Assessing travel and visa obligations in Brazil

When traveling to Brazil, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.


Traveling for business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Brazil, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • Attend business meetings
  • Attend fairs, seminars, and conferences
  • Conduct consultancy and auditing activities
  • Sign contracts
  • Visit a current project site for informational purposes

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Brazil?

Nationals of the United States, Canada, Japan and other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa in order to enter and conduct business activities in Brazil.

If your nationality is not eligible for a visa waiver, you will be required to obtain a Visitor Visa (VVIS) from a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate prior to travel. Please consult with your immigration counsel before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver or Visitor Visa.


Working in Brazil

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Brazilian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Brazil, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • System installation
  • Technical services
  • Repairs

 

If I am traveling to Brazil for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work and on whether your employer has an entity in Brazil. The most common types of work authorization for Brazil are:

  • Technical Work Visa (NR 03) – (work authorization for performing technical services as part of a service agreement or after-sales agreement)
  • Visa for Receiving Technical Training (NR 35) – (work authorization to participate in short-term training for operating and maintaining machines or technical equipment)
  • Local Contract Visa (NR 02) – (work authorization for local hires)
  • Technology Transfer Visa (NR 04) – (work authorization for the transfer of technical knowledge to a local Brazilian employee)
  • Professional Training Visa (NR 19) – (work authorization for participating in training conducted by a Brazilian subsidiary of the same company group as the employer abroad)
  • Digital Nomad Visa

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Nationals of countries that are part of the Mercosur agreement and their dependents, as well as nationals of French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname and Venezuela, may work and reside in Brazil with a Temporary Residence Benefit without obtaining additional work authorization. However, registrations or other formalities may be required prior to working or residing in Brazil.


What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright © 2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Assessing travel and visa obligations in South Africa

When traveling to South Africa, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.


Traveling for business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to South Africa, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • Attend business/board meetings
  • Attend conferences, conventions, trade shows or workshops as a participant
  • Tour a company facility
  • Sign contracts

In most cases, foreign nationals are advised to only engage in business activities for up to 10 business days in any 90-day period. In some cases, activities may be conducted for a longer period of time. An individual assessment is recommended prior to travel to determine the advisable period of time that the activities may be conducted.

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for South Africa?

Nationals of Canada, the United States, and other select countries are eligible for a visa waiver and are not required to obtain a visa to enter and conduct business activities in South Africa.

Foreign nationals who are not eligible to enter South Africa on visa-waivered status must obtain a Visitor’s Visa with an endorsement permitting business activities from a South African Consular Mission prior to travel. Please obtain an individual assessment before traveling to determine your eligibility for a visa waiver.


Working in South Africa

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under South African law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in South Africa, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • Providing training
  • Auditing
  • Consulting

 

If I am traveling to South Africa for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work and on whether your employer has an entity in South Africa. The most common work authorization types for South Africa are:

  • Visitor’s Visa Section 11(2) Authorization (short-term work authorization for assignees)
  • Remote Work Visitor’s Visa (short-term and long-term work authorization for assignees)
  • General Work Visa (long-term work authorization for direct hires)
  • Critical Skills Work Visa (long-term direct-hire work authorization for professionals with in-demand skills and/or experience found on the Critical Skills List)
  • Intra-Company Transfer (ICT) Work Visa (long-term work authorization for the temporary transfer of a foreign national employed by a foreign company operating a branch, subsidiary, or affiliate company in South Africa)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

South Africa offers special permits for select nationals. Holders of these permits may be exempt from obtaining a Work Visa. Please consult with your immigration counsel to determine eligibility.


What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright ©2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Assessing travel and visa obligations in Kenya

When traveling to Kenya, your nationality and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require work authorization. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.


Traveling for business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Kenya, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • Attend business and sales meetings.
  • Visit clients.
  • Conduct site visits.
  • Attend conferences, workshops, or trade shows.

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Kenya?

Most foreign nationals, including nationals of the United States and most European countries, are required to obtain an e-Visa prior to travel to enter Kenya and conduct ordinary business activities.

Certain restricted nationalities require additional security clearance and must obtain a Referred Business Visa prior to travel. In these cases, the Director of Immigration Services in Nairobi must approve the visa application in advance. Please consult with your immigration counsel to determine whether such restrictions apply.

Nationals of select countries, including Ghana, Malaysia and South Africa may be eligible for visa waiver status, which allows visitors to enter and conduct business activities without a visa. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to verify your eligibility for a visa waiver or e-Visa.


Working in Kenya

What types of activities require work authorization?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Kenyan law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Kenya, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • Conducting training
  • Performing audits
  • Presenting at a conference

 

If I am traveling to Kenya for work, what type of work authorization do I need?

The requirements for work authorization depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work and on whether your employer has an entity in Kenya. The most common forms of work authorization for Kenya are:

  • Special Pass (short-term work authorization)
  • Class D Work Permit (long-term work authorization)

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work authorization requirements?

Kenya does not offer work authorization exemptions.


What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright ©2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.

Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations in Australia

When traveling to Australia, your nationality, and the types of activities you will conduct during your trip will determine whether you may travel lawfully as a business visitor or if you require a work visa. Please seek advice from your immigration counsel if you are uncertain about the specific types of activities that constitute business or work.


Traveling for Business

What types of activities may I engage in as a business visitor?

As a business visitor to Australia, you may engage in the activities below. While this list is not exhaustive and other activities could qualify as business, you may:

  • Make general business or employment inquiries
  • Investigate, negotiate, enter into, or review a business contract
  • Participate in a conference, trade fair, or seminar (unless paid for participation)

 

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Australia?

All foreign nationals are required to obtain the appropriate category of Business Visa in order to conduct ordinary business activities in Australia.

Nationals of New Zealand are eligible to obtain a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa on arrival.

Depending on nationality, other business visitors may apply for a Visitor (Subclass 600) Visa, Electronic Travel Authority (ETA) (Subclass 601) Visa, or eVisitor (Subclass 651) Visa before traveling to Australia. Please consult with your immigration counsel prior to travel to determine the appropriate category for your nationality.


Working in Australia

What types of activities require a work visa?

The activities below, whether paid or unpaid, generally constitute work under Australian law. This list is not exhaustive, and many other professional activities are considered work in Australia, even if conducted for a short duration.

  • Facility tours
  • Performing audits
  • Hands-on technical work
  • Activities involving the sale of goods or services directly to the general public

 

If I am traveling to Australia for work, what type of work visa do I need?

The requirements for a work visa depend on your qualifications, on the nature and duration of your work and on whether your employer has an entity in Australia. The most common work visas for Australia are:

  • Temporary Work (Short Stay Specialist) (Subclass 400) Visa (short-term work authorization for highly specialized local hires or assignees).
  • Temporary Skills Shortage (TSS) (Subclass 482) Visa (sponsored long-term work authorization for highly qualified local hires or assignees).
  • Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) Visa (long-term work authorization for graduates of Australian universities).

 

Is it possible to be exempted from work visa requirements?

While all nationalities are required to obtain a visa to enter Australia, New Zealand nationals are eligible for a Special Category (Subclass 444) Visa upon arrival, which permits holders to work, study, and stay in Australia for an indefinite period of time.


What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection, as well as visa waiver and work authorization eligibility, entail the careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

 

Copyright ©2024 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.