Brazil granted 12 thousand work permits to foreigners Jan-Jun

The Brazilian Ministry of Labor granted 11,998 temporary or permanent work permits to foreigners in the country from January to June this year. The figures can be found in an official report released Tuesday (Nov. 28).

The new permits total 2,440 fewer than the 14,438 observed in the same period last year. According to the ministry, the difference had been expected, since last year Brazil hosted the Olympic Games, an event that brings foreign professionals to the country.

The permit is mandatory for those planning to do any work in the country. Most permits this year were given to sciences and arts professionals, certificated professionals with a high-school diploma, public officials, and directors from organizations of public interest and companies.

Origin and destination

Temporary permits are reported to be the most sought-after, adding up to 11,483 in the period, compared to 515 permanent ones. US nationals received the largest number of permits—2,170.

The Philippines come second, with 1,224 work permits, followed by the Chinese, with 799.

Among Mercosur countries and associates, Venezuela heads the list, with 147 permits. Next come Argentina (81), Colombia (65), and Chile (52).

Rio de Janeiro is the Brazilian state with the highest demand for labor force from abroad, with 5,325 permits for foreigners in the second half-year. São Paulo, ranking second, garnered 4,635. Espírito Santo, also in the Southeast, had 279.

Translated by Fabrício Ferreira