Brazil has seen a boom in its foreign expat population drawn to its festival-like culture and days-on-end of sun. While everyone knows of Rio de Janeiro, the growing expat community and Youtuber vlogs of Brazil have shown that the country has much more to offer.
Besides its appealing aesthetics and colorful culture, the country provides several options for expat retirees, digital nomads, and investors to move to Brazil. Whether you’re drawn to its stunning scenery, diverse communities, or economic opportunities, a Brazilian move is a significant lifestyle change, so this guide has got you covered with all you should know about moving to Brazil, from getting a residency visa to practical tips for settling in.
Why Move to Brazil?
Brazil has something for everyone, and the reasons why you should move there will vary depending on who you ask.
- Affordable living: Many people considering moving abroad are concerned with the increasing cost of living. Brazil’s low cost of living allows foreign nationals to live a relatively comfortable lifestyle without breaking the bank.
- Friendly locals: Brazilians are warm and friendly. While xenophobia is a growing concern in many Western countries, Brazilian people are generally welcoming to foreign nationals whether they live in a small community or large city.
- Diverse cities: As mentioned, Brazil is more than just Rio de Janeiro; it has many cities to choose from that all offer something different. If you’re drawn to African culture and culinary influence, Salvador is one of the world’s capitals of the African diaspora. Belo Horizonte offers culinary delights that most cities in South America find it hard to compete with, whereas São Paulo scratches the itch for big-city folk.
- Visa options: Brazil offers a wide range of visa options, including retirement, investment, and digital nomad visas, allowing a wide demographic of individuals to enjoy Brazilian life.
- Perfect weather: Brazil’s climate is a full mix, from year-round warm weather in Fortaleza and unlimited sun in Natal to the mild temperatures of Florianopolis and year-round spring-like weather of Curitiba.
- High-quality healthcare: While Brazil’s public healthcare system (SUS) faces some challenges, high-quality private healthcare services are abundant in cities like São Paulo and at affordable premiums.
- Outdoor activities: Brazil has plenty of outdoor activities, from hiking mountains in Chapada Diamantina and swimming in crystal-blue rivers in Bonito to traversing unique water-filled dunes in Lençóis Maranhenses and exploring the “Meeting of the Waters” in Manaus.
- Fresh produce: Brazil’s tropical and subtropical climate allows common and unique fruits and vegetables to grow year-round. Many regions have farmers’ markets where you can find cheap, high-quality produce like açai, passion fruit, mango, and cassava.
- Cheap property prices: Like its cost of living, the Brazilian property market is affordable compared to the United States and EU countries. You’ll get a lot more for your money and in desirable cities like Rio, Florianopolis, Natal, and São Paulo.
- Arts and music scene beyond: Brazil’s carnival scene is world-famous, but arts and music are entrenched in Brazilian culture. São Paulo, Belo Horizonte, and Salvador offers some of the best music and arts scenes in South America, producing some of the best artists like Eduardo Kobra and Djavan.
Ways to Get Residency in Brazil
Brazil has two types of residency permits:
1. VITEM (Temporary Residency Visa): For those staying in Brazil for a short period.
2. VIPER (Permanent Residency Visa): For those with long-term or permanent settlement status.
Your choice depends on your goals—whether you’re a digital nomad testing the waters or an expat looking to make Brazil your permanent home.
Visas for moving to Brazil
- Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI): The Family Reunification Visa allows family members of Brazilian citizens or foreign residents to reunite with them in Brazil.
- Work Visa (VITEM V): Foreign nationals who secure a job offer from a Brazilian employer can relocate to Brazil.
- Student Visa (VITEM IV): International students enrolled in a Brazilian educational institution, such as a univeristy or Portuguese language school, can relocate to Brazil for the duration of their studies.
- Retirement Visa (VIPER): The Retirement Visa allows retirees with a stable pension or passive income to live permanently in Brazil.
- Investor Visa (VIPER): Foreign investors can gain permanent residency through the Brazil Investment Visa by investing in real estate or a business.
- Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV): Remote workers and freelancers earning money from a foreign company can live in Brazil for up to two years on a Digital Nomad Visa.
Brazil Permanent Residency
Step by Step to Move to Brazil
- Choose the right visa: Which visa are you looking for (employment, study, retirement, investment, or remote work)? Determine your eligible option.
- Gather your documents: Collect your passport, birth certificate, criminal record, and other necessary documents for your chosen visa (e.g., employment contract, proof of enrollment, proof of income).
- Submit your application: Submit your completed visa application and supporting documents to the Brazilian Consulate in your home country. Some visa’s can be applied online, others in person.
- Pay the visa fee: Pay the required fee to the Consulate. This varies depending on the visa and where you’re applying.
- Attend interview (if required): Some visas require an in-person interview with a Brazilian consular officer.
- Await process: Processing time varies depending on the visa and your nationality.
- Travel to Brazil and get your Residence Permit: After receiving your visa stamp, you can travel to Brazil and register with the Federal Police (Policia Federal) to obtain your Foreigner’s Registration Card (RNE).
Obtaining Brazilian Citizenship
After four years of residency, Brazil’s foreign residents can qualify for Brazilian citizenship by naturalization. The minimum residency period must be four continuous years of residency with no extended trips outside the country.
Applicant must also be proficient in speaking and understanding Portuguese and have a clean criminal record or proof of rehabilitation.
Seven Expat-friendly Brazilian Cities
1. Rio de Janeiro
Rio is the city to move to in Brazil because of its unbeatable combination of natural beauty, culture, and lifestyle. Between rock mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, Rio has stunning views from all angles, as well as iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema, Christ the Redeemer, and Sugarloaf Mountain. The warm tropical climate is perfect for outdoor life, surfing, hiking, and beach life all year round.
2. São Paulo
São Paulo is the city to move to in Brazil if you want a cosmopolitan, fast life with endless options. As the biggest city in South America, it’s the economic and cultural powerhouse of Brazil, with a booming job market, world-class restaurants, and a lively arts and entertainment scene. The city is incredibly diverse, being home to Jewish neighborhoods like Higenopolis, Japanese neighborhoods like Liberdade, and Italian neighborhoods like Bela Vista.
3. Florianópolis
Florianópolis is the city to retire in Brazil if you want a balanced life with natural beauty, safety, and a high quality of life. Located on an island in southern Brazil, it has over 40 beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and green landscapes, a paradise for outdoor lovers. Every neighborhood offers something different, from the surfer’s paradise of Campeche to the affluent town of Jurerê Internacional.
4. Belo Horizonte
Belo Horizonte is the city to move to in Brazil if you want a mix of urban convenience, cultural richness, and the best of Brazilian cuisine. As the capital of Minas Gerais, it has a more relaxed pace than São Paulo or Rio but still has a vibrant arts scene and a strong economy. Known as the “Cidade dos Bairros,” (City of Neighborhoods) it has a welcoming and community-oriented vibe and is famous for traditional Mineira food like pão de queijo, feijão tropeiro, and vaca atolada.
5. Salvador
Salvador is the city to move to in Brazil if you want to be deeply connected to culture, history, and unique energy. As the heart of Afro-Brazilian heritage, it has a rich tradition of capoeira, Candomblé, and the iconic Pelourinho district, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The city is famous for being Brazil’s first capital and the cultural center of the African diaspora.
6. Natal
Natal is the city to move to in Brazil if you want a peaceful life surrounded by nature and a community. Known as the “Cidade do Sol” (City of Sun) for its sunny weather all year round, Natal has some of the most beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and clear waters in the country. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and kite surfers, neighborhood by popular towns like Pipa which is popular among Brazil Digital Nomad Visa holders. It has a low cost of living, a slow pace of life, and a safe and friendly environment.
7. Curitiba
Curitiba is the city to move to in Brazil if you want a high quality of life, sustainability, and a temperate climate. One of the country’s most organized and eco-friendly cities, it has efficient public transportation, plenty of green spaces, and a strong focus on environmental initiatives. While most expect sun when moving to Brazil, Curitiba’s climate is more akin to somewhere in northern Europe, with it being mostly overcast and cooler than other parts of Brazil.
Healthcare in Brazil
Healthcare in Brazil is a constitutional right for citizens and residents, provided through the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), a universal healthcare system funded by taxes. The system is government-run, but SUS facilitates are typically managed by the country’s individual states, meaning standards can vary across Brazil. There’s a general consensus that southern states provide a higher standard of public healthcare than northern states.
Private healthcare
Brazil has some of South America’s top-rated private healthcare facilities and is a popular destination for medical tourism. Patients receive shorter wait times, advanced facilities, and access to Brazilian and US-trained medical professionals. Private hospitals like Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein in São Paulo and Hospital Quinta D’or in Rio de Janeiro provide specialized care without patients needing to seek medical evacuation for adequate treatment.
A private healthcare plan for foreign seniors with a Brazil Retirement Visa with an insurance provider like Bradesco Saúde or SulAmérica Saúde will cost about $100 monthly for comprehensive coverage.
Shipping Your Belongings to Brazil
Shipping your belongings when moving to Brazil can be complex due to customs regulations, taxes, and potential delays. Before shipping any items, you should assess whether it would be cheaper to sell them and buy a replacement after arriving in Brazil rather than ship them. Obviously, if the item is of sentimental value, you’ll want to use the best shipping services.
Some of the best options include known international shipping brands like DHL, FedEx, and UPS, which offer extensive tracking and delivery options but may be pricey for shipping larger items. Shippers like Seabox or BR Logistics are popular choices for Brazil moving companies for their expertise in navigating Brazilian customs. Shipping a 20ft container with a company like BR Logistics will cost between $1,100 to $3,300, excluding customs charges.
Why You Should Consider Before Moving to Brazil
While Brazil is a beautiful and culturally rich country with a growing expat population, you should consider some of the below factors before deciding to move there.
High crime rate: Brazil has a high crime rate, particularly compared to other Western nations. Armed robberies are not uncommon, and the overall risk levels are higher than what most expats are accustomed to.
Bureaucracy and corruption: For many foreigners, steering Brazilian bureaucracy is one of the most frustrating aspects of a Brazil move. Corruption at lower and higher levels of government is also a persistent issue.
Healthcare system: While private healthcare provides quality care, it can be pricey for those trying to save money in Brazil. The public healthcare system, SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), is free but often overwhelmed and underfunded, leading to long wait times and variable quality of care.
Language barrier: Portuguese is Brazil’s official language, and tourists and foreign residents may find it easy to communicate in English in popular tourist areas, but it is not widely spoken throughout the country.
Traffic and infrastructure: Traffic congestion is a major issue in Brazilian cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, and public transportation can be overcrowded and unreliable.
Your trust, our priority
Have confidence in successfully moving to Brazil with Brazil Visa Solutions. Drawing on the extensive experience of our highly qualified Brazil immigration lawyers, we offer expert guidance to help you navigate the residency visa requirement to move Brazil.
Get it touch with us to book a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Brazil
Can US citizens move to Brazil?
US citizens have the right to move to Brazil, provided they qualify for one of the country’s residency permits.
Is Brazil a good country to move to?
Brazil is a great place to move to, with the ideal balance of comfort, cost, and safety. The country provides straightforward residency options, including an investment visa, which allows you to buy a home and obtain permanent residency.
Is healthcare free in Brazil?
Brazil’s public healthcare system is a universal healthcare system that provides free healthcare services for citizens and permanent residents.
Do I need to speak Portuguese to live in Brazil?
You can get by in Brazil without speaking Portuguese, but it’s highly recommended that you learn it for easier integration into Brazilian society.
Is Brazil friendly to foreigners?
Brazilians are naturally intrigued by foreigners and have a reputation for being welcoming, whether in a city popular among foreign expats or a small town without many foreigners.
What is not acceptable in Brazil?
While Brazilians are relatively easygoing, some socially unacceptable actions include:
- Getting deep into politics, religion, or economic status
- Poor hygiene
- Cutting in line
How many Americans live in Brazil?
According to data from Imigrantes Internacianais Registrados no Brasil (Registered International Immigrants in Brazil) of the Observatório das Migrações em São Paulo, 91,977 US citizens were registered as Brazilian foreign residents between 2000 and 2024.
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