One of the questions I
receive the most from my clients want to invest in Brazil is on the possibility
of obtaining a visa for partners, directors and managers of their company.
Basically, in Brazil there are 3 visas that relate to business:
1) For investments above 600,000.00 Brazilian Reais, the company has the
right to appoint one foreigner as a director. This foreigner will receive a
visa automatically. Each 600,000.00 allow for one director.
2) For investments above 150,000.00 Brazilian Reais, one investor may
obtain a Visa, as long as he can prove that the company will bring a relevant
social impact to the area where it is located, or that the company will
generate jobs for Brazilians. Again, each investor must bring at least
150,000.00 (lower investments may grant a visa if the social impact is proven
to be outstanding).
The social impact is evaluated according to the business plan presented
along with the visa request. The main criterion is always the creation of jobs.
But the use of new technology and te empowerment of local communities are also
important.
A relevant social impact would be, for instance, the installation of a
factory in a very poor region. If the business plan is solid, the social impact
can be easily accessed by the Brazilian government.
Some of my clients, for example, invested only 100,000.00 BRL and
obtained a visa. In one specific case, the new company brought new design for
wood furniture, and would employ a few workers in the production of such
furniture. The business was also located in a poor region of a big city in the
Northeast of Brazil.
3) Finally, a foreigner may obtain a work visa if a Brazilian company
hires him for a permanent job. Possessing a bachelor or graduate diploma makes
the granting of the visa more probable. The Brazilian company must have 2
Brazilian employees in similar functions to every foreigner it hires for that
function.
Should you or your company have any problems or
questions concerning visas in your business in Brazil, do not hesitate to
contact us for further information.
This guide has been compiled by the Chilean firm Harris Gomez, with whom I work often, usually advising international investments involving Australia, Chile and Brazil. 
