10 Things to Know Before Moving to Brazil

Welcome to the vibrant and diverse tapestry that is Brazil! Moving to a new country is always an adventure filled with excitement and challenges. Brazil, with its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and friendly locals, offers a unique experience for expats. However, before you pack your bags and say "Adeus!" to your home country, there are a few essential things you should know. From understanding the importance of the Portuguese language to navigating the local bureaucracy, these tips will help you prepare for your Brazilian adventure.

1. Embrace the Portuguese Language

While many Brazilians speak English, particularly in tourist areas and larger cities, Portuguese is the heart and soul of the country's communication. Learning at least conversational Portuguese will not only make your daily life easier but also help you connect with locals on a deeper level. Anecdotes abound of expats who've found that even a little effort in speaking the language goes a long way in forming lasting friendships and professional connections. Language schools and private tutors are widely available to help you on your linguistic journey.

2. Understand the Visa Requirements

Before moving, it's crucial to get acquainted with Brazil's visa requirements. The country offers various types of visas, including temporary visas for work and permanent visas for those with Brazilian spouses or children. Each type has its own set of requirements and processes. For example, a work visa typically requires a job offer from a Brazilian company. It's advisable to consult with the Brazilian consulate or an immigration lawyer to ensure you have the correct documentation and to smooth out the process.

3. Get Ready for a Diverse Climate

Brazil's vast size means it encompasses several climatic zones, from the humid Amazon rainforest to the arid regions of the Northeast. Depending on where you're moving, you'll need to prepare for the local weather. In cities like São Paulo, you'll experience a more temperate climate, while Rio de Janeiro offers a tropical setting with warm temperatures year-round. Expats often share stories of being surprised by the regional climate differences, so pack accordingly and be ready to adapt to your new home's weather patterns.

4. Prepare for the Cost of Living

The cost of living in Brazil can vary significantly depending on the city and your lifestyle. Cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are known for their higher living costs, comparable to many Western cities. However, smaller towns and cities can be much more affordable. It's important to research and budget accordingly. Keep in mind that imported goods can be expensive due to high import taxes, so embracing local products and markets can help keep costs down.

5. Embrace the Brazilian Lifestyle

Brazilian culture places a strong emphasis on social connections and enjoying life. The famous Brazilian "jeitinho" is a way of being resourceful and finding solutions in a relaxed manner. Expats often find that adopting a more laid-back attitude and being open to spontaneous invitations can lead to a richer experience. Whether it's enjoying a churrasco (Brazilian barbecue) with new friends or dancing the night away at a samba club, immersing yourself in the local lifestyle is key to enjoying your time in Brazil.

6. Navigate the Bureaucracy

Dealing with bureaucracy in Brazil can be a challenge for newcomers. The concept of "despachantes" – professionals who specialize in navigating bureaucratic processes – is a testament to the complexity of official procedures. From registering with the Federal Police to obtaining a CPF (tax identification number), be prepared for paperwork and patience. It's often recommended to seek assistance from locals or professionals who understand the system to avoid common pitfalls.

7. Healthcare Considerations

Brazil has a public healthcare system, the SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde), which provides free healthcare to residents, including expats with a permanent visa. However, the quality and availability of services can vary. Many expats opt for private health insurance to access a wider network of clinics and shorter wait times. Researching healthcare options and securing insurance before moving is a wise step to ensure your health needs are covered.

8. Safety and Security

While Brazil is known for its warm people and beautiful destinations, it's important to be aware of safety concerns. Some areas, particularly in large cities, have higher rates of crime. Expats often share advice on staying safe, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding displaying valuables, and using secure transportation options. Joining expat communities can provide valuable insights into the safest neighborhoods and practices.

9. Transportation and Getting Around

Public transportation options vary greatly across Brazil. While cities like São Paulo have extensive metro and bus systems, other areas may rely more on taxis or private vehicles. Understanding the local transportation options and obtaining a Brazilian driver's license if necessary will be important for your mobility. Many expats recount tales of navigating the often chaotic traffic and finding that patience and flexibility are key to getting around.

10. Cultural Richness and Diversity

Brazil is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Indigenous peoples, African, European, and Asian immigrants. This diversity is reflected in the country's food, music, festivals, and traditions. Taking the time to learn about and participate in local customs and holidays, such as Carnival or Festa Junina, can be incredibly rewarding. Expats often find that embracing the cultural richness of Brazil leads to a more fulfilling and enjoyable expat experience.

Moving to Brazil is an opportunity to experience a country with a zest for life like no other. With these tips in mind, you'll be better prepared to navigate the practicalities of your move and fully embrace the Brazilian way of life. Boa sorte (good luck) on your new adventure!

Expats talk about Moving to Brazil

"Brazil is a very big country, with many beautiful places, all having their advantages and disadvantage. Violence and lack of infrastructure are very common in many big cities. If you are looking for someone safe and well developed, move to Santa Catarina. Florianópolis, Camboriu, Itapema, Porto Belo for example are fantastic places to live. They feel more European, it's safe to live there and the infrastructure is good. Get in contact if I can do more to help," said one expat living in Brazil.

"Do lots of research as it is available on line. Include in your research a local attorney who speaks English and is a member of either Briton's legal Bar Association or the ABA in the States. It is always nice when the local attorney is licensed in one of those countries because unethical practices could get them barred. With their membership in one of the Bar Associations there should be available info on whether any complaints have been filed against them in the past. These local attorneys act very much like the Title companies in the States. They do all the research to ensure free and clear property and titles. Make sure that you visit the area and the home to ensure it is what you hoped it to be. I would also recommend staying at least 2 weeks and spend time knowing the area. THE MOVE: Moving from the UK or USA is probably not a big deal. However, to get your household goods into Brazil.....well that's another matter. For instance, the USA moving company needs a 3rd party in Brazil to facilitate receiving your container and moving it to your new home. They will need paperwork that to us seems highly unusual and bureaucratic. Brazil is after all a highly bureaucratic place to live and if you haven't lived here then your in for a surprise. One of the documents that I needed was my original boarding pass from the airline that I flew from Miami to Recife. The 3rd party Brazilian company stated that without the boarding pass to prove how I arrived in Brazil then the container could not be received in Brazil (my federally stamped passport and my federally stamped Entry Card does not count). The boarding pass along with a number of other paperwork had to be notarized at one of the local Cartarios and returned to the 3rd party company. It will require several hours of standing in line to get 5 minutes of work completed. If your moving to Brazil this is how they do things and all the complaining from me or you will not change it. With all this said, I will say now that after all the standing in line waiting, jumping through hoops and getting mad, after returning home to our villa and seeing the sunset from our roof top........PRICELESS," wrote a member in Praia de Pipa.

"I am sorry to say that after 14 years in Brazil my advise would be don't move, please reconsider. As my dentist (Brazilian) recently said, "Sao Paulo is a cruel city". I hear his comments with a heavy heart. I have grown to love Brazil but the prices, lack of infrastructure, noise, traffic and now protests and violence have taken their toll," commented one expat who made the move to Sao Paulo.

"The south of Brazil is completely different. I lived in Balneário camboriu for one year and I loved it so much that I decided not to live in Europe and I will live down the south of Brazil. We might live in Balneário camboriu or Floripa or another city. We work online so we can move around until we decide. I can go for walks on my own at night at 9pm, 10pm, 11pm and there's lots of people around. Santa Cararina in general is an amazing place. A lot cheaper than Europe and the US and the conversion rate is better for us right now," remarked one expat living in Brazil.