possibilities if you want to come study in Brazil. In all these formats, you will have your letter of acceptance, which is the relevant document required to apply for your student visa. Check our most popular options below:
This is our complete package for you to learn Portuguese and enjoy Rio for a whole year. What is included:
780 hours of Portuguese group classes;
800 hours of RioLIVE! Activities;
Letter of acceptance.
For only 19.950 reais!
If you want to stay for only six months, we also have the right option for you! What is included:
360 hours of Portuguese group classes;
360 hours of RioLIVE! Activities;
Letter of acceptance.
For only 11.495 reais
For those who want to customize their experience! Just remember to include your letter of acceptance.
Flexibility of weeks;
RioLIVE! Activities always included;
Contact us for a personalised experience
Weeks with progressive discount!
The Hague Apostille is one of the Student Visa (VITEM IV) requirements if you apply from Brazil. It is a seal placed on documents making them valid in other countries. The purpose of this seal is to facilitate and simplify the legalization of documents among the 112 signatory countries. This means that if you have a document that contains the Hague Apostille, this document will be valid in the 112 signatory countries of this agreement (including USA).
It is important to note that only the country that issued the original document can provide a Hague Apostille. Therefore, you may have difficulty obtaining a Hague Apostille for a document if you are already in Brazil, as not every country allows you to do this online.
Brazilian authorities can require the Apostille for documents such as birth certificate, marriage certificate and criminal records. Every country has a unique way to issue the Hague Apostille. Make sure to check the requirements for your country before applying for your student visa.
Please note that Apostilles have no expiration date but do not extend the validity of the documents themselves.
For you to pay taxes, please see this form of the Policia Federal. These taxes can be paid in cash at any bank or online using a credit card.
Remember: you will have to complete the form twice, once for each tax. The fee amount is added automatically when typing the STN Codes 140066 and 140120) .
Important: these fees only apply if you are applying while in Brazil. If you are applying from a Consulate abroad, other fees might apply.
CODES FOR TAXES (CÓDIGOS RECEITA STN):
If you’re coming to Brazil for an internship through a university or company, you’ll still need a student visa, but you must also provide:
1 – Term of commitment from the company or university where you will perform your activities;
2 – Invitation letter from the company or university, inviting you for said position;
You must be currently enrolled in a university to qualify. If you’re underage, your legal guardian will need to provide authorization for your visa application.
Yes, it’s possible! You can extend you Brazilian Student Visa for another 365 days. You must apply at least 30 days before your visa expires closest Federal Police agency to your place of residence.
To apply you will need the following documents for your Brazil student visa requirement:
1 – New Acceptance Letter confirming ongoing enrollment
2 – Form Application – using this electronic form found on the PF website (printed and signed by the immigrant or legal representative)
3 – National Migration Registration Card
4 – Declaration of no criminal record in the last year
5 – Updated criminal record certificate for Brazil (choose the state from where you are applying)
6 – Documents that prove financial capacity of covering costs during the student’s stay in Brazil (around R$ 150 per day)
7 – Proof of payment of the GRU STN CODE 140120 (R$204,77)
Other documents may be requested, when deemed necessary
If you apply for your student visa from outside Brazil, processing typically takes about one month, although it can be quicker. However, factors such as mailing time can extend this timeframe.
If you apply from within Brazil, the average processing time is around one month, provided you already have all your documents properly translated and apostilled. Processing times might increase during busy periods, and appointments with the Federal Police could be harder to schedule. We recommend scheduling your appointment as early as possible. If necessary, appointments can be rescheduled.
To avoid delays or unexpected problems, Rio & Learn always recommends starting your visa application process as early as possible. Always confirm exact processing times with your local Brazilian consulate or Federal Police.
No, a student visa (VITEM IV) does not permit employment. If you wish to work legally, you must apply for a separate work visa. Want to study and still fund your stay? Check if Brazil’s Working Holiday Visa is an option for you.
The costs associated with obtaining a Brazilian student visa vary by country and the method of application. For applications processed within Brazil, current fees include R$168.13 for the residency authorization and R$204.77 for the issuance of the National Migration Registration Card. Fees abroad can differ, so consult your nearest Brazilian consulate for accurate costs.
Remember you must also consider the cost of translations, acquiring documents and apostilles.
No! 🙂 Speaking Portuguese is not a requirement for obtaining a Brazilian student visa. However, proficiency in Portuguese will greatly enhance your experience and daily interactions while studying and living in Brazil 😉 So don’t hesitate, coming to Brazil to learn Portuguese with Rio & Learn is the perfect combination
For inquiries and questions about the Brazil Student Visa requirements please send an email to info@rioandlearn.com.
You can also reach us by Skype at rioandlearn or WhatsApp +55 21 971 10 66 56.
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