How to Move to Brazil: Full Guide (2025)

Jump to: Quick Facts · Living Essentials · Pros · Cons · Visas Guide · Residency & Citizenship · Business · Resources

Interested in moving to Brazil? Here’s what you need to know:

🇧🇷 Brazil at a Glance

• Land area: Largest in Latin America, 5th largest worldwide, covering nearly half of South America.
• Population: Approximately 222 million people.
• Global role: Founding member of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
• Nature: Home to nearly two-thirds of the Amazon rainforest.
• Events: Hosted the 2014 FIFA World Cup and 2016 Summer Olympics.

🏠Living Essentials

• Currency: Brazilian real (BRL).
• Language: Officially Portuguese; English increasingly common in business and among youth.
• Major religions: Roman Catholic (~64.6%), Protestant (~22.2%).
• Key cities: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador, Brasília.

🤔 Why Choose Brazil

• Natural beauty: Stunning coastline with world-class beaches; Amazon rainforest offers unique adventure.
• Economy: Stable, growing, with strong industry, resources, technology, and consumer markets.
• Food: Fresh, healthy produce and seafood with less GMO and preservatives compared to Western countries.
• Cost of living: Generally about half the cost of the US for food and utilities.
• Healthcare: High medical costs offset by affordable, comprehensive insurance; pharmacies widely available; relaxed prescription rules.
• Diversity: Multicultural society where racial diversity is normal, easing cultural assimilation.
• People: Friendly, warm, outgoing locals who love to celebrate life and festivals like Carnival.
• Sports culture: Football (futebol) is a passion—a national way of life known for producing world-renowned players.

⚠️ Brazil Challenges

Note: these are common expat complaints, and may not apply to you.

• Punctuality: Expect a relaxed “mañana” mindset; lateness is common and often without notice.
• Safety: High crime rates in major cities; common theft and relatively frequent violent crimes; homicide rates about four times higher than the US.
• Corruption: Widespread in government and business; bureaucracy is heavy; bribery and favoritism impact getting things done.
• Language: Portuguese is challenging with unique sounds (rolled “r”, nasal vowels) and complex grammar; communication issues common for beginners.
• Climate: Hot, humid weather in many regions can be tough; scarce air-conditioning and heating make temperature extremes uncomfortable.

🛂 Brazil Visa Guide

• Passport Validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay.
• Visa Requirements: Most foreign nationals need a visa to enter Brazil.
• Tourist and Business Visas: Available for 90 days; some nationalities can obtain them upon arrival.
• Electronic Visa (e-Visa): As of April 10, 2025, U.S., Canadian, and Australian citizens must apply for an e-Visa online before traveling. (gov.br)
• Visa Exemptions: Citizens from neighboring countries like Argentina, Uruguay, and Paraguay can enter without a visa.
• Common Visa Types:
  • Tourist Visa (VITUR): Allows multiple entries for up to 90 days.
  • Business Visa (VITEM-II): For professionals visiting Brazilian offices, attending conferences, or exploring investment opportunities; valid for 3 months, extendable up to 1 year.
  • Work Visa (VITEM-V): Required for employment in Brazil; employer initiates the application process, which can take several months.
  • Permanent Visa (VIPER): Requires an investment of R$150,000 (approximately $25,000 USD) in real estate in specific regions.

🛬 Residency and Citizenship

Permanent Residency:

• Application Requirements: Valid passport, completed application, recent photo, proof of jurisdiction, certified birth certificate, and police clearance.
• Retirement Residency: Provide a notarized letter verifying retirement, proof of a monthly pension of at least R$6,000, and evidence that funds can be transferred to Brazil monthly.
• Investment Residency: Demonstrate that your R$150,000 investment will create jobs and generate revenue in Brazil.
• Registration: Mandatory for stays over 90 days; obtain an identification card from the Foreign National Register (RNE).
• Residency Duration: Permanent unless on an investment visa; continuous residence is required. Absence for over two years may necessitate reapplication.

Citizenship:

• 15-Year Residency: Apply after 15 years of uninterrupted residence with no criminal record.
• 4-Year Residency: Apply after 4 years with proof of continuous residence, Portuguese proficiency, and financial resources.
• 1-Year Residency: Apply after 1 year if married to a Brazilian citizen, have a Brazilian parent or child, or are from a Portuguese-speaking country.
• Birthright: Children born in Brazil to foreign parents automatically receive Brazilian citizenship.

💼 Business in Brazil

• Ownership: Clearly identify individual owners or partners; a resident director is required for legal compliance.
• Incorporation Types: Options include civil, mercantile, and individual firm.
• Registration Steps: Obtain a Federal Taxpayer ID, register with the Central Bank, and open a corporate bank account; process typically takes at least two months.
• Preferred Structure: A Limited Liability Company (Sociedade Limitada – Ltda) is recommended for foreign investors due to its flexibility and ease of management.
• Legal Assistance: Highly recommended to hire an experienced Brazilian lawyer to navigate complex legal and tax requirements.

📚 Helpful Resources

• Immigration Public Services – official government website.
• JobisJob Brazil – Job aggregator that compiles over 200,000 openings from across Brazil

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