On November 19, 2012, Normative Resolution Nr. 98, from the National Immigration Council, dated November 14, 2012 ("NR 98/12") was published in the Federal Official Gazette, moving into effect as of the date of its publication.

The above mentioned Resolution regulates the granting of temporary work permits/visas for foreigners in Brazil who will work, exclusively, in the preparation, organization, planning and execution of the FIFA Confederations Cup 2013, FIFA World Cup 2014 and the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

During the analysis of the application for a work permit/visa, the binding of the foreign professional to the activities related to the abovementioned sporting events shall be examined, whilst this binding may be demonstrated by the presentation of a requirement issued by FIFA or by entities related to FIFA or by a requirement issued by the Organizing Committee from the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics Games.

If duly instructed, the Ministry of Labor, after consultation with the Ministry of Sports, will decide upon work permits for foreigners within five business days.

After the approval of the work permit by the Ministry of Labor, the corresponding temporary visa will be issued by the Brazilian consular and diplomatic institutions on a priority basis.

The most important innovation brought forward by the NR 98/12 is that Art. 8 of the Normative Resolution No. 74, dated February 9, 2007, has been revoked. There is therefore no 90-day grace period within which to file a new application for a work permit/visa for the same foreigner to the same legal entity, after the cancellation of the current work permit/visa or after the end of the current work permit/visa.

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.