By Juliana Mitico Valente Riccardi
Lawyer & Global Mobility Expert
Partner at Mitico Advogados and BR-Visa
Individuals from all around the globe are drawn to the opportunity to engage in volunteer work in Brazil. Data released by the IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) indicate that, in 2017, more than 7 million people carried out this type of activity as a volunteer in the national territory. Recognizing the immense value that international volunteers bring to various social causes, the Brazilian government has implemented a residence authorization program specifically tailored to accommodate those who wish to dedicate their time and skills to meaningful projects within the country. Here below, we will delve into the intricacies of residence authorization for volunteering in Brazil.
Applicable Permit
Brazil has a specific residence permit for migrants that come to Brazil to provide voluntary service with non-profit public or private entity, or organization linked to foreign government.
Applicable legislation
Normative resolution nº 15, from the Brazilian Nacional Immigration Council, of December 1st, 2017, disciplines the granting this residence permit for migrants that come to Brazil, without employment relationship with a Brazilian company, to provide voluntary services.
Main Requirements
- document from an entity headquartered in Brazil inviting the migrant to provide services as a volunteer;
- proof of enrollment of such entity in the Social Assistance Council, when applicable, or certificate of qualification as a civil society organization of public interest, issued by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, when applicable;
- document indicating the place where the service will be provided and the activities that will be carried out by the migrant;
- term of responsibility of the entity for the maintenance of the migrant during the migrant´s stay in Brazil and for the migrants return to his country of origin;
- term of responsibility by which the entity assumes any and all medical and hospital expenses incurred by the migrant;
- document proving professional experience or qualification compatible with the activities to be exercised, when applicable;
- proof that the entity is in full and regular operation.
Peculiarities
- The migrant may not have any employment relationship in Brazil.
- The migrant may not receive remuneration of any kind in Brazil.
- The residence permit may be canceled if detected, by a Labor Auditor or other competent public body, employment relationship with the Brazilian company.
- The bearer of a residence permit for volunteering will become a tax resident in Brazil and subject to all Brazilian tax obligations, after 183 days, consecutive or not, physically present in Brazil, counted within a 12 months period.
Timeframe – Issuance and Validity
Issuance
It takes around 30 days for the residence permit to be approved, counting from the date the process is filled.
Validity
The residency permit for volunteering is valid for one year.