Brazil is one of the largest nations in the world, with a vast area that occupies almost 50% of the entire South American continent. It is divided into 26 states, its capital is Brasilia and a large part of its territory is occupied by the Amazon rainforest. The population is more than 200 million, the official language is Portuguese and the currency is the Brazilian Real (R $). Because of its fascination, many dream of moving to Brazil.
Moving to Brazil visas
Citizens of some countries entering Brazil for tourist purposes do not need a visa. However, the stay must not exceed 90 days within 180 days. You must present proof of sufficient funds and a return ticket. Here you can check whether you need a visa or not:
There are many types of visa depending on the purpose for which you are in Brazil, the main ones are:
- Temporary Visa
- Tourist Visa
- Cultural and Academic Visa
- Work Visa
- Student Visa
- Investments Visa
- Family reunion Visa
- Artists and sportspersons Visa
- Internship Visa
Therefore, if you want to move to Brazil for business or work purposes, you must apply for the appropriate visa before entering Brazil:
- Temporary work visa, the prospective employer must apply for a work permit (carteira de trabalho) from the Brazilian Ministry of Labor and Employment. Once you receive this authorization, you can apply for a work visa at the Brazilian consulate in your country. The work permit is valid for two years and can be renewed. It is possible to apply for permanent residence after the first two years have expired
- Permanent work visa, for employees with very high skills and qualifications the employer can directly apply for the permanent work permit
- Business visa if you are willing to invest at least an amount of R $ 500,000 (about $ 90,000, at today’s exchange rate). The value of the investment may be lower, but in any case not less than R $ 150,0000, provided that it concerns activities in the field of innovation or research in the scientific or technological field. The company must remain open for at least 5 years. All the documentation will be submitted to the National Immigration Council of the Ministério do Trabalho e Emprego, which will review the application. Once approved, you can apply for a permanent visa at the Brazilian consulates in your country
Moving to Brazil, useful resources
- Official website of the Brazilian government, containing useful information
- Expat guide to Brazil, what you need to know
Move to Brazil, documents you need
To live and work in Brazil, you need these documents:
- Cadastro das Pessoas Físicas (CPF), the Brazilian tax number needed to open a bank account, sign an employment contract, buy real estate, etc., issued by the Brazilian consulates in your country
- (CIE) Cédula de Identidade de Estrangeiro, (ID for foreigners). All visa holders must report to the police within 30 days of entering Brazil to obtain the CIE. The RNE (registration number of the foreigner) is also assigned
- Carteira de trabalho (work permit): If you have a permanent residence permit and want to start looking for work, you will need a carteira de trabalho (work permit), which can be obtained at the offices of the Superintendência Regional do Trabalho e Emprego (Regional Superintendence of Labor and Employment)
Move to Brazil and find accommodation
Finding accommodation in Brazil is easy, given the large number of houses. There are both furnished and empty homes in Brazil, where you will have to buy all the furniture. So make sure to inquire beforehand. Also, always make sure that cold and hot water is available. Also, keep in mind that power outages are common throughout Brazil.
When you sign the contract, you will be required to pay a deposit equal to one month’s rent. Many landlords expect to see your paycheck, and they also want someone to vouch for you who may be your employer. The term of the lease is usually 30 months. The first thing you should do as soon as you move into the new apartment is to change the lock.
Prices in big cities, especially in quieter areas, are very high. For security reasons, many prefer to live in ‘condominios’, completely fenced neighborhoods guarded 24 hours a day by security personnel. An alternative to housing is living in a pousada.
To find a home in Brazil, you can use one of the countless local real estate agencies or rent directly from the owner. In this case, you must know Portuguese, because few people know English.
If you do not know the language, it is best to hire a real estate agency. Use several at once, because each manages only a small number of properties. As always, beware of scams and be wary of agencies that ask you to pay upfront.
Here are the most popular real estate websites:
- Zap, one of the most popular websites
- Vivareal, offers on the whole territory
- Roomgo, shared accommodation
- Classificados-brasil, another website for classifieds
- Imovelweb, very popular website
Moving to Brazil, conclusion
Although there is a public health care system in Brazil, it is extremely inefficient, so it is appropriate to use private health care that has good standards. The cost of these private insurances depends on your age, health condition, the amount of coverage, etc. On average, we are talking about € 100 – 200 per month.
Contrary to what many believe, Brazil is a very expensive country to live in. São Paulo, for example, is the 10th most expensive city in the world. Housing rents in quieter and safer neighborhoods are high. Health care must be paid for. Public education is inefficient. So if you have children, you also have to pay for private school. So unless you want to live on rice and beans, the cost of living is higher than in many European countries.
It is true that Brazilians are nice and friendly, the weather is good and the food is excellent, but otherwise the country offers very little, especially if you have children. Education is lacking, health care is expensive, taxes have to be paid, services are inadequate and security is non-existent. Brazil is great if you have entrepreneurial skills and money to invest. On the other hand, if you want to work as an employee, you need to think very carefully about it.
