Brazil Fishing License Application Guide

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Navigating the administrative maze to obtain a fishing permit in Brazil can prove to be a significant challenge, especially when considering the country’s vastness and ecological diversity.

With its authorized fishing zones spread across thousands of kilometers of coastline, rivers, and lakes, Brazil offers a range of opportunities that combine adventure with environmental respect.

Understanding the specific rules and necessary procedures to access these unique aquatic treasures is essential for anyone wishing to explore the country’s exceptional fish diversity in complete legality and safety.

This article reveals everything you need to know to complete these crucial steps and dive into an unforgettable fishing experience.

Details of Procedures for Obtaining a Fishing Permit in Brazil

Types of Fishing Permits in Brazil

Permit Type	Description	Target Audience
Recreational Fishing Permit	Authorizes fishing for leisure purposes, including sport fishing and tourist fishing.	Individuals, tourists, sport fishers
Commercial Fishing Permit	Authorizes fishing for sales or professional operations.	Businesses, professional fishers

Required Documents for Permit Application

• Official identification (passport or national ID card)
• Permit application form, available on the competent agency’s website
• Proof of residence in Brazil (electricity bill, rental contract, etc.)
• For foreigners: valid visa or residence permit
• Recent identification photo (for certain permits)

Steps to Apply for a Permit

1. Complete the online application form on the Ministry of Fisheries or IBAMA website (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis).
2. Attach required documents, scanned and in the requested format.
3. Verify the accuracy of entered information.
4. Proceed with payment of processing fees through available options (typically boleto bancário or credit card).
5. Submit the application online.
6. Await confirmation and permit issuance, typically sent by email or accessible via the applicant’s personal account.

Associated Fees and Payment Methods

Permit Type	Approximate Cost (R$)	Accepted Payment Methods
Individual Recreational	20 to 60	Boleto bancário, bank card
Commercial (small scale)	80 to 200	Boleto bancário, bank card
Commercial (large scale)	> 200	Bank transfer, boleto, bank card

Processing Times and Validity Period

• Processing time: typically between 3 and 10 business days.
• Permit validity: 1 year from issuance date (renewable).

Practical Tips for Successful Application

• Ensure all documents are legible and up-to-date before submission.
• Use a valid and frequently checked email address to receive notifications.
• Confirm payment has been validated (keep proof of payment).
• Avoid data entry errors in the form, particularly regarding personal information and address.
• Check local regulations on authorized species and quotas before fishing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Providing incomplete or illegible documents.
• Forgetting to attach payment confirmation.
• Using incorrect or inactive email address.
• Not respecting permit renewal deadlines.

Useful Contacts

Agency	Contact
IBAMA (online permits)	atendimento@ibama.gov.br
Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture	suporte@mpa.gov.br
IBAMA Phone Support	+55 61 3316-1000
Local Assistance (Port Authority)	Local Port Authority number

For any application, prioritize the online procedure, which is faster and simplified. In case of difficulty, contact the agency by email or phone for personalized assistance.

Before fishing in Brazil, it is mandatory to obtain a permit appropriate for the activity. Non-compliance with procedures may result in administrative penalties and confiscation of fishing equipment.

Authorized Fishing Zones for Expatriates in Brazil

Geographical Fishing Zones Authorized for Expatriates in Brazil:

• Coastal Regions
  Expatriates can practice sport fishing along the Brazilian Atlantic coast, particularly in the Northeast, Southeast, and South states. Marine waters allow catching species like snook, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, bonito, barracuda, grouper, blue runner, marlin, and swordfish.
• Inland Regions
  Most freshwater fishing is concentrated in the Amazon basin (Amazonas, Pará, Rondônia, Acre, Mato Grosso). Main accessible rivers include the Amazon River, Negro River, Araguaia River, Juma River, and São Francisco River. These rivers host iconic species like peacock bass, arapaima, piraiba, payara, and pirarara.

Distinctions Between Protected Areas, National Parks, and International Waters:

Zone	Fishing Access	Specific Regulations
Protected Areas	Highly regulated or prohibited	Access often limited to scientific programs or ecotourism
National Parks	Generally prohibited	Sport fishing prohibited except for exceptional exemptions
International Waters	Free under compliance with Brazilian laws	Respect quotas and prohibitions on threatened species
Non-Protected Areas	Permitted with permit	Catch limits, closed seasons, protected species

Specific Regulations by Zone

• Protected Areas and National Parks:
  Fishing is strictly regulated or prohibited. Any activity must be authorized by ICMBio (Chico Mendes Institute for Biodiversity Conservation). Endemic or threatened species are protected, and only certain scientific or ecotourism projects may obtain exemptions.
• Non-Protected Areas (river basins, coasts outside reserves):
  Sport fishing is permitted with a license. Catch quotas vary by species, period, and river. Examples of authorized species: peacock bass, arapaima (with quota), piraiba, snook, mahi-mahi.
• International Waters:
  Brazilian rules apply up to the territorial waters limit (12 nautical miles). Beyond that, international conventions and neighboring country regulations must also be respected if crossing maritime borders.

Local Administrative Requirements for Expatriates

• Fishing Permit (Licença de Pesca Amadora) mandatory for all sport fishing, to be requested from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and Supply (MAPA) or via the federal government website.
• Special Authorization required for any activity in a reserve, national park, or protected area, issued by ICMBio or IBAMA.
• Compliance with local regulations (quotas, minimum sizes, closed seasons) varying by state and river basin.
• Some local operators can facilitate obtaining authorizations and provide licensed guides.

Main Resources and Agencies for Updated Information

• ICMBio (Instituto Chico Mendes de Conservação da Biodiversidade): management of parks and reserves.
• IBAMA (Instituto Brasileiro do Meio Ambiente e dos Recursos Naturais Renováveis): fishing control and regulation.
• MAPA (Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento): issuance of sport fishing licenses.
• State Environment Secretariats: regional information on closed seasons and quotas.
• Local Sport Fishing Federations: practical information and support for administrative procedures.

Commonly Authorized Fish Species for Sport Fishing by Zone

Environment	Main Authorized Species	Indicative Quotas*
Freshwater (Amazon)	Peacock bass, arapaima, piraiba, pirarara	Variable by decree
Coastal Waters	Snook, mahi-mahi, yellowfin tuna, grouper	Variable, by regulations
International Waters	Species not protected by conventions	According to national quotas

*Quotas and authorized species are updated annually by local authorities.

Main Regulations on Fishing Permits in Brazil

Main current regulations concerning fishing permits in Brazil:

• The central federal law governing fishing is Law 11.959/2009, which establishes sustainable management principles, sets activity access conditions, and organizes the National Fishing Registry.
• Decree No. 8425 specifies admission criteria for the national fishers registry and details exercise modalities for each category (artisanal, commercial, sport).
• Brazilian states may supplement this federal framework with regional regulations adapted to their environmental specificities.

Permit Category	Description	Main Requirements
Artisanal Fishing	Small scale, for subsistence or local use	Registration in national registry; training
Commercial Fishing	Industrial or semi-industrial operation	Specific permit; quotas; inspections
Sport/Amateur Fishing	Recreational	Individual annual or daily permit

Requirements for Obtaining:

• Prior registration in the National Registry (Registro Geral da Atividade Pesqueira – RGP).
• Provision of personal and professional documents.
• Compliance with quotas set by species and zone.
• Possible payment of fees according to category.

Regulated Zones and Specific Restrictions:

List of zones under enhanced regulation:

• Marine Protected Areas (MPA)
• Extractive reserves
• Zones prohibited to certain destructive techniques

Specific restrictions:

• Strict prohibition on capturing certain threatened species listed on official national or international lists (example: goliath grouper).
• Mandatory seasonal closures to protect spawning.

Zone/Protection	Species/Activities Concerned	Main Restriction
Marine Protected Areas	All	Total/partial prohibition
Sensitive Coastal Zones	Threatened/endemic species	Capture prohibited

Fines and Sanctions for Violations:

Non-exhaustive list:

• Financial fines proportional to offense severity (can reach several thousand reais)
• Equipment seizure
• Permit suspension/permanent revocation

Recent Initiatives for Sustainable Management:

The government has undertaken a major reform aiming for adoption in 2025 of a new legal framework strengthening:

• Explicit obligation for sustainable management of fish stocks
• Systematic integration of scientific data in annual plan development
• Increased transparency via public consultation with direct involvement of local communities

These measures also include:

• Pilot programs on mandatory electronic monitoring for certain commercial vessels;
• Accelerated development of the national marine protected areas network;
• Strengthened partnerships with specialized NGOs to improve control, continuous training of public agents, and user awareness.