Brazil Updates Humanitarian Visa Rules with Unified Framework
Brazil is replacing country-specific humanitarian programs with a single legal framework effective January 1, 2026. The new system will grant eligible foreign nationals a two-year temporary residence permit that includes full authorization to live and work in the country.
Brazil Updates Humanitarian Visa Rules with Unified Framework
Brazil has moved away from its traditional country-specific humanitarian programs, replacing them with a single, crisis-driven legal structure. Governed by Inter-ministerial Ordinance 60/2025, this system provides eligible foreign nationals with a two-year temporary residence permit that includes full authorization to work and study.
While the framework is active, the government has temporarily paused new issuances at consulates while it finalizes the first list of eligible nationalities. Early reports suggest the list will prioritize individuals from Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela. A major shift in the new policy is the requirement for a sponsorship letter from a federally accredited Brazilian NGO, which must commit to providing accommodation and integration support.
Who is affected
This change primarily impacts those seeking humanitarian protection and employers who previously used these visas to relocate staff from conflict zones. If you are already in Brazil on a humanitarian visa issued before December 31, 2025, you are protected by a grandfather clause and can apply for residence regardless of your current status.
Digital nomads and remote workers can breathe easy; the VITEM XIV digital nomad visa remains entirely separate. It continues to require a monthly income of $1,500 or $18,000 in savings, operating independently of these humanitarian updates.
What you need to do
If you qualify under the new humanitarian criteria once the eligibility list is published, you must register with the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival. Government fees are waived for principal applicants and their dependents.
To eventually transition to indefinite residence, you must maintain a clean criminal record and ensure you do not stay outside of Brazil for more than 90 days per year. Because of the new NGO hosting requirement, applicants should begin identifying accredited partners early in the process. For those who do not meet humanitarian criteria, exploring student or family reunification visas may be a faster alternative while the new system stabilizes.
Stay tuned to our nomad news for the latest visa updates. Read our full Brazil guide for the complete picture.