VIPER - How long can you stay out of Brazil

Hi,

I lived in Brazil for 4.5 years (from July 2010 to March 2015), and I had my initial 2-year work visa exchanged by a VIPER. The stamp in my passport says: "Registrado como permanente" and the end date is 30/06/2021.

I left Brazil on 28/03/2015. I am planning to travel to Brazil in the coming weeks (May 2016). I wanted to know if my visa is still valid, or do I need to apply for a VITUR. I had heard that the visa expires if you are out of Brazil for more than a year, but what I found in the gov.br websites (http://www.planalto.gov.br/ccivil_03/leis/L6815.htm --> ART 51) says it is 2 years.

Does anyone know if I need a visa or not?

You can stay out of Brazil for up to 2 years. Your permanency is forever , you just have to renew the card before it expires until you are 60 and then it doesn't expire.

Jim

Thanks Jland. I am in a similar situation. But I would love to know what happens if I stay outside for more than 2 years.
Thanks.

If you stay out more than 2 years you will have to reapply.