Do Brazilians in Italy or Portugal need a new visa to work in another EU country?

Brazilians who legally reside in a European Union country cannot automatically work in another Member State. However, this rule does not apply to those who possess [a legally recognized legal status]. European citizenshiplike Italian or Portuguese.

Anyone with a European passport can move, live and work freely in any country within the bloc, without needing a visa or additional authorization.

For nationals of third countries, such as Brazilians without European citizenship, the rule is different.

In this case, it is mandatory to request a new authorization in the destination country.

Being legally in your country of residence is the first step.

The initial requirement is to have regular immigration status in the country where the person lives.

This means possessing a valid visa or residence permit. Without it, the visa application for another European Union country will not be processed.

No Member State accepts to process applications made by persons who are in an irregular situation in the country where they submit the application.

A residence permit is non-transferable.

Authorization granted by a country allows one to live and work only within that territory.

It does not automatically grant the right to practice a profession in another country of the European Union.

Each state maintains its own rules for granting residency and work permits.

Therefore, anyone living in Portugal or Italy who wants to work, for example, in Belgium, needs to follow local regulations and... request a new authorization.

There is no automatic transfer of professional status migratory.

New European directive does not eliminate requirement.

A Directive 1233/24The law, which is to be implemented in 2026, aims to facilitate the mobility of foreign workers within the European Union.

The proposal aims to reduce bureaucracy and improve coordination between countries.

However, the measure It does not create a single European visa..

Even with the new rule, it will still be necessary to apply for a residence permit in the country where the person intends to work.

Exception: posting of workers

There is one specific exception.

Secondment occurs when a company sends an employee to provide temporary services in another country within the bloc.

In this case, the worker remains linked to the company in their country of origin and does not enter the local job market.

However, there may still be administrative requirements in the country where the service will be performed.

Risks of working without authorization

Accepting a job in another country without the proper authorization can lead to problems.

Between them:

• irregular situation in the destination country
• difficulties in future residency applications
• impact on long-term residency processes
• losses in nationality applications

Every change within the European Union requires planning.

Having legal status in one country is only the first step. To work in another, it is essential to obtain specific authorization from the destination country.