Brazil has introduced a dedicated immigration framework for foreign nationals coming to the country to perform work related to the preparation, organization, planning, or execution of qualifying megaevents. Interministerial Ordinance MJSP/MRE/MTE No. 68, dated 15 September 2026 and published on 17 September 2026 (the “Ordinance”), provides for prior work residence authorization in cases involving local employment or qualifying technical assistance.1
WHY THIS MATTERS
The new framework establishes specific eligibility criteria, documentary requirements, processing rules, and authorization periods for qualifying megaevent-related activities. It may affect how event organizers and other designated entities plan the temporary deployment or employment of foreign nationals in Brazil, including the immigration route selected, supporting documentation required, and timing of applications. Companies may therefore need to assess the event and the proposed activities at an early stage to determine whether the new route is available.
Background
Prior to the new Ordinance, Brazil did not have a dedicated residence-authorization framework specifically addressing qualifying megaevent-related employment and technical-assistance activities. The Ordinance introduces a specific route, subject to defined event criteria and activity requirements.
Key Highlights
- What qualifies as a megaevent: The Ordinance establishes cumulative criteria. The event is required to have relevant international reach; exceptional scale; a sporting, cultural, religious, scientific, environmental, or mixed nature; specific infrastructure and logistical requirements; and a need for temporary foreign labour directly connected with its preparation, organization, planning, or execution. The scale criterion requires at least 50,000 participants or visitors, directly or indirectly mobilized, or a flow exceeding 500,000 people during the event.
- Local employment route: Where the foreign national will have an employment relationship in Brazil, the megaevent organizer or a third party designated by it is required to file the application through MigranteWeb. Required documents include the application form, identity document, corporate documents, proof of CNPJ registration, power of attorney where applicable, evidence of payment of the government fee, and a fixed-term employment contract. Once the application is duly documented, the Ordinance provides for a decision within 10 business days.
- Technical assistance route: Qualifying services may include the installation, operation, maintenance, repair, diagnosis, updating, calibration, configuration, or technical support of products, equipment, systems, or technologies used in connection with the megaevent. Purely administrative, financial, or managerial activities are expressly excluded. The filing is required to be supported by the underlying contract, cooperation agreement, or similar instrument.
- Authorization periods: For local employment, the authorization is required to be compatible with the fixed-term employment contract, with temporary hiring generally limited to 24 months from execution of the contract and to no more than six months after the megaevent ends. For qualifying technical assistance, authorization may be granted for up to one year and renewed for an additional year, subject to the same six-month post-event limit, unless a specific rule provides otherwise.
- Ongoing compliance: The authorization does not remove the obligation to comply with Brazilian employment and occupational health and safety rules. The applicant company is required to notify the Ministry of Justice and Public Security of changes to information supporting the authorization within 15 days of the relevant change.
KPMG INSIGHTS
Organizations involved in major international events in Brazil may need to distinguish carefully between local employment and qualifying technical assistance because the filing requirements, supporting documentation, and authorization periods differ. Not every large event or foreign national supporting an event will qualify, as the event must satisfy the applicable criteria and the proposed activities must have a demonstrable connection with its preparation, organization, planning, or execution.
Organizations might wish to consider the following actions:
- Employers could identify planned megaevent-related assignments early and assess whether the event and proposed activities meet the applicable eligibility criteria.
- Employers may review whether each arrangement involves local employment or qualifying technical assistance and determine the corresponding documentation and filing requirements.
- Organizations could assess the underlying contractual and employment arrangements for technical-assistance personnel, particularly where the nature of the activities could indicate a Brazilian employment relationship.
- Applicant companies may establish a process for monitoring changes to information supporting an authorization so that applicable notification requirements can be addressed.
If assignees and/or their programme managers have any questions or concerns about the scope of the update, its application and potential impacts, and appropriate next steps, they should consult with their qualified professional or a member of the GMS team with KPMG in Brazil (see the Contacts section).
ENDNOTE:
1 Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Labour and Employment, “Interministerial Ordinance MJSP/MRE/MTE No. 68”, dated 15 September 2026, published in the Federal Official Gazette on 17 September 2026.
Contacts
More Information
Explore all GMS Flash Alert Topics
Explore GMS Flash Alert Newsletters & Trackers
Disclaimer
* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.
The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Brazil.
GMS Flash Alert is a Global Mobility Services publication of the KPMG LLP Washington National Tax practice. The KPMG name and logo are trademarks used under license by the independent member firms of the KPMG global organization. KPMG International Limited is a private English company limited by guarantee and does not provide services to clients. No member firm has any authority to obligate or bind KPMG International or any other member firm vis-à-vis third parties, nor does KPMG International have any such authority to obligate or bind any member firm. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavor to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act on such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
© 2026 KPMG Assessores Ltda., uma sociedade simples brasileira, de responsabilidade limitada e firma-membro da organização global KPMG de firmas membro independentes licenciadas da KPMG International Limited, uma empresa inglesa privada de responsabilidade limitada. Todos os direitos reservados.