Diplomatic relations between Brazil and Japan date back more than a century, marked by the arrival of the Kasato Maru ship in 1908 and the signing of the Treaty of Friendship, Commerce and Navigation in 1895. Since then, deep economic, cultural, and human ties have been established, particularly through the strong Japanese-Brazilian community, which today exceeds two million people.
In 2023, a new chapter began with the signing of the Reciprocal Short-Stay Visa Exemption Agreement, formalized between the two governments on September 21, 2023, and entering into force on September 30 of the same year. The measure modernizes mobility conditions and reinforces the historic bond between both nations.
Historical and Socio-Cultural Context
Japanese immigration to Brazil began in 1908, when more than 700 workers arrived at the port of Santos. Decades later, the flow reversed with the rise of the Brazilian dekassegui phenomenon, Brazilians who migrated to Japan seeking industrial employment.
Today, a renewed two-way movement can be observed: Brazilians returning to their homeland and Japanese nationals interested in starting businesses, investing, or retiring in Brazil, drawn by its quality of life, natural beauty, and comparatively lower costs.
Thus, the new visa exemption agreement is more than an administrative measure; it symbolizes the reaffirmation of long-standing cultural and human ties that have united Brazil and Japan for over 130 years.
What the Bilateral Agreement Provides
The agreement establishes a visa exemption for holders of valid ordinary passports traveling between Brazil and Japan for short-term stays of up to 90 days.
The exemption applies both to Japanese tourists visiting Brazil and to Brazilians traveling to Japan, with an initial validity of three years, subject to renewal by diplomatic consensus. It is strictly limited to tourism, family visits, and other short-term purposes, it does not apply to employment, study, or residence. In such cases, a specific visa must still be obtained.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, the goal is “to deepen friendly relations and promote bilateral tourism and business.” Brazil’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) emphasized that the agreement “reflects the mutual recognition of trust between both countries and the solidity of the Japan-Brazil strategic partnership.”
Economic and Migration Impacts
By simplifying entry requirements, the measure removes bureaucratic hurdles and reduces consular costs, benefitting tourists, executives, investors, and researchers alike.
For Brazil, the impact is significant: Japan remains one of the country’s largest foreign investors, with a strong presence in the automotive, technology, and infrastructure sectors. The new policy strengthens the business environment and may further encourage Japanese investments, especially in the context of reindustrialization and sustainable energy initiatives.
From a migration standpoint, the agreement creates positive precedents for future long-term mobility negotiations, including potential residence visas for entrepreneurs, technical exchange programs, and expanded academic cooperation between the two nations.
Legal Limits and Cautions
Despite its advantages, the agreement does not alter the legal framework for residence or employment.
Anyone wishing to work, study, or reside permanently in Brazil or Japan must still obtain the appropriate visa and demonstrate the lawful purpose of their stay.
In Brazil, this process typically involves:
- requesting a residence authorization from the Federal Police;
- proving sufficient financial means and a clean migration record;
- and, when applicable, registering foreign investments and obtaining a CNPJ (Brazilian company registration number).
For this reason, specialized legal assistance is essential to ensure full compliance with migration and investment regulations, avoiding administrative penalties or delays.
Conclusion
The Reciprocal Short-Stay Visa Exemption Agreement, signed on September 21 and in force since September 30, 2023, represents a contemporary diplomatic milestone between Brazil and Japan.
It facilitates mobility, strengthens economic cooperation, and celebrates a historic friendship between two nations that share values of hard work, innovation, and mutual respect.
More than a bureaucratic simplification, it is a political gesture of mutual trust — one that paves the way for new initiatives in education, technology, and sustainable development.
If you are a Japanese citizen interested in investing, working, or residing in Brazil, or a Brazilian professional or student planning a move to Japan, this might be the opportunity to contact us!
André L. C. Delziovo
