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Brazil, officially the Federative Republic of Brazil, is the largest country in South America and Latin America, and the country has grown to become one of the largest economies in the world.
Due to its economic success and steady growth, the country has become a hotspot attracting career-oriented expats from all over the world. The country also offers one of the highest standards of tertiary education, making it an ideal choice for foreign students. In addition, Brazil has a captivating nature with stunning beaches, rainforests, and a gorgeous coastline that create breathtaking scenery that will enchant you.
Currently, Brazil is home to an ever-expanding expat population, with over 1 million people who have chosen to make Brazil their new permanent home.
Do I Need a Visa to Move to Brazil?
Foreign nationals wishing to move to Brazil for a stay that exceeds 90 days (three months) need to apply for a visa to enter the country. For long-term stays in Brazil, you will need to apply for a Brazil temporary visa (VITEM). The VITEM visas are issued for long-term stays and will allow you to stay in Brazil for an extended period.
Brazil issues different types of VITEM visas (temporary visas) that you must choose from depending on the reason why you want to move there.
How Do I Move to Brazil?
If you want to reside in Brazil legally, you must apply for and obtain a visa before traveling to the country, or you will be denied entry by Brazilian authorities. Depending on the reason why you want to move to Brazil, you need to choose a type of VITEM visa and submit the application for that type of visa.
Once you receive your temporary visa (VITEM), you can enter the country, and within 90 days of your arrival to Brazil, you have to register with the Foreign Police for your residence permit. You will have to present your visa application form.
Upon registration, you need to submit a legalized/apostilled document with both of your parents’ full names. The document must be translated by a sworn translator in Brazil.
Here is how you can move to Brazil for a period extending three months:
- Moving to Brazil to work.
- Moving to Brazil to study.
- Moving to Brazil for family reunification.
- Moving to Brazil for retirement.
Moving to Brazil to Work
Foreign individuals that have found a job and hold an employment contract with an employer in Brazil and want to move to Brazil for employment need to obtain a Brazil work visa (VITEM V). However, before applying for the work visa, your new employer must submit the application for approval at the Brazilian Ministry of Labor.
After your employer obtains authorization from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor, the Brazilian embassy or consulate you will apply at will be informed, so you can continue with the visa application. There are different types of work visas that you can apply for depending on your situation and profession. The work visas are issued for a maximum period of 2 years.
You can also apply for a Brazil digital nomad visa. A digital nomad visa is a residence visa that will allow you to stay legally in Brazil while working remotely. This type of visa is commonly issued for customer service, online teachers, content writers, data analysts, web developers, freelance translators, and digital marketers.
Moving to Brazil to Study
Foreign students who wish to move to Brazil to pursue their studies in a Brazilian educational institution need to get a Brazil student visa (VITEM IV). To be eligible for this type of visa, you must already be enrolled in a university in Brazil and must present your letter of acceptance as proof of enrollment.
Once you obtain your student visa, you can travel to Brazil and continue your studies. However, this type of visa does not allow you to engage in any type of paid activity in Brazil.
Moving to Brazil for Family Reunification
If you have a family member residing legally in Brazil and want to live with them, you need to apply for a Brazil family reunion visa (VITEM XI).
Family members who can apply for a family reunion visa (VITEM XI) are:
- Spouse or partner of a foreigner with a residence permit in Brazil.
- Children or grandchildren of a foreigner with a residence permit in Brazil.
- Stepchildren of a foreigner with a residence permit in Brazil.
- Parents or grandparents of a foreigner with a residence permit in Brazil.
- Siblings (minor or financially dependent) of a foreigner with a residence permit in Brazil.
The family reunion visa is issued for up to one year (12 months).
Moving to Brazil for Retirement
Retired foreigners that want to retire in Brazil can make Brazil their new retirement home by applying for a Brazil retirement visa (VITEM XIV). However, to be eligible for this type of visa, you must meet certain requirements, such as:
- You must be retired.
- You must have a certain amount of financial support.
- You must have a clear criminal record.
The applications for a Brazil retirement visa are completed online on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
What Are the Pros and Cons of Moving to Brazil?
Here are the pros and cons of moving to Brazil:
| Pros | Cons |
| Healthcare— is a constitutional right in Brazil. The country provides free public healthcare to all Brazilian permanent residents and foreigners residing legally in Brazil through the National Healthcare System, known as the Unified Health System (SUS). | High crime rate— unfortunately, Brazil does not have a good reputation when it comes to safety. The country has a very high crime rate, ranking the 9th highest rate of crime in the world. |
| Low living costs— Brazil is cheaper than most western countries. Both rent and groceries in Brazil are reasonable, so you can maintain a comfortable lifestyle on a low budget. The estimated costs for a single person living in Brazil are around €500 per month without including rent. | Language barrier— the official language of Brazil is Portuguese, and around 97.7% of the population speaks it as their primary language. Although other languages like Spanish and English are spoken, they will not get you far in Brazil. |
| Living standards— Brazil performs well in many fields. The country offers its citizens great healthcare services for free, low-cost public transportation, great infrastructure, and good education. | High unemployment rate— the economic impact of COVID-19 took the unemployment rate in Brazil to a record high. |
| Work opportunities— Brazil offers many opportunities and work visas for foreign professionals, making it an attractive option for expats from all over the world.. | Pollution— is another issue that Brazil has not found a solution to yet. Air pollution in Brazil kills around 49,000 citizens yearly. |
| Public transport— buses are the most common and flexible form of public transportation in Brazil. The country has many bus transit routes in cities, including rural areas. | Corruption— remains one of the biggest obstacles to economic development in the country. Political corruption, nepotism, cronyism, and clientelism are widely spread in Brazil. |
| People— Brazilians are known to be very warm and friendly people. They love meeting new people and will welcome you into their community quickly. | |
| Landscapes— considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Brazil is known for its beautiful beaches, breathtaking landmarks, and the Amazon rainforest. |
How Long Do I Need to Live in Brazil to Win Citizenship?
To be eligible for Brazilian citizenship, you must legally reside in the country for at least four years. The residency period may change depending on your situation; however, four years is the standard period for receiving residency. This is knowns as citizenship by naturalization.
However, besides the residency requirements, there are other requirements that you must meet to win citizenship by naturalization, such as language proficiency in Portuguese and clean criminal records.
Does Brazil Allow Dual Citizenship?
Brazil does not allow dual citizenship for its citizens. This means that Brazilian citizens who acquire another nationality may lose their Brazilian citizenship.
However, according to the Federal Constitution, you can have dual citizenship only in two special cases:
- When the other nationality is acquired by origin (birth or descent).
- If naturalization is required by the other country so that you can remain residing or exercise civil rights there.
Can I Bring My Personal Belongings to Brazil?
Your personal belongings and household items must arrive in Brazil within 180 days of your arrival to Brazil. There are three taxes that you might be required to pay: the Import Duty (abbreviated in Portuguese as II), the Industrialized Product tax (IPI), and the Merchandise and Service Circulation tax (ICMS). Usually, rates vary between 10% and 37.53%.
Personal belongings include the following items:
- Furniture.
- Clothing.
- Accessories.
- Documents.
- Books.
- Personal belongings.
- Vehicles (bikes, motorcycles, cars).
- Appliances.
Items listed below are prohibited from entering Brazil:
- Alcoholic beverages.
- Antique.
- Chemicals.
- Drugs, Prescription, and Non-Prescription.
- Medical/dental supplies & equipment.
- Live plants.
- Military equipment.
- Weapons.
- Radioactive products.
- p*rnography.
- Flammable or corrosive materials.
- Other.
Can I Move to Brazil With Pets?
To import your pets (cat or dog) to Brazil, you need to fulfill the following requirements:
- Your pets must have proof of vaccination against rabies for at least 21 days and not more than 12 months before entering Brazil— puppies and kittens younger than 3 months should not be vaccinated for rabies.
- Your pets must be treated against internal and external parasites within 15 days of entering Brazil.
After arriving in Brazil with your pets, you must present an International Veterinary Certificate/Pet Passport issued by an official veterinarian from the Veterinary Authority in the home country, not from a private veterinarian. The International Veterinary Certificate/Pet Passport is valid for 60 days from the date of issue, as long as the rabies vaccination is still valid.
An import permit is not required to bring your cat and dog to Brazil. However, for any other animal besides cats and dogs, you will need to obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply. Additionally, Brazil does not require your pets to be identified with a microchip or undergo a rabies titer test.
If you want to bring other animals besides dogs and cats, you will need to obtain a MAPA Import Authorization.
Under Brazilian law, the following dog breeds are banned from entering Brazil:
- Fila Brasileiro.
- Tosa.
- Bandog.
Most Popular Areas in Brazil for Expats
Here are some of the most popular places for expats to move to in Brazil:
- São Paulo.
- Rio de Janeiro.
- Porto Alegre.
- Florianopolis
- Porto Alegre.
- Salvador
São Paulo
São Paulo is the most populous city in Brazil and the capital city of the wealthiest Brazilian state. The megalopolis is characterized by its trademark wide venues and unique skyscrapers and is a cultural attraction for people all over the world. It is home to monuments, beautiful parks, and museums.
Due to the city’s diverse economy and job opportunities, there has been an increase in the number of expats moving to São Paulo for work. There are many fields that are in demand of workforce in São Paulo that expats can find themselves in. The city is also one of the best cities for students in Brazil.
São Paulo is a safe place, and expats moving here fall in love with the life in the city. However, when it comes to living costs, São Paulo is one of the most expensive cities in Brazil, especially real estate prices which can be high.
Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro is definitely one of the most popular cities in Brazil for expats to move to. A city that offers dramatic and breathtaking views from every angle, pristine beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Expats are driven by the high-quality education, employment opportunities, and great living standards that the city offers to its residents.
The capital city is an important factor in art and culture scene. Rio de Janeiro is also great for families, couples, and single people looking for a new home. It has a modern and developed public transport system but is expensive compared to other Brazilian cities and can get busy in the city due to the huge number of people living there.
Porto Alegre
Porto Alegre is located in southern Brazil and is home to more than 1 million people. The city is the birthplace of great writers, intellectuals, artists, and politicians. The city has the perfect blend of Spanish, Brazilian, and Portuguese cultures and good shopping areas, with great bars and excellent restaurants.
Although beaches are not the main attractions for tourists visiting Porto Alegre, there are many beautiful beaches that you can visit and enjoy a relaxing day under the sun.
Porto Alegre is also a great place for expats looking to work in technology, industry, and agriculture, as it boasts a large job market in these specific fields and offers good working conditions. In addition, it is the ideal place for skilled workers who wish to work and live in Brazil.
Florianopolis
With white sand beaches and many historical attractions, Florianopolis is a great place to move to. Florianopolis is located in the South region of Brazil and makes it an ideal place for expats moving to Brazil with their families, especially if they have children, as Florianopolis is among the best choices for studying in Brazil.
In Florianopolis, you will be surrounded by beautiful nature on every corner. The city is a much more affordable place to move to compared to other cities like São Paola or Rio de Janeiro. If you move by yourself, you would need around €700–€900 per month for necessities and rent. However, a family of four would need about €1200–€1500 per month, depending on whether they rent or purchase their own property.
Salvador
If you are looking for a place where you can feel the Brazilian rhythm and soul, then look no further than Salvador. Salvador is a Brazilian municipality located in the Northeast Region and home to almost 4 million people.
It is the cultural center of Brazil and a famous tourist attraction. The city is known for its picturesque cobbled streets, Afro-Brazilian culture, stunning architecture, beautiful views, vibrant life, and delicious food.
Salvador is also a very safe place to live and has a low crime rate so you will see many solo expats. The locals in Salvador are very friendly towards foreigners and will welcome you in their homes. In Salvador, you can enjoy a nice relaxing life at a lower cost.
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