Expat Community > Brazil

Marlington
Joined 2010
Posts: 188

Advice for those dreaming of living in Brazil

14 years ago

I read a lot of posts where people say they dream of living in Brazil. It is not easy to do so. You cannot just land here and start a new life (just like in any other country). First of all, you must have a resident visa and be FLUENT in Portuguese and be able to read and write the language well. The first step is to make an appointment with a Brazilian Consulate to clarify all your queries. Do not try to get info over the phone. Prepare a list of questions and GO there IN PERSON. Don't be shy! Ask whatever you have to ask. That is what those people are there for. It is not a good idea to come here and try to stay permanently unless you fulfill all the legl requirements if you need a job. Brazilians are considered before anyone else when it comes to finding an employee.
BASICALLY, IF YOU HAVE NO BRAZILIAN RELATIVES, YOU ARE NOT MARRIED TO A BRAZILIAN NATIONAL, HAVE NO BRAZILIAN CHILDREN, OR A WORK CONTRACT TO WORK HERE PRIOR TO MOVING TO BRAZIL, THERE ARE ONLY 2 WAYS OF GETTING A PERMANENT RESIDENT'S VISA. ONE IS BY PAYING US$ 100,000 INTO THE BRAZILIAN CENTRAL BANK AS A SORT OF GUARANTEE. IN THIS CASE, YOU MAY HAVE YOUR MONEY BACK WHEN YOU LEAVE THE COUNTRY FOR GOOD. THE MONEY REMAINS AT THE CENTRAL BANK FOR AS LONG AS YOU NEED THE VISA AND WHEN YOU LEAVE BRAZIL THE VALUE IS DULY ADJUSTED FOR PRICE-LEVEL RESTATEMENT @ APPROX. 10-12% PER YEAR AND SENT BACK TO THE BANK OF ORIGIN. THE OTHER WAY HAS TO DO WITH SETTING UP A COMPANY IN BRAZIL BUT YOU WILL HAVE TO DISCUSS THIS OPTION WITH A SPECIALISED, QUALIFIED PROFESIONAL (ACCOUNTANT, LAWYER).
Having said that, if you are a national of South-American countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Bolivia (there may be others) you may entitled to a temporary resident visa which may become permanent after 2 years depending on your performance as a resident.
I hope I have clarified many people's doubts. If you go 'up the one-way street' your best dream is bound to become your worst nightmare. Just think about it.

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