Retiring in Brazil is a winning combination of affordable living, warm weather, and vibrant culture, so it’s a top choice for Americans and other foreign nationals looking for an enjoyable and budget-friendly retirement destination.
Property prices are lower than in the US and many other countries, so it’s also a great place to invest in a retirement property and save money while enjoying the scenery.
Why Retire in Brazil?
- Low cost of living: Compared to North America and Europe, Brazil’s cost of living is very low, especially outside of major cities. Housing, food, and even luxury goods are more affordable, and retirees can stretch their dollars.
- Great climate: Warm tropical weather year-round in many regions, no cold winters, and beach life. Additionally, the country boats several climates across its region to suit all preferences, from the humid tropics of Manaus to the cooler mountainous region of Campos do Jordão.
- Friendly culture: Brazilians are warm and love life. From festivals to community events, there’s always something to join in and feel welcome.
- Affordable real estate: Property prices in Brazil are lower than US prices, so retirees can buy beachside or countryside homes for a fraction of the price they would pay elsewhere.
- Retirement visa: The countries imposes a low-income requirement for the Brazil Retirement Visa that allows foreign seniors to retire in Brazil with a monthly income requirement under $2,000. Additionally, the retirement visa is a path to permanent residency.
How hard is it to Retire in Brazil?
Brazil has a special retirement visa through its VITEM XIV visa program that allows foreign retirees to stay permanently. The visa is renewable indefinitely, and after four years, retirees have the option to apply for a permanent residence visa.
To qualify, you need to meet specific income requirements and show you have enough financial resources to support yourself without working in Brazil. The application process has some bureaucratic requirements but once granted the visa will open the door to long term residency and access to the Brazilian healthcare system.
What are the requirements for a retirement visa in Brazil?
The criteria for the Brazilian retirement visa are outlined in Normative Resolution No. 40/2019. Candidates must:
- Be at least 65 for men and 60 for women
- Have a clean criminal history
- Obtain health insurance
- Earn a retirement income of at least $2,000 monthly
Required documents
- Completed online retirement visa application form.
- One passport-sized photograph
- Passport valid for at least six months with two blank pages
- Criminal record certificate
- Birth certificate
- Health insurance
- Proof of income
- CPF (Brazilian Individual Taxpayer Registry), if applicable
A Brazilian authority must authenticate all non-Brazilian documents. All non-Portuguese documents must be translated into Portuguese by an official translator.
Visa fees and processing charges
The Brazil Retirement Visa cost is $150. Other processing charges will depend on your country of citizenship. Charges do not include visa service fees, courier charges, and translation costs.
Where to Retire in Brazil?
Brazil has many regions, each with its own charm:
- Northeast: Sunny weather, African influence, and the lowest cost of living. Dry climate for those who prefer warm weather throughout the year.
- North: Amazon rainforest, tropical climate, and lower cost of living. Retirees who want adventure and untouched nature may like Manaus and Alter do Chão.
- Southeast: More infrastructure, healthcare, and amenities, but the cost of living is higher.
- South: Mild climate, European influence, and perfect for those who like cooler weather.
- Center: Brazil’s agricultural heart, including Brasília and Goiás, offers a peaceful lifestyle, vast landscapes, and traditional Brazilian hospitality.
Six Best Cities to Retire in Brazil
- Florianópolis: Brazil’s “Island of Magic” with beautiful beaches, great infrastructure, and tropical and mild weather. The city has a growing population of expat retirees in neighborhoods like Praia do Campeche and Lagoa da Conceição.
- Natal: Pristine beaches, warm weather year-round, and relaxed atmosphere, Natal is Brazil’s Caribbean. Surrounding towns like Maracajaú, São Miguel do Gostoso, and Pipa are also great options with low real estate prices.
- São Paulo: Offering Brazil’s best healthcare facilities, museums, theaters, and dining options, São Paulo is fit for retirees seeking an active lifestyle in a bustling city. There are large expat communities in neighborhoods like Moema, Jardim, Paulista, and Pinheiros.
- Fortaleza: Affordable with cultural elements and oceanfront properties. Great winds bring foreigners to kitesurf in the area, in towns like Ilha do Guajiru and Jericoacoara.
- Rio de Janeiro: Of course, Rio makes the shortlist for everyone considering retiring in Brazil. For retirees who want city life alongside beaches, Rio de Janeiro has it all. The culture, dining, and some of the world’s most famous beaches have made this city a hotspot among retired expats. Besides the obvious neighborhoods, check out São Conrado, a safe and high-end area of Rio’s Zona Sul.
- Balneário Camburiú: Balneário Camburiú is another A-Star option in South Brazil. Just 105 kilometers north of Florianópolis, Balneário Camburiú suits those looking for an upscale beach life in Brazil. It’s popular among Brazil’s rich and famous and offers high-end real estate.
Pros and Cons of Retiring in Brazil
Pros
- Lower costs for housing, healthcare, and daily expenses.
- Beaches, rainforests, and urban centers, there’s something for everyone.
- Brazilians are generally welcoming and social, making it easier to adapt to the community.
- A slower pace of life is perfect for retirement.
Cons
- Not many Brazilians speak English. Portuguese is the national language and can be tricky for non-Portuguese speakers.
- Things like opening a bank account, buying property, or navigating local bureaucracy can be tough without a local or an expert.
- While major cities have great healthcare, remote areas have limited facilities.
- While there are many safe places to live in Brazil, safety is a concern due to the country’s high average crime rate.
Frequently Asked Questions about Retiring in Brazil
Is Brazil a good place for retirement?
Brazil is an ideal place to retire if you’re seeking a lower cost of living in a spirited country with an optimal climate. However, if you’re biggest considerations are things like safety and healthcare services, there are better options.
How much money would I need to retire in Brazil?
Many people retire comfortably in Brazil with a retirement income of just $2,000 per month, which is also the minimum income requirement to get a retirement visa.
Is a million US dollars enough to live on for the rest of your life in Brazil?
Many expats live comfortably in Brazil with a $2,000 monthly income, meaning $1 million USD would be more than enough for a middle-aged person to live for the rest of their life in Brazil.
Is it easy to retire in Brazil?
Retiring in Brazil is relatively easy, provided you meet the eligibility criteria, which include being over the retirement age (65 for men and 60 for women) and earning a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000.
Does Brazil tax foreign pensions?
Brazil is not a tax-free country, so foreign pensions are taxed if the country where they are held does not have a double taxation agreement with Brazil.
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