How Brazil's Offshore Visa Works for Foreign Workers

Brazil has a visa category that doesn't get much attention, but it matters a lot if you're working on a vessel or platform in Brazilian waters. The Offshore Visa covers foreign nationals providing services on foreign-owned ships or platforms in Brazilian territorial waters for assignments exceeding 92 days, without a local employment contract. Short stints under 90 days can sometimes qualify under visitor rules, but anything longer requires this specific visa and honestly, the process is more involved than most expect.

It's aimed squarely at oil, gas and offshore sector professionals. Digital nomads, tourists and general expats aren't affected, the existing Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) still handles remote workers with foreign income and Brazil remains visa-free for many nationalities up to 90 days.

To get the Offshore Visa, you'll need:

• A police clearance certificate (apostilled if required by your country)
• A charter agreement and service provision agreement identifying the chartering company, chartered entity and vessel
• Ministry of Justice pre-authorization before your consulate will even issue the visa

The steps go in a specific order, turns out you can't just show up at a consulate first. You submit your residency request to the Ministry of Justice, wait for approval and publication, then collect the visa at a consulate, enter Brazil and register with the Federal Police after arrival. Fees aren't officially published, so budget for surprises there.

The Ministry review timeline is, frankly, unspecified in current guidance, which makes planning difficult for anyone on a tight assignment schedule. Get your documents in order early, don't wait until you're already on the water.

If you're a remote worker rather than an offshore contractor, the Digital Nomad Visa is still the right route. It requires $1,500 USD/month in foreign income (or $18,000 in savings), proof of remote work, health insurance and a clean criminal record. Fees run roughly $290 to $500 depending on nationality and it's valid for one year, renewable once.

For the full breakdown of Brazil's entry options and what they mean for nomad news followers planning a longer stay, read our full Brazil guide.