Moving to Brazil: Complete Step-by-Step Guide for 2026

Moving to Brazil requires obtaining a visa (VITEM), such as the Investment Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, or Retirement Visa, enabling you to live and work in the country long term.

Brazil is a highly sought-after destination in South America, not just for its natural wonders, biodiversity, and vibrant culture, but also for its potential as one of the world’s fastest-growing economies.

This comprehensive guide will break down all you need to know about moving to Brazil, including the pros and cons and practical tips to help you navigate life as a foreigner in the country.

Key Takeaways – Moving to Brazil

Moving to Brazil requires obtaining the appropriate visa from Brazil immigration, such as the Investment Visa, Retirement Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, Study Visa, or Family Reunification Visa.

Brazil is an appealing destination for expats due to its low cost of living and lifestyle, with significantly lower expenses than the US or Western Europe and affordable monthly budgets for both singles and families.

Living conditions vary by city, with major hubs like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo offering more opportunities but higher costs and crime, while smaller cities provide better safety and affordability.

There are notable challenges to consider, including bureaucracy, the need to speak Portuguese, and safety concerns in some areas.

1. Low cost of living: The cost of living in Brazil is affordable for most U.S. and European expats. The estimated monthly costs for a family of four, excluding rent, are $2,044, and for a single person, excluding rent, are $560.
2. Public healthcare: Brazil’s Unified Healthcare System (SUS) is constitutionally guaranteed to all citizens and permanent residents and provides comprehensive medical services. Foreigners can also obtain affordable private health insurance plans.
3. Mercosur access: Becoming a resident in Brazil grants you visa-free access to the MERCOSUR bloc of countries and associate states, including Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Bolivia. 
4. Vibrant culture: One of the captivating aspects of Brazilian culture is its festive and celebratory character. Brazil is famous for its football and world cup success, and vibrant festivals, including the world’s largest and most famous carnival, showcasing the country’s exuberant spirit and providing residents with opportunities for lively and unforgettable experiences.
5. Investment opportunities: Brazil is the largest economy in South America, with the 11th-largest GDP in the world at USD 2.26 trillion in 2025. Foreign investors will find a wide range of opportunities in the service, agriculture, and manufacturing industries.
6. Straightforward residency programs: Brazil offers a wide range of residency programs such as the Investor Visa, Digital Nomad Visa, and the Retirement Visa, designed for foreigners who want to live and work in the country long term.
7. Cultural diversity: Brazil is known for its cultural richness, with a diverse mix of influences from indigenous, African, Japanese, and Portuguese cultures, providing residents with inclusive experiences where cultural differences don’t matter.
8. Natural wonders: The scenic beauty of Brazil encompasses awe-inspiring landscapes, ranging from the majestic Amazon rainforest and the expansive Pantanal wetlands to the captivating power of Iguazu Falls and the vast dunes of Lençóis Maranhenses. The country’s natural beauty provides endless opportunities for outdoor activities and exploration.

Brazil Retirement Visa

The Brazil Retirement Visa offers foreign retirees who can demonstrate consistent retirement income or a pension a 2-year temporary residency permit, which can be renewed continuously. Successful applicants are also eligible for permanent residency after 4 years. The Brazil Retirement Visa falls under the VIPER code and requires retirees to remit a monthly retirement income of at least $2,000 to a Brazilian bank account to be eligible and maintain their visa.

Key requirements

• Stable and regular pension or retirement income of at least USD 2,000 per month. 
• You don’t need to be fully retired in practice; Brazil’s immigration authorities focus on the availability and stability of retirement or pension income
• Passive income from investments or business activities is not accepted as a standalone source; it may be used only to supplement pension income to meet the required minimum. 
• The applicant must demonstrate the ability to transfer funds regularly to Brazil. 
• A clean criminal record is required. 

Brazil Digital Nomad Visa

The Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV) has enabled Brazil to join the ranks of popular expat destinations offering temporary visas to digital nomads. This visa offers foreign digital nomads a 1-year temporary residence (renewable for another year). It was introduced to attract remote workers and freelancers seeking a flexible and vibrant work environment in South America.

Key requirements

• Applicants must demonstrate a stable source of income derived from freelance work, remote employment, or other digital endeavors
• Provide evidence of a minimum monthly income of at least $1,500 or $18,000 in savings.
• Provide proof of medical insurance eligible for use in Brazil

Remote workers can reside in Brazil for up to two years with this temporary visa, initially granted for one year and extendable for an additional year.

Brazil Family Reunion Visa

Family reunification is one of the most straightforward paths to Brazilian residency. Applying for the Brazil Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI) is an option if you have a family member who is a Brazilian resident or citizen. This visa is valid for up to one year and can be renewed.

Eligible relatives for family reunification in Brazil include:

• Spouse or partner
• Children or grandchildren
• Stepchildren under 24 years old, either enrolled in studies or financially dependent
• Parents or grandparents
• Siblings under 18 or financially dependent

Beyond relatives, family reunification eligibility extends to a tutor or legal guardian of a Brazilian national or legal resident. In 2013, Brazil made same-sex marriage legal, and same-sex couples have the right to apply for family reunification.

Brazil Work Visa

Foreign nationals holding a temporary employment contract with a Brazilian company can obtain a Brazil Work Visa (VITEM V). Work visas in Brazil are designed to enable employers to address workforce shortages that remain unmet by Brazilian citizens. In determining whether a Brazilian national cannot meet employment needs, a Brazilian employer must apply for approval with the Brazilian Ministry of Labor.

Once your employer secures authorization from the Ministry of Labor, the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply will be notified, allowing you to proceed with the application. Temporary work visas in Brazil are valid for up to two years and can be renewed, contingent on the continued validity or renewal of the employment contract.

Brazil Study Visa

To pursue studies in a Brazilian educational institution, international students can apply for a Brazil Study Visa (VITEM IV). Eligibility for this visa requires enrollment in a Brazilian university or educational institution and proof of enrollment. The minimum criteria to qualify for a Brazil Study Visa is at least 15 hours of study per week and three hours of daily lessons.

Study visas are valid for up to one year and renewable for the duration of studies. Please be aware that students are required to have sufficient financial means to sustain themselves, as study visas do not permit employment or paid activities in Brazil.

Moving to Brazil begins with working with an immigration lawyer to obtain the appropriate visa. Here is a step-by-step guide.

Step one/ Consult a Brazil immigration lawyer

Brazil’s immigration system requires extensive documentation and legal steps that can be difficult to handle on your own. This is why most foreigners use a Brazil immigration lawyer, such as Global Citizens Solutions, throughout the process. This legal professional is an expert in Brazilian immigration processes across all visa categories and can help you identify the most appropriate visa for your circumstances, prepare and authenticate your documents, liaise with the Brazilian consulate on your behalf, and guide you through the Federal Police registration process upon arrival. They can also advise on tax obligations, property purchases, and any other legal matters that come up during your move.

Cost of living in different Brazilian cities

The cost of living in Brazil varies by location. Rent in major cities like Rio de Janeiro is significantly more expensive than in smaller cities.

Education in Brazil

Education in Brazil is compulsory for kids aged 4 to 17 and is divided into basic education (pre-school, elementary, and high school) and higher education. Public schools are free, but they often suffer from underfunding, large class sizes, and weaker infrastructure compared to private schools. Also, public schools use Portuguese as the main language of instruction, which is impractical for foreign families. As a result, foreign families enroll their kids in private institutions offering IB, American, and British curricula such as Avenues São Paulo, Graded – The American School of São Paulo, and the British School, Rio de Janeiro.

Taxes in Brazil

Brazil has a residence-based tax system that taxes foreigners who become tax residents in the country, either by becoming permanent residents or living in Brazil for 183 days in a 12-month period. You are also taxed on worldwide income, not just what you earn in Brazil.

Job market in Brazil

The job market in Brazil is at its strongest in over a decade. The annual unemployment rate fell to 5.1% in 2025, the lowest since 2012. Some of the dominating industries are service, agriculture, retail, trade, and IT. Foreigners working in Brazil require a valid work visa and proficiency in Portuguese for most roles. Brazilian law also requires companies to maintain at least two-thirds of their workforce as Brazilian nationals, which limits opportunities for foreign nationals outside multinational firms and specialist roles.

Healthcare in Brazil

Brazil has a free, universal public healthcare system called the Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), available to all legal residents, including foreigners. It covers primary care, emergencies, surgery, and prescription drugs. However, SUS suffers from overcrowding and long wait times. As a result, most foreigners opt for private health insurance that costs $39-$291+ per person per month. Major providers include Bradesco Saúde, Amil, and SulAmérica. Private plans give faster access, private rooms, and English-speaking doctors.

Accommodation in Brazil

You will have a wide range of accommodation options in Brazil, ranging from apartments to condominiums and houses. Prices vary across the country, with larger cities like São Paulo much more expensive than smaller coastal cities like Florianópolis. Residential leases in Brazil run for 30 months, after which the landlord can regain the property. Also, rent must be priced and paid in Brazilian reais and cannot be indexed to foreign currency. Tenants can leave a fixed-term lease early by paying a proportional penalty equal to 3 months’ rent.

To comply with regulations, your personal belongings and household items must arrive in Brazil within 180 days of your arrival. Three taxes are levied against imported items:

• Import Duty (abbreviated in Portuguese as II)
• Industrialized Product tax (IPI)
• Merchandise and Service Circulation Tax (ICMS). Usually

Tax rates range from 10% to 37.53%. Permitted items include:

• Furniture
• Clothes
• Accessories
• Documents
• Books
• Personal belongings
• Motor vehicles
• Appliances

There are several measures and requirements to ensure that pets arriving in Brazil experience a smooth and compliant entry process. The primary requirements to bring pets to Brazil are:

• Proof of rabies vaccination administered at least 21 days and no more than 12 months before entry into Brazil. Pets under three months are not required to have rabies vaccination, provided a Veterinary Authority certifies that the animal was under three months old at the time of issuing the International Veterinary Certificate and had not been on any property with reported cases of urban rabies.
• Treatment against internal and external parasites within 15 days of entering Brazil.

Upon arrival in Brazil with pets, owners must provide an International Veterinary Certificate issued by an official veterinarian approved by the country’s Veterinary Authority, which cannot be private. Certificates are valid for 60 days from the issue date, provided the rabies vaccination is still valid.

While import permits are not required for moving to Brazil with a dog or cat, Brazilian law requires other animals to obtain an import permit from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Food Supply (MAPA).

Rio de Janeiro

Foreigners visiting Brazil almost always have Rio de Janeiro on their list, as it stands as both a quintessential representation of Brazil and one of the world’s most famous cities, with popular landmarks like the iconic Christ the Redeemer (a 38-meter Art Deco statue), massive Carnival celebrations, and iconic beaches like Copacabana and Ipanema.

Rio is a major trading port and industrial center, particularly for oil and gas. It is home to the public Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) and elite institutions, such as the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (PUC-Rio). The city also has two main airports: Galeão International Airport (GIG), the primary hub for international and long-haul flights, and Santos Dumont Airport (SDU), located closer to the city center and mostly handling domestic flights.

The city has a dynamic and rich culture, evident in its numerous museums, such as the iconic Museum of Modern Art (MAM), theaters like the historic Municipal Theatre, and music festivals. While Rio de Janeiro has many appealing factors, its cost of living is relatively high compared to other cities in Brazil (10.5% higher than in Salvador, including rent). Also, Rio de Janeiro has a very high crime rate (88.2) compared to other cities like Florianópolis. Expats must try to be in safe areas like Zona Sul (Copacabana, Ipanema, Leblon) and be aware at all times.

São Paulo

São Paulo, Brazil’s largest city, is the country’s financial capital and most populated city, with major companies like Braskem and Ambev headquartered there.

Multinational corporations such as Unilever and Siemens also maintain major offices in the city. Distinguished by its skyscrapers, the metropolis is a global cultural magnet and home to various museums, including the iconic MASP on Paulista Avenue and the Pinacoteca do Estado.

São Paulo’s robust and booming economy attracts professionals, entrepreneurs, and skilled workers from around the globe, contributing to one of the largest expat communities in Brazil and throughout South America. It is home to São Paulo/Guarulhos International Airport (GRU), the largest airport in Brazil and Latin America, and one of the 50 busiest airports in the world by passenger traffic.

São Paulo is also home to the most prestigious university in Brazil – The University of São Paulo, and other international schools such as Graded – The American School of São Paulo. Considering safety, Sao Paulo sees a high level of petty crime, so foreigners must be vigilant and stick to safer neighborhoods like Jardins, Pinheiros, or near Avenida Paulista, and also avoid overcrowded areas at night.

Florianopolis

Commonly known as “Ilha da Magia” (Magic Island), with over 40 beautiful beaches and numerous rural areas, Florianopolis is one of Brazil’s best coastal cities to consider for most expats moving to Brazil.

Located in the southern state of Catarina, Florianópolis distinguishes itself from many other Brazilian cities through its low crime rate and one of the highest quality-of-life indexes in the country at 148.7. It is also considered one of the safest cities in Brazil.

In addition to its low crime rate, the cost of living is 10.5% lower than in São Paulo. This affordability extends to various aspects of daily life, including housing, dining, and entertainment. The city is also home to top universities like Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC) and Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina (UDESC). Florianopolis is a popular expat destination for those seeking a high quality of life without the higher cost and congestion associated with some of Brazil’s larger metropolises.

Porto Alegre

Home to over one million people, Porto Alegre is located in southern Brazil and close to the Argentinian border. With a distinctly European flair, the city has more distinct seasons and a cooler winter climate than other Brazilian cities.

This city is also home to prestigious universities like Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS) and Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS). Porto Alegre is an excellent destination for expats seeking investment and job opportunities in technology, industry, and agriculture.

Porto Alegre is one of the greenest cities in Brazil, with lush parks like Parque da Redenção and Parque Marinha do Brasil. However, it sees a high level of urban crime and a higher crime rate than smaller cities like Florianópolis. Expats should stay in neighborhoods like Moinhos de Vento, Bom Fim, and Cidade Baixa that are safer and less crowded.

Belo Horizonte

Belo Horizonte, the capital of the state of Minas Gerais, is the third-largest metropolitan area in Brazil and is often considered one of the best-planned cities in Brazil. It is a high-rise urban landscape surrounded by mountains, and is a major cultural and economic hub in the country. The city encompasses several appealing aspects of Brazilian life, from a safe and well-developed city to what many consider the home of the best of Brazilian cuisine.

The Pampulha area of the city is a designated UNESCO World Heritage site and features the iconic Church of Saint Francis of Assisi. Belo Horizonte was also declared the Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO due to its thriving bar scene. The city’s delicious food offerings showcase the flavors of Minas Gerais cuisine, enticing food enthusiasts with traditional dishes and contemporary gastronomic delights.

Belo Horizonte is also a thriving economic hub for both traditional mining industries and modern technology/innovation sectors. The city is safer than Rio de Janeiro and Salvador, but you should be cautious in busy areas.

Salvador

Salvador is the ideal destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Brazil’s vibrant heartbeat and spirit. Located in Bahia state, the city is home to almost 4 million people. It acts as a major hub and gateway to exploring the beautiful coastline of Northeastern Brazil.

It is one of Brazil’s most historically significant cities, the first capital, and receives many tourists from Brazil and overseas. Furthermore, the city doesn’t experience the cold winters of São Paulo and other southern Brazilian cities. It offers a year-round tropical climate, with average temperatures around 25ºC.

Its deeply rooted African culture characterizes Salvador, with the stunning architecture and cobbled streets of Pelourinho, and beautiful views and sites along the Bay of All Saints. However, Salvador has significant safety risks with a crime rate of 90.74. Expats moving to this city must exercise extreme caution and stick to areas like Barra and Pelourinho, which are more policed.