The Brazilian Federal Government recently published Decree No. 12.657/2025, which establishes the National Policy on Migration, Refuge, and Statelessness and updates important provisions of Decree No. 9.199/2017. The main innovation for companies and foreign professionals is the expansion of activities permitted under the visitor visa, which now includes the provision of technical assistance, technical cooperation, and technology transfer, provided there is no remuneration in Brazil and the activity is short-term.
With this change, professionals from other countries can carry out technical activities in Brazil using a business visitor visa or even entering under visa-waiver arrangements, depending on their nationality. The permitted stay remains limited to 90 days, renewable for an additional 90 days, totaling up to 180 days within a 12-month period. Specific eligibility conditions may vary depending on international agreements and the rules applicable to each nationality, making individual case analysis essential.
The decree also formally structures the National Policy on Migration, providing a modern and integrated perspective on mobility, reception, and integration of migrants, refugees, and stateless persons. In addition to defining governmental responsibilities and guidelines, the text reinforces the role of states and municipalities and establishes the requirement for periodic national planning.
In practice, the change brings greater agility for companies that rely on international specialists for installation, maintenance, and knowledge-transfer projects. However, this new framework does not replace the need for a work visa in situations involving remuneration in Brazil or long-term assignments.
If your company plans to bring foreign professionals for technical activities—or if you work in global mobility and need to determine the appropriate visa category—Conliance can assist with the full analysis and execution of the immigration process, ensuring legal compliance and alignment with the new rules.
