Moving To Brazil: A Guide To Living In Brazil As An Expat

Are you thinking of living in Brazil? This tropical nation is the largest in South America – indeed, one of the largest in the world – and offers something for everyone. From the thriving cities of Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo to the intrepid Amazon jungle, not to mention the world-famous beaches, Brazil is a country unlike any other.

Perhaps that’s why more expats than ever are choosing to call Brazil their home. Brazil is home to over 1.4 million foreign-born residents, of which around 91,000 are from the United States.

Perhaps it also has something to do with the economy. Having sustained consistently high growth for several decades, Brazil has shot up the world rankings to become the eleventh biggest economy on earth. This makes it a viable destination for career-focused expats, especially those with an interest in Brazil’s major industries: mining, agriculture and manufacturing.

If you’re thinking of moving to Brazil – whether to live, work or retire – we’ve put together this handy guide to tell you everything you need to know.

This expat guide on living in Brazil covers

1. What to expect from living in Brazil as an expat
2. Quality of life in Brazil
3. Cost of living in Brazil
4. What is the cost of moving to Brazil
5. Banking and finance in Brazil
6. Accommodation in Brazil
7. Healthcare in Brazil
8. Education in Brazil
9. Is Brazil safe for expats?
10. Top tips for living in Brazil as an expat
11. Visas in Brazil and how to apply

What to expect from living in Brazil as an expat

Brazil is a country rich in history and culture, with expansive natural landscapes and bustling cities. While most people are familiar with the metropoles of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is far more diverse than you might imagine.

With over 4,600 miles of coastline, 4 million square miles of the Amazon rainforest, and more than 6,200 mountains, Brazil is a country you could happily spend the rest of your life exploring.

Suffice to say life in Brazil is full of adventures. The pace of life can be extremely frenetic, especially in the bustling urban centres, which are a mix of sky-high buildings, thriving parks and busy commercial centres. Elsewhere, a more relaxed lifestyle can be found in coastal towns like Florianópolis and Natal.

With the country’s ethnically diverse mix of European, Japanese, indigenous, and African ancestry, expats in Brazil will also experience a unique blend of cultures and communities that are always willing to embrace new travelers.

How many expats live in Brazil?

The total population of Brazil is estimated at just over 213.4 million as of 2025. Of these, 1.4 million are foreign-born expats.

The vast majority of expats in Brazil come from other countries in South America. The leading nationalities of expats in Brazil are Venezuelan (526,000), Haitian (181,000), Bolivian (171,721), Colombian (98,000) and Argentinian (95,000).

Ethnically, around 50–70% of Brazilians are descended from Portuguese. 10% are of Italian descent and 5% are of Spanish descent. 10% of Brazilians are from African descent while 1% are of Japanese descent (Demographics of Brazil).

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Quality of life in Brazil

At a cultural level, the Brazilian people are renowned for their laid-back lifestyle, their love of festivals, and their passions for football (soccer), food and dance. Life in Brazil will suit the more upbeat, open-minded expat, especially those who seek fun and excitement, and who are ready to throw themselves into a whole new way of life.

Brazilians are passionate people. Once you start to get to know the locals, you’ll soon become accustomed to Brazil’s little cultural quirks, such as the rapid gesticulation when talking, and kissing when greeting someone or saying goodbye.

While these may seem unnatural for an American or British expat in Brazil, you’ll soon learn that it really just means you’ve been accepted into that social circle, and your newfound friends will start to feel like a second family.

That brings us onto another cornerstone of Brazilian culture: family. In Brazil, children often stay living with their parents until they marry, and it’s not unusual to find multiple generations living under one roof. As the world’s biggest Roman Catholic country (and with 56.7% of the population identifying as Roman Catholic), the church has enormous cultural influence in Brazil, with many families attending every Sunday.

The quality of life in Brazil is a mixed picture. Brazil ranks just 66th in the world for quality of life, let down mainly by its low purchasing power and very low safety. Brazil is also one of the worst countries in the OECD for knowledge and skills, but makes up for it with high scores for work-life balance.

Searching for a healthier, more balanced way of life?

Read more about how lifestyle and habits compare globally

What is the average life expectancy in Brazil?

As of 2022, the average life expectancy in Brazil was 76.2. This puts Brazil at just 87th in the world for life expectancy. 

However, as a huge country encompassing a wide range of lifestyles, different states in Brazil have very different life expectancies. Here is the average life expectancy in each Brazilian state:

Rank

State

Average life expectancy

1

Santa Catarina

82.51

2

Espírito Santo

81.63

3

São Paulo

81.26

4

Distrito Federal

81.11

5

Rio Grande so Sul

81

6

Paraná

80.53

7

Minas Gerais

80.42

8

Rio de Janeiro

79.45

9

Rio Grande do Norte

79.17

10

Mato Grosso do Sul

78.8

11

Pernambuco

77.62

12

Maro Grosso

77.62

13

Acre

77.49

14

Amapá

77.16

15

Goiás

76.97

16

Ceará

76.87

17

Tocantins

76.81

18

Paraíba

76.78

19

Bahia

76.75

20

Sergipe

75.9

21

Alagoas

75.4

22

Roraima

75.28

23

Pará

75.21

24

Amazonas

75.18

25

Rondônia

74.5

26

Maranhão

74.11

27

Piauí

74

Show MoreShow Less

Source: Wikipedia

What language is spoken in Brazil?

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. However, Brazilian Portuguese differs noticeably from the version spoken in Portugal.

It varies in pronunciation, grammar, vocabulary, and everyday usage, and is generally considered more flexible and expressive. Many people describe Brazilian Portuguese as having a more rhythmic, almost “singing” quality, while European Portuguese can sound more formal and less intuitive to understand for those unfamiliar with it.

Brazil is also home to hundreds of indigenous languages, which are spoken within certain communities, particularly in the Amazon region.

In larger cities, English and Spanish are commonly used in business and tourism settings. You may also hear languages such as German and Japanese in certain urban communities, reflecting Brazil’s diverse cultural heritage.

There are so many benefits to learning a new language

We reveal the top languages to learn as an expat

Cost of living in Brazil

Brazil is considerably cheaper than many western countries, which makes it an appealing place to move as an expat. 

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Brazil as an expat is around 52% lower than in the United Kingdom, while rental costs are, on average, 73% lower than in the UK.

As an expat living in Brazil, you can expect to find your daily commodities to be much cheaper. The average monthly utility bill for an apartment amounts to just US$73, and two people can dine at a restaurant for as little as US$30.

However, this is offset by the much lower salaries one finds in Brazil. The average monthly salary in Brazil is only around BRL6,500/US$1,200. So, if you are working for a local company, you may find your budget won’t stretch as far as you’d hoped.

The cost of living in Brazil vs the US

To help you visualise the difference between the cost of living in Brazil against the United States, we looked at data from Numbeo. On average, the gap between the two countries is significant:

Expense

Average cost in Brazil

Average cost in US

Rent for a 3-bedroom apartment in a major city

US$668.43

US$2,854.33

One litre of gasoline

US$1.11

US$0.89

Monthly utilities for an apartment

US$72.36

US$209.85

Meal for two at a restaurant

US$29.64

US$76

Annual international/private school fees

US$7,840

US$23,242.29

Source: Numbeo

What salary can I earn as an expat in Brazil?

The typical Brazilian salary is much lower than in other Western nations. The minimum wage in Brazil is just BRL1,518/US$245, while the average salary is around BRL6,500/US$1,200 per month. 

However, expats are in high demand across Brazil as they bring unique skills from overseas and can expect to earn significantly higher depending on where they live and the company they work for.

For instance, a marketing director in Brazil can expect to earn around BRL20,000/US$3,700 per month, while a medical specialist can earn around BRL18,500/US$3,450 per month.

How much might your new lifestyle cost abroad?

We look at the most and least expensive countries for expats

What is the cost of moving to Brazil?

Whether you plan on moving to Brazil as an expat or making the country your home for a few years with your family, you will have to ship your belongings to your new home. Shipping to Brazil is fairly straightforward; the average cost of shipping from Europe to Brazil is around £2,000/US$2,159.

Moving to Brazil: an expat’s perspective

“When I moved from the UK to Brazil, I quickly realised that the cost of moving isn’t always just the shipping quote you’re given. International removals can be expensive, but there are also smaller costs to think about along the way.

For example, my belongings were shipped by sea and took around three months to arrive. During that time, I had to buy a few essential items locally, which added to my overall moving costs.

I’d also recommend factoring in things like insurance for your shipment and checking customs requirements carefully. Brazil has fairly strict import rules, and having the right paperwork can help you avoid delays or additional fees.

Looking back, one thing that helped was selling some items before leaving the UK and using that money to cover part of the shipping costs. It also made the move easier because I was only bringing things that were really worth transporting.

Moving to Brazil is an exciting experience, but giving yourself time to plan and budget for the move can make the whole process much smoother.”

Aušra
Expat in Brazil

Should you sell or store your belongings?

Discover our essential tips for moving abroad

Banking and finance in Brazil

The local currency in Brazil is the Brazilian Real (BRL). One US dollar is worth about BRL5.19 and one GB pound sterling is worth around BRL6.97 as of March 2026.

Itaú Unibanco is the leading commercial bank in Brazil, followed by Banco do Brazil. Other banks to consider are Bradesco, Caixa Econômica Federal and Santander.

Brazil’s income tax rates start at 7.5% for people earning BRL2,259.21/US$419.55 and progress up to 27.5% for people earning BRL4,664.68/US$865.95 and above.

Non-resident taxpayers are taxed only on Brazilian-earned income at a flat rate of 25%, with any rental income taxed at 15%. Income received from abroad is tax exempt.

Accommodation in Brazil

The quality (and cost) of accommodation in Brazil can vary greatly. Finding the right place to live also depends on your budget and whether you have moved with your family and kids or on your own.

In Brazil’s major cities, you’ll find an abundance of high-density housing blocks. Those near the inner-city tend to be newer and higher quality, offering luxurious apartments with sweeping views. If you would prefer to live in a house or villa, the old town areas of many cities offer colonial-era homes, though these tend to command a high price.

Across Brazil’s cities, you will find many areas where expats congregate. These tend to be more affluent neighbourhoods, although some cities have areas where expats of certain nationalities gather together.

These include the Liberdade district in São Paulo, which is popular with Japanese emigrants, and the town of Pomerode where many Germans live. The city of Americana, near São Paulo, was founded by Confederate soldiers who fled America after the Civil War.

The outskirts of Brazilian cities are known for their favelas. A favela is a high-density neighbourhood that is often associated with poverty and high rates of crime. Many expats try to avoid living in these areas due to safety concerns.

The most popular areas in Brazil for expats

Some of the best places to live in Brazil as an expat are:

1. São Paulo
2. Rio de Janeiro
3. Salvador
4. Florianopolis
5. Porto Alegre
6. Brasilia
7. Curitiba
8. Recife
9. Fortaleza
10. Vitória

Expats usually live in São Paulo. It’s the most important city for business and finance. If you prefer a more relaxed lifestyle near the beach, you can consider moving to Rio de Janeiro. In the south, Curitiba or Porto Alegre are two popular cities among expats. Brasilia, Recife and Salvador have growing expat communities and Natal (in Rio Grande do Norte) is rated as the most livable city in the country.

All expats have one thing in common – they’ll experience culture shock

We look at some of the most common culture shocks

Where are the best places to live in Brazil as an expat?

São Paulo

São Paulo is undoubtedly the number one spot for expats who are first moving to Brazil. It’s South America’s largest city with a population of over 20 million. São Paulo is a culturally mixed bag, and expats can easily get around – even with little to no knowledge of the Portuguese language. It enjoys a beautiful tropical climate, and the pace of life is relatively laid-back despite being Brazil’s business and financial capital. São Paulo also offers plenty of job opportunities for expats here: 31.6% of Brazil’s GDP comes from São Paulo.

Rio de Janeiro

The natural next choice (especially for those who love a busy city vibe) is Rio. Home to the world-famous Copacabana beach and the annual Carnival – which draws around 46 million participants – the city is known for its friendly and welcoming vibes, making it perfect for expats from all walks of life. Those working in oil, pharma or media will find it easy to get a job in Rio, which houses some of the biggest names in those industries from around the world.

Salvador

Widely considered one of the most beautiful spots in Brazil, Salvador is home to several well-known universities, including the Federal University of Bahia. The city attracts students from across Brazil and beyond, contributing to its lively and youthful atmosphere. It’s far cheaper than other major cities in Brazil, but still retains its charm with its pastel-coloured houses and stunning Upper Town.

Florianópolis

Florianópolis is rapidly becoming a hotspot for digital nomads and expats, attracted to its laid-back coastal lifestyle and easy access to nature and recreation. Florianopolis also boasts some of the highest living standards in Brazil as well as a number of beautiful beaches, museums and bars.

Porto Alegre

Located in southern Brazil, this is the country’s fourth biggest city and is perfect for expats who want a cooler climate.

Brasilia

The official capital of Brazil, Brasilia has a thriving job market and great job opportunities for foreign skilled professionals. Known for its unique modern architecture, Brasilia also has some of the best schools and universities in the country.

Curitiba

Curitiba is often considered one of the best cities in Brazil for expats, particularly if you prioritise organisation, safety, and overall quality of life over a beach-focused lifestyle. Known for being one of the country’s cleanest and best-planned cities, it has a more European feel than many other parts of Brazil, compared to cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo. It’s recognised for its innovative urban planning and has an excellent public transport system.

Which are the best countries to purchase property abroad?

We look at some of the easiest countries to buy property overseas

How can I find accommodation in Brazil?

Local newspapers and online property portals are both great ways to find local accommodation. Using Portuguese sites, rather than English ones aimed at holidaymakers, can help you get better prices.

Can expats buy property in Brazil?

Yes, in most cases, foreign nationals have similar rights to Brazilians when it comes to buying, owning, and renting property in Brazil.

However, there are some important exceptions to be aware of. Restrictions can apply when purchasing rural land or property in border regions (within approximately 150 km of Brazil’s international borders). Certain coastal areas are also subject to specific regulations, particularly where land is federally owned (known as “terrenos de marinha“). In these cases, you can still buy property, but ownership of the land itself may be limited, and additional taxes or fees may apply.

If you’re planning to rent a property, it’s worth noting that tenancy agreements are typically for 30-month periods (although this can be negotiated). Most property prices exclude utilities, and you’ll be expected to pay a month’s rent as a deposit. You will also likely need a guarantor to co-sign your agreement.

Healthcare in Brazil

Brazil has a system of universal healthcare for its residents. Brazil’s public health system, The Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS), covers every person legally living in the country. However, a shortage of healthcare professionals and inadequate funding has turned many people away from public healthcare in Brazil.

In 2025, CEOWorld ranked Brazil as only the 38th best healthcare system in the world, while Numbeo ranked it 63rd. This puts it behind many of its South American neighbours such as Colombia and Argentina. 

As such, many expats in Brazil prefer to take advantage of the country’s private healthcare market. Around a quarter of people in Brazil have private health insurance, despite being entitled to state-funded healthcare. Private healthcare in Brazil affords its members a better level of service overall, as well as access to specialist doctors and facilities.

Choosing the right health insurance in Brazil

If you would like to join the 53 million people in Brazil who have already opted for private health insurance, you have a number of options.

Local health insurance

The first is to choose a local health insurance provider. ‘Local’ in this context means that the health insurer is based in Brazil and that your health insurance will cover you, and sometimes your family, only while you are in Brazil. Local health insurance typically grants you access to specific hospitals and clinics managed by one brand.

In 2022, the largest private healthcare brands in Brazil were:

Rank

Provider

Users

1

Bradesco Health S.A.

3,277,018

2

Notre Dame Intermédica S.A.

3,241,622

3

Amil Assist. International Medical

2,893,453

4

Hapvida Medical Care

2,721,072

5

South America Health Insurance Co.

1,858,761

6

Unimed National Central

1,808,907

7

Unimed – Belo Horizonte

1,297,348

8

San Francisco Health Systems

770,029

9

Unimed-Rio Medical Cooperative

736,615

10

Caixa de Assist. dos Funcionários

634,214

The cost of local health insurance in Brazil can vary widely depending on the supplier you go with and the type of plan you choose.

International health insurance

Your other option is to choose international health insurance, also known as expat health insurance. International health insurance grants you access to global networks of hospitals and clinics. This could be all hospitals and clinics under one brand, or any hospital or clinic included within your provider’s network.

The advantage of international health insurance is that it covers you both in Brazil and in other countries. When you choose international health insurance, you will have the option to choose an area of cover. This could range from your local region (e.g. across South America) to worldwide. You can even include your home country in your coverage zone, meaning you could travel home for treatment if you would prefer.

With international health insurance, you may also be entitled to emergency medical evacuations as and when you need them. This means, if the high-quality healthcare you need is not available in your local area, your insurer may transfer you to another region or country to get the help you need.

Travel vs local vs global health insurance – what’s the difference?

We explain the differences between these insurance types

Do I need health insurance as an expat in Brazil?

Technically, you do not need private health insurance. If you are living in Brazil as a permanent resident, you should be entitled to receive state-funded healthcare from the SUS. There is no legal obligation for you to have your own health insurance and you won’t need to show proof of insurance when applying for most forms of visa (you may need health insurance to apply for a digital nomad visa).

However, for those with the financial means to choose private healthcare, it is widely recommended to do so. Brazil’s state healthcare system often experiences long waiting times and poor patient outcomes, and hospitals are known for being overcrowded – especially in busy urban areas.

Which coverage is best for me?

The type of health insurance you choose will depend on your needs, your circumstances and your budget. It will also depend on whether you think you will benefit from having international coverage, versus just having cover when you are in Brazil.

International health insurance tends to be much more expensive than choosing state-funded healthcare through the SUS. However, it also offers you access to a wider number of hospitals and clinics and comes with many more levels of cover, such as a wider coverage zone and emergency medical evacuations. 

At William Russell, all of our international health insurance policies include medical evacuation insurance as standard, and you are free to choose a coverage zone that suits you.

If you choose local health insurance, you may only be entitled to use one network of hospitals. If the quality of these medical facilities does not meet your expectations, your only option will be to cancel your policy and try a new supplier. This could take many tries – whereas some international health insurance providers (including us) have a much broader network, meaning you will be able to access a number of different private medical facilities.

Another thing to consider is customer service, especially if you are not familiar with the local language. A local health insurance provider may provide customer support and even policy wording in Portuguese, which can make it difficult to understand.

At William Russell, our members can speak to a claims handler based in the UK if they need help or assistance, and all our policy wording is in plain English. We’ll also try to make sure you have access to medical professionals who speak your native language in Brazil.

Includes…

Local health insurance

International health insurance

William Russell international health insurance

Access to private healthcare in Brazil

Access to a wide number of private hospitals and clinics in Brazil

Sometimes

Access to healthcare in other countries

Access to healthcare in your home country

*

*

Emergency medical evacuation cover included as standard

Sometimes

Customer support based in the UK with policy wording in plain English

Sometimes

*If your home country is included within your coverage zone

Why choose William Russell?

At William Russell, we’ve been providing insurance tailor-made to expats like you for over 30 years. Our policies are designed to support your life abroad by helping you to access the high-quality healthcare you’re accustomed to.

With a global network spanning over 40,000 hospitals and clinics, medical evacuation insurance included with every policy, and an award-winning customer service team based in the UK ready to support you around the clock, we’ll make sure you always have access to top-quality medical care in Brazil.

We are proud of our exceptional customer service – it’s one of the reasons many of our members keep coming back – and we’ll always aim to process your claims in a timely manner to ensure you have nothing to worry about.

Looking for health insurance for living in Brazil?

Read our full guide on choosing health insurance in Brazil

Education in Brazil

Education in Brazil leaves a lot to be desired, a situation reflected in the very low rates of educational attainment across the country. Brazil has one of the largest shares of adults who fail to complete secondary education.

Class sizes tend to be very high (averaging 25 students), while teachers’ salaries are very low. All of this amounts to Brazil currently being ranked as low as 145th in the world in 2026 according to the World Top 20 Project.

Expats should be aware of this, as it is important to consider if you are moving to Brazil with school-aged children. Thankfully, there are a wide range of public, private, and international schools available in Brazil offering a much higher standard of education.

Private and International establishments are often the preferred choice for expatriates because they usually offer better academic results, and align better with American and British curricula.

Is Brazil safe for expats?

Brazil has huge inequalities between rich and poor. This can make petty crime such as robberies and pickpocketing common, especially in busy areas such as shopping centres or business districts.

Brazil also has a notoriously high rate of violent crime compared to other countries. Brazil ranks 17th highest in the world for crime rates in the Numbeo 2026 index, plus 14th highest in the world for organised crime in the 2025 Global Organized Crime Index (which notes especially high rates of human trafficking in Brazil).

However, the situation is looking up. Rates of violent crime in Brazil dropped 20.3% between 2013 and 2023. Still, it is fair to say that the risk to expats’ safety remains considerably higher in Brazil than in other countries. Expats moving to Brazil should be prepared for their higher rates of crime and should take steps to protect themselves and their families.

Top tips for living in Brazil as an expat

1. Find a job
   Brazilian law dictates that companies need to prioritise nationals for any position. Two-thirds of employees at any company should be Brazilian, or the employer should be able to prove that a Brazilian could not do the job. It’s, therefore, a lot easier to move to Brazil if you work in a specialist field, and if you already have a job lined up. Likewise, if you’re planning to move as a student, you should find and accept your placement first.
2. Apply for a visa
   Visas in Brazil do not typically take long to apply for, but you should still aim to apply sooner rather than later. This is especially true if you are thinking about entering Brazil as a digital nomad – read about how to apply for a digital nomad visa here.
3. Get a bank account ASAP
   You’ll need to have your visa in place before you can open a bank account in Brazil, but you should do this as early as you can. You may also wish to set up an international bank account before moving to Brazil, as state-imposed taxes on transactions may be high. Some banks in Brazil will allow you to begin your application process online before you enter the country, helping you make a head-start.
4. Learn the language
   This may not seem so important if you’re only traveling for a short while, or happen to be moving to one of the larger cities. However, if you are moving to a more remote region of Brazil, if you will be working at a Brazilian company or if you simply want to immerse yourself fully in the culture, it’s important to learn at least a little Portuguese.

Living overseas and remaining a citizen of your home country?

It’s important to know about your embassy and what it can do

Visas in Brazil and how to apply

When moving to Brazil, it’s important to find the right visa for your stay.

You’ll need to consider:

• Whether your move is temporary or permanent
• How long you intend to stay
• Whether you’re moving for work or retirement
• Whether you’re bringing your family and children
• Whether you are, or will be marrying a Brazilian citizen

Here are some of the visa options available to you:

Short stay visas

Brazil is welcoming to short-stay visitors (those staying for under 90 days). Anyone coming from Europe or the USA can usually stay for this time without the need for a formal visa. To qualify you must be able to prove you will be staying for less than 180 days in a full year and have sufficient funds to return home, or proof of a return ticket.

If you are travelling to Brazil for a business trip and need to stay for longer, then you must apply beforehand and you won’t be able to take up other work in Brazil during that stay.

There are also other temporary visas granted to the likes of artists, students, and volunteers which can be issued for periods longer than 90 days.

Working visas

The most common working visa in Brazil is the VITEM V Work Visa, which is valid for two years. To be eligible, you must have a minimum of two years’ professional experience and have completed secondary education, or one year’s experience and a relevant university degree, or a post-graduate degree. Your employer will need to help you acquire this visa ahead of your arrival. It costs €120/US$140 and takes up to four weeks to process. After two years, you will need to transfer this visa into a permanent working visa.

Find out more about the VITEM V Visa and start your application on the Brazilian government portal.

If you are entering Brazil as a digital nomad, you will need to apply for the VITEM XIV visa. This again costs €120/US$140 and should be applied for before you arrive in Brazil. You must be able to provide proof of travel insurance or medical insurance for the duration of your stay in Brazil. The visa is initially valid for up to one year, but can be renewed for one more year, after which you will either need to leave Brazil or switch to a more permanent visa.

Find out more about the VITEM XIV visa and apply online here.

Investment visas in Brazil

The investment visa in Brazil is known as a VIPER visa (Visa de Permanencia para Estrangeiros Residentes). It is granted to foreign nationals and their spouses/families who intend to stay in the country for longer than two years and who intend to invest in Brazilian businesses or real estate.

In order to be eligible, you must invest a minimum of BRL1,000,000/US$190,000 in Brazilian property, or BRL700,000/US$130,000 if you will be living in Northeast Brazil, or BRL500,000/US$95,000 in a Brazilian business. After four years of holding a VIPER visa, you will be eligible to apply for Brazilian citizenship.

Visit the Brazilian government portal to find out more and apply.

Retirement visas in Brazil

Another popular visa pathway is the Brazilian retirement visa. This is for foreign citizens who wish to retire in Brazil using their own pension as an income. In order to apply for the retirement visa, you must have proof of a pension worth at least BRL6,000/US$1,125 per month. There is also a fee of up to BRL800/US$150 to apply for this visa, and it can take up to eight weeks to process.

Your handy “moving to Brazil” checklist

To help you get started, we’ve provided a handy checklist of essential things to tick off before your move.

• Do you have an offer of employment?
• Have you found a place to live?
• If your property is unfurnished, have you found a company that can supply your home with essential furniture ahead of your arrival?
• Have you prepaid your property deposit and any other bills?
• Have you received your tenancy agreement as proof of address? (You will need this to do many other things like set up a bank account.)
• Have you asked your landlord or property manager to set up your home Wi-Fi ahead of your arrival?
• Have you calculated a budget that takes into account expenses such as rent, taxes and other bills/fees?
• If you are moving with children, have you arranged a place for them at a local school?
• Have you looked into other forms of health insurance to support your life in Brazil, such as life insurance and income protection?
• Have you chosen a bank for your account and prepared the necessary paperwork?
• Do you have all the necessary payment cards to go with your account?
• Have you arranged to get a mobile phone with a local SIM card?
• Have you taken out international health insurance to cover you and your family before moving to Brazil?
• Have you applied for a visa at least 6-8 weeks before beginning your preparations?
• Have you also applied for a visa for your spouse and/or family?
• Have you checked to see if you can bring your pets (both with your landlord as well as the transport implications)?
• Have you learned some basic Portuguese phrases to help you get by in day-to-day life?

Before you go…

Moving to another country can be challenging, but you can ensure peace of mind by making sure you have the right international health insurance.

For over 30 years, William Russell has helped expats like you settle into their new lives overseas with the peace of mind of knowing their families are covered by a comprehensive and flexible health insurance policy.

Speak to us today to find out more about how international health insurance could benefit you and your family – and help you make the most of your new life in Brazil.

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Terms & conditions apply to our insurance products and services. You can find full details of what our plans cover (and what they don’t cover) in our plan agreements.

Looking for international health insurance before you move to Brazil?

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This article is part of our series of guides to expat life. It’s just for general information, and we don’t provide professional advice on moving abroad (we’re an expat insurance provider). We update this article regularly to keep it useful as possible, but if you want to know more – please seek independent advice.