Brazil Introduces New Work Residence Route for Foreign Professionals Supporting FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 and Global Megaevents

Brazil has introduced a dedicated work-related residence authorisation procedure for foreign professionals supporting major international events, including the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027. Established through Interministerial Ordinance No. 68/2026, the rules cover overseas workers employed by Brazilian organisations and specialists providing temporary technical assistance for qualifying megaevents. The Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security confirmed the regulations in September 2026, with residence periods of up to 24 months for eligible employment contracts and up to one year, renewable once, for technical assistance. The measure aims to support event preparations while maintaining Brazilian employment and immigration protections. Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública

Brazil Megaevent Work Residence Visa Creates a Dedicated Immigration Procedure

Brazil’s new framework establishes a specific procedure for foreign nationals whose work is directly connected to preparing, organising, planning or delivering qualifying international megaevents.

The rules were introduced jointly by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The governing instrument is Interministerial Ordinance MJSP/MRE/MTE No. 68, dated 15 September 2026 and published in the Federal Official Gazette on 17 September.

The government announced the regulations publicly on 18 September.

Although the procedure is particularly relevant to preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, it can also apply to other qualifying events.

The authorisation is not a general work permit available to anyone seeking employment in Brazil.

Applicants must demonstrate a direct connection between their proposed activities and an eligible megaevent.

The new framework distinguishes between workers entering Brazilian employment and specialists temporarily providing technical services.

This distinction determines the documentation, employment arrangements and maximum authorisation period.

The regulation also establishes a specific administrative procedure intended to make applications more consistent and predictable.

Which International Events Qualify Under Brazil’s New Residence Rules?

The new immigration procedure applies to major sporting, cultural, religious, scientific, environmental and mixed-purpose events that meet the government’s criteria.

Not every international conference, concert or sporting competition qualifies automatically.

The event must satisfy cumulative conditions relating to international reach, scale, infrastructure complexity and the need for temporary foreign workers.

Main Eligibility Requirements for Megaevents

• International recognition or substantial participation involving different countries or recognised international organisations.
• At least 50,000 participants or visitors, or a flow exceeding 500,000 people during the event.
• Infrastructure and logistical requirements appropriate to an event of exceptional scale.
• A demonstrated need for temporary foreign workers involved in preparing or delivering the event.

The attendance thresholds are alternative numerical criteria. The wider eligibility requirements must still be satisfied.

An event attracting 50,000 people does not automatically qualify if it lacks the necessary international characteristics or infrastructure requirements.

The rules are designed for exceptional events rather than routine business activities.

Brazil’s Ministry of Justice has confirmed that the procedure may be used for future events meeting these conditions. Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública

Two Categories of Foreign Workers Can Apply for Residence Authorisation

The framework provides two principal categories of residence authorisation.

Each is intended for a different employment arrangement.

Brazil Megaevent Residence Authorisation Comparison

These are maximum permitted periods, not guaranteed residence durations.

Actual authorisation depends on the contract, event schedule and approval by the responsible authority.

The six-month post-event limit also applies to both categories, including the technical assistance route. Serviços e Informações do Brasil

Foreign Workers Hired by Brazilian Companies Can Receive Residence Authorisation for Up to 24 Months

The first category covers foreign professionals entering an employment relationship in Brazil to perform work necessary for a qualifying megaevent.

The arrangement requires a fixed-term employment contract governed by Brazilian labour legislation.

The maximum employment contract period under the special framework is 24 months.

However, the residence authorisation cannot extend beyond six months after the megaevent concludes.

For example, a professional hired for infrastructure preparation may need to arrive well before the event begins.

Their authorisation can reflect the period required for that work, provided the contract and proposed stay comply with the regulation.

This does not mean every applicant will receive a two-year permit.

The authorities will consider the actual employment period and its connection with the event.

Who Must Submit the Application?

Under the official procedure, the application must be submitted by the megaevent organiser or a third party designated by the organiser.

This is important for foreign nationals seeking work in Brazil.

The framework does not create an unrestricted individual application route for anyone interested in working at an international event.

A qualifying employment arrangement must exist, and the appropriate organisation must submit the request.

The government identifies a valid travel document, company documentation, proof of payment of the applicable fee and a fixed-term employment contract among the required documents.

Additional documentation may be necessary under the regulation.

The employment contract must also comply with the minimum conditions established by Brazilian law.

Foreign Technical Specialists Can Obtain Authorisation for Up to One Year

The second category is intended for foreign professionals providing specialised technical assistance directly connected to the infrastructure required for a megaevent.

This may involve equipment, systems or technologies supplied under a contractual arrangement involving a foreign company and a Brazilian legal entity.

The initial residence authorisation can be granted for up to one year.

An extension for an equivalent period is possible, subject to the applicable requirements.

The six-month limit following the event’s conclusion must still be respected.

Technical Activities Covered by the Framework

The Ministry of Justice identifies several types of specialised work:

• Installation and operation of equipment.
• Maintenance and repairs.
• Technical diagnosis and troubleshooting.
• Equipment or software updates.
• Calibration and system configuration.
• Specialist technical support for event infrastructure.

These activities must be directly related to the qualifying megaevent.

The regulation specifically excludes services that are exclusively administrative, financial or managerial from the technical assistance category.

Consequently, a foreign employee performing ordinary corporate administration cannot automatically qualify simply because their employer has an event-related contract.

The authorities must be satisfied that the work meets the technical requirements of the relevant immigration category.

This distinction helps preserve the specialised purpose of the new authorisation procedure.

Brazil Introduces a Ten-Working-Day Decision Period for Complete Applications

One of the most important administrative features of the regulation is the decision period.

Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security states that applications must be submitted through MigranteWeb, the country’s labour immigration management system.

The Department of Migration within the National Secretariat of Justice is responsible for examining and deciding the requests.

When an application contains complete and regular documentation, the ministry has up to ten working days to issue a decision.

This provides a defined administrative timeframe for eligible applications.

However, the ten-working-day period should not be interpreted as a guarantee that every applicant will receive approval within that time.

Incomplete documents, eligibility questions or additional requirements may affect the process.

The official period concerns the ministry’s decision on a properly submitted residence authorisation request.

It should not be confused with the total time needed to arrange travel documents, obtain a visa where required or complete subsequent immigration registration.

How the Application Process Works

The procedure involves several distinct stages.

First, the event organiser or authorised applicant must establish that the event meets the regulation’s criteria.

Second, the organisation must demonstrate that the foreign worker’s activities are directly necessary for the event.

Third, the required contractual and supporting documents must be prepared.

The application is then submitted through MigranteWeb for assessment.

If the request is approved, the worker must follow the applicable immigration procedures for entering and remaining in Brazil.

For workers applying from abroad, residence authorisation and the subsequent visa process are related but distinct administrative steps.

Applicants should not assume that receiving a favourable residence authorisation decision alone replaces every entry requirement.

Brazil’s immigration framework continues to govern the documentation needed to enter the country and complete registration.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Provides the Immediate Context for the New Rules

The Brazilian Government has explicitly connected the new framework with preparations for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027.

Brazil will host the tournament from 24 June to 25 July 2027.

The competition will involve 32 national teams and take place across eight host cities.

The Ministry of Sport has identified the following destinations as official hosts.

FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 Host Cities

Source: Brazilian Ministry of Sport, official FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 preparations announcement. Serviços e Informações do Brasil

The tournament requires coordination across multiple cities and a range of operational functions.

These can include venue preparation, technical infrastructure, broadcasting systems, logistics and other specialist services.

The new residence framework provides a procedure for eligible foreign professionals whose work is necessary for those activities.

However, the government has not announced that all foreign workers involved in the tournament will qualify automatically.

Each application must meet the relevant immigration requirements.

The regulation also does not provide a confirmed figure for the number of overseas workers expected to receive authorisation.

No recruitment quota or guaranteed number of international jobs has been established in the official announcement.

How the New Residence Rules Could Affect Brazil’s Tourism and Hospitality Industry

International megaevents can create substantial operational demands for host destinations.

Large numbers of participants, organisers, media representatives and visitors may require accommodation, transport and event services.

The new residence framework is relevant because some event operations may need specialist personnel from outside Brazil.

Hospitality and tourism businesses may participate in event delivery through qualifying contracts.

However, the regulation does not automatically make every hotel, restaurant or tourism job eligible.

The decisive factor is whether the work has the required direct connection to a qualifying megaevent and falls within an authorised category.

For example, a foreign professional recruited under a valid fixed-term contract for an eligible event-related operation may be considered under the employment route.

A technician installing specialised systems for an event venue may be considered under the technical assistance route.

Ordinary tourism employment unrelated to the event remains subject to the relevant general immigration rules.

Potential Areas of Event-Related Employment

The framework may be relevant to work involving:

• Venue construction and infrastructure preparation.
• Specialist event equipment installation.
• Technical systems and operational support.
• Event logistics and delivery.
• Hospitality functions directly required by the qualifying event.
• Translation and other event-related services where the employment conditions are satisfied.

These are potential areas of application, not an official list of approved vacancies.

The regulation creates an immigration procedure rather than a recruitment programme.

Foreign professionals must still secure an appropriate contractual arrangement and satisfy the requirements for authorisation.

Brazilian Labour Protections Continue to Apply to Foreign Workers

The new residence framework does not exempt employers from Brazilian employment legislation.

The Ministry of Justice has emphasised that foreign workers remain subject to the country’s labour laws and occupational health and safety requirements.

The regulation also reflects Brazil’s migration policy objectives concerning decent work and equal treatment.

This is an important safeguard because international event projects can involve temporary employment arrangements, demanding schedules and complex contractual relationships.

Employment Contracts Must Address Essential Working Conditions

The government’s prescribed contract model includes minimum provisions covering several matters.

These include the worker’s duties, remuneration, working hours and the locations where services will be performed.

Accommodation conditions must be addressed where accommodation is provided.

The contract must also cover occupational health and safety requirements.

Responsibility for repatriating the worker at the end of the employment contract is another specified element.

These requirements are intended to ensure that temporary international recruitment remains consistent with Brazilian legal protections.

Foreign workers should review their employment terms carefully before accepting an assignment.

In particular, they should understand who is responsible for travel arrangements, accommodation, remuneration and the conclusion of the employment relationship.

The regulation establishes a specific residence procedure, but it does not remove the employer’s obligations under applicable labour law. Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública

What Documents Are Required for Brazil’s Megaevent Residence Authorisation?

Documentation depends on the category of authorisation being requested.

The Brazilian Government identifies several core requirements for workers entering local employment.

These include a valid travel document, the relevant corporate documentation, proof of payment of the applicable fee and a fixed-term employment contract.

The applicant organisation must also establish the relationship between the proposed employment and the qualifying megaevent.

For technical assistance, the contractual basis for the specialist services is particularly important.

The work must relate directly to equipment, systems or technologies necessary for the event.

The application should therefore demonstrate why the proposed technical activities are required and how they connect with the event’s infrastructure.

Documents and Evidence Applicants Should Prepare

The precise documentation must follow the relevant provisions of Ordinance No. 68/2026 and the applicable immigration rules.

Applicants should not assume that this summary replaces the complete official checklist.

The government has not published a universal fixed fee in the cited announcement covering every application under the new framework.

Any costs should therefore be checked against the relevant official administrative service rather than estimated from unrelated visa categories.

Is the New Residence Pathway Available to Workers of Every Nationality?

The regulation establishes a procedure for eligible foreign nationals working on qualifying megaevents.

The official announcement does not identify a general nationality-specific quota or restrict the framework to a named group of countries.

However, this does not mean every foreign national is automatically eligible.

The applicant must satisfy the requirements of the relevant immigration category.

The proposed work must be directly connected to an eligible event.

The contractual arrangement must also meet the prescribed conditions.

Other immigration requirements may apply depending on the worker’s nationality, location and circumstances.

Foreign nationals applying from outside Brazil should confirm the visa and entry procedures applicable to their nationality after the residence authorisation process.

The regulation should not be interpreted as granting unrestricted entry to Brazil.

Nor does it replace the country’s broader immigration system.

The new route is specifically designed for qualifying work associated with international megaevents.

Can Foreign Professionals Apply Without a Job Offer?

The new framework is not an open job-seeker visa.

Foreign nationals cannot rely on the regulation merely because they wish to work at a major event in Brazil.

For the local employment category, a fixed-term employment contract is required.

The application must be submitted by the megaevent organiser or a designated third party.

For technical assistance, an appropriate contractual arrangement must support the specialist services.

This means prospective applicants need an eligible professional assignment before the special authorisation procedure becomes relevant.

The government has not announced a central recruitment website offering jobs through the residence programme.

It has also not established an open application process allowing individuals to request authorisation without an eligible event-related contractual basis.

For international professionals, the practical starting point is therefore an appropriate employment or technical services arrangement.

The immigration process follows from that arrangement.

How Does the New Framework Differ From Brazil’s Existing Work Residence Rules?

Brazil already has immigration procedures for foreign nationals undertaking employment, technical assistance and other professional activities.

The Ministry of Justice’s labour immigration portal identifies several established categories, including work with a Brazilian employment contract and technical assistance without a local employment relationship.

These existing categories remain part of the wider immigration framework. Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública

The new megaevent procedure differs because it creates a targeted set of requirements for exceptional international events.

It connects the permitted work to the preparation, organisation, planning or execution of an eligible event.

It also introduces a defined decision period for complete applications.

The framework therefore provides greater administrative specificity for organisers and contractors involved in major events.

However, it does not replace every existing work residence category.

Foreign nationals undertaking ordinary employment unrelated to qualifying megaevents must continue to follow the immigration rules applicable to their circumstances.

Why the Distinction Matters

A specialist working on equipment for a qualifying international tournament may have a different immigration basis from someone taking a permanent position with a Brazilian technology company.

Similarly, an employee hired temporarily for an eligible event may be assessed differently from a professional entering Brazil for unrelated employment.

The new framework is designed to address the temporary and event-specific nature of certain assignments.

It should not be described as a general liberalisation of Brazil’s entire work visa system.

What Happens When the Megaevent Ends?

The new residence authorisation is temporary and connected to the relevant event.

For both categories, the regulation establishes a maximum period extending no more than six months beyond the event’s conclusion.

This limit is important because some event-related activities may continue after the main programme ends.

Examples can include dismantling temporary installations, completing technical work and fulfilling contractual obligations.

The regulation allows residence periods to reflect the authorised assignment, subject to the prescribed maximum limits.

However, the six-month provision does not mean every worker automatically receives an additional six months.

The actual authorisation depends on the approved contract and the relevant immigration decision.

Workers who wish to remain in Brazil after their authorised period must comply with the immigration rules applicable to their circumstances.

The special megaevent authorisation does not automatically create permanent residence.

It also does not guarantee eligibility for another work residence category.

Any subsequent application or change of immigration status would need to satisfy the relevant legal requirements.

Could the Framework Support Other International Events Beyond Football?

Although the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 is the immediate context for the regulation, the government has deliberately created a framework that can apply to other qualifying events.

This is important because Brazil hosts international activities across several sectors.

The regulation covers sporting, cultural, religious, scientific, environmental and mixed-purpose events.

Its application is therefore not limited to football.

A qualifying international event could involve substantial technical infrastructure, specialist equipment or temporary staffing requirements.

However, eligibility depends on meeting the government’s criteria.

International recognition alone is insufficient.

The event must also satisfy the relevant attendance or visitor-flow threshold and demonstrate the required operational complexity.

The government has not published a definitive list of every future event that will qualify.

Consequently, it would be inaccurate to identify a particular festival, conference or competition as automatically eligible without official confirmation.

The framework establishes a reusable procedure rather than a blanket authorisation for all international events.

Why This Matters

Brazil’s new residence authorisation procedure is significant for international event organisers, foreign technical specialists and employers preparing major events.

The regulation creates a dedicated immigration process for temporary work that directly supports qualifying international megaevents.

For organisers, it provides clearer rules concerning eligibility, documentation and authorisation periods.

For foreign professionals, it identifies two possible routes depending on whether they will be employed in Brazil or provide specialised technical assistance.

The ten-working-day decision period for complete applications is particularly relevant to projects operating under fixed event deadlines.

However, the framework does not guarantee approval or create unrestricted access to the Brazilian labour market.

Its tourism significance lies in supporting the infrastructure and operational arrangements required to deliver large international events.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 provides an immediate example of the type of activity the regulation is intended to support.

With eight Brazilian host cities preparing for the tournament, the framework gives qualifying organisations a specific process for requesting foreign professional expertise.

The wider economic and employment effects remain uncertain.

The government has not published a confirmed number of foreign workers expected to use the programme or a forecast of additional employment resulting from the measure.

Its significance is therefore the establishment of a defined immigration procedure rather than a guaranteed expansion in job opportunities.

What Travellers Should Know

Foreign nationals planning to work in Brazil during a major international event should understand that the new procedure is a work-related residence authorisation, not a general tourist visa.

The rules apply only where the event and proposed professional activity meet the government’s requirements.

Before Applying

• Confirm the event qualifies: It must meet the prescribed international reach, scale and operational requirements.
• Identify the correct category: Choose between local employment and specialist technical assistance according to the actual contractual arrangement.
• Secure an eligible contract: The framework does not provide an unrestricted job-seeker route.
• Check the responsible applicant: Employment applications must be submitted by the organiser or its designated third party.
• Prepare supporting documents: Include the relevant travel, corporate and contractual evidence.
• Use the official system: Applications are submitted through MigranteWeb.
• Allow processing time: The ministry has up to ten working days to decide complete and regular applications.
• Check the authorised duration: Employment may be authorised for up to 24 months, while technical assistance may be granted for up to one year, renewable once.
• Observe the post-event limit: Both categories are subject to a maximum of six months beyond the event’s conclusion.
• Review employment protections: Contracts must comply with applicable Brazilian labour and occupational safety requirements.

Applicants should also confirm the procedures for obtaining the appropriate visa and completing immigration registration where required.

Residence authorisation should not be confused with automatic permission to enter Brazil or begin work before the relevant legal conditions are satisfied.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Brazil’s new megaevent work residence authorisation?

Brazil has introduced a special procedure allowing eligible foreign nationals to obtain temporary residence authorisation for work directly connected to qualifying international megaevents. It covers Brazilian employment contracts and specialist technical assistance.

2. How long can foreign workers stay in Brazil under the new rules?

Eligible workers with fixed-term Brazilian employment contracts may receive authorisation for up to 24 months. Technical specialists may receive up to one year, renewable for another year. Both categories are subject to a maximum of six months after the event concludes.

3. Which events qualify for the new residence pathway?

Qualifying events may include international sporting, cultural, religious, scientific and environmental activities. They must meet the government’s cumulative criteria, including international significance, attendance thresholds, infrastructure complexity and the need for temporary foreign workers.

4. How long does the application process take?

Brazil’s Ministry of Justice and Public Security has established a decision period of up to ten working days for complete and regular applications submitted through MigranteWeb. This does not guarantee approval or include every subsequent visa and registration procedure.

5. Can foreign nationals apply without an employment contract?

The new framework is not an open job-seeker programme. Applicants must have an eligible employment or technical services arrangement directly connected to a qualifying megaevent, with the request submitted through the appropriate authorised organisation.

Brazil Establishes a Targeted Immigration Framework Ahead of Major International Events

Brazil’s new megaevent residence procedure represents a specific change to its labour immigration system.

Introduced through Interministerial Ordinance No. 68/2026, the framework provides dedicated rules for foreign workers and technical specialists involved in exceptional international events.

The regulations establish two principal authorisation categories, define maximum residence periods and introduce a ten-working-day decision period for properly documented applications.

They also preserve the application of Brazilian employment protections and occupational health and safety requirements.

The FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 provides the immediate context, with preparations taking place across eight host cities.

However, the regulation is designed to remain available for other events that satisfy its eligibility conditions.

For foreign professionals, the central requirement is a genuine, documented connection between their work and a qualifying event.

For organisers and employers, the new rules offer a more clearly defined procedure for requesting temporary foreign expertise.

The measure does not create unrestricted employment rights, guarantee jobs or provide permanent residence.

Instead, it establishes a targeted immigration mechanism intended to support Brazil’s ability to prepare and deliver major international events while maintaining its existing legal safeguards.

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