Brazil Country Guide
Your Complete Guide to Moving, Living & Working in Brazil
Important: This guide provides essential relocation information for individuals and families moving to Brazil. As Latin America’s largest economy, Brazil offers opportunities in energy, technology, agriculture, manufacturing, logistics, mining, finance, and tourism. Residency, visa and work permit rules change frequently — always verify details with official Brazilian government sources.
Home To Home Relocations supports clients relocating to Brazil from Canada and worldwide, offering expert export packing, ocean and air freight logistics, customs coordination and final delivery to major destinations including São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Curitiba, Porto Alegre, Salvador, Recife and Belo Horizonte.
1. Before You Move to Brazil
1.1 Visa Types & Residency
Most newcomers require one of the following visas/residency categories:
- Temporary Visa (VITEM) – for work, study, research, investment or family reunion
- Permanent Residency – for investors, retirees, family ties, or long-term employment categories
- Work visas – require employer sponsorship approved by the Ministry of Labour
- Digital Nomad Visa – available for remote workers with eligible income
- Visitor visa – for short stays without employment
1.2 Working in Brazil
Skilled professionals are in demand in:
- Oil, gas, mining and energy sectors
- Agribusiness and food production
- Technology, fintech and software development
- Manufacturing and automotive industries
- Logistics, warehousing and port operations
- Banking, finance and insurance
- Higher education, research and international schools
1.3 Housing & Accommodation
Housing quality and pricing vary significantly across Brazil. Popular urban regions for expatriates include:
- São Paulo: Vila Olímpia, Jardins, Moema, Brooklin
- Rio de Janeiro: Ipanema, Leblon, Barra da Tijuca, Botafogo
- Brasília: Lago Sul, Lago Norte, Asa Sul
- Curitiba: Batel, Água Verde, Bigorrilho
Common rental requirements:
- One to three months' rent as deposit
- Proof of income or employment contract
- Guarantor (fiador) or rental insurance
- Signed rental contract in Portuguese
1.4 Banking & Finances
The local currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL). To open a bank account, you typically need:
- Passport and approved residency/visa
- CPF number (Taxpayer Registry)
- Proof of address in Brazil
1.5 Healthcare & Insurance
Brazil has both public and private healthcare:
- SUS (Sistema Único de Saúde) – public system available to residents
- Private hospitals & clinics – preferred by many expatriates due to shorter wait times
1.6 Key Documents to Prepare Before Moving
- Passport with sufficient validity
- Visa approval from a Brazilian consulate
- Birth and marriage certificates (legalized/apostilled)
- Employment letters and academic credentials
- Medical records and vaccination history
- International Driving Permit (optional but useful)
2. Your First Weeks in Brazil
2.1 Registration with Federal Police
All foreign residents must register with the Federal Police shortly after arrival to obtain their RNE (Foreign National ID card) or new CRNM residency document.
2.2 CPF Number
The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is required for banking, mobile services, renting property and many daily transactions.
2.3 Everyday Setup
- Get a local SIM card (Claro, Vivo, TIM)
- Open a bank account (requires CPF)
- Secure long-term housing if starting with temporary accommodation
- Register children for school or international programs
- Identify nearby clinics, pharmacies and supermarkets
3. Brazil at a Glance
3.1 Geography & Regions
Brazil is the largest country in South America, divided into five main regions:
- Southeast: São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro (economic core)
- South: Curitiba, Porto Alegre (European-influenced culture)
- Northeast: Recife, Salvador, Fortaleza (beaches, warm climate)
- Central-West: Brasília, Pantanal region
- North: Amazon rainforest region
3.2 Politics & Economy
Brazil is a federal republic. Its economy is diverse and globally influential in:
- Agriculture and food exports
- Energy, mining and infrastructure
- Manufacturing and automotive sectors
- Technology and fintech
- Tourism and international trade
3.3 Climate & Weather
Climate varies by region:
- Tropical in the north and Amazon basin
- Mild and temperate in the south
- Warm coastal climate in the northeast
- Humid summers in most major cities
4. Why Many Newcomers Choose Brazil
- Vibrant culture, music, art and festivals
- Growing expatriate communities in major cities
- Diverse landscapes — from beaches to mountains to rainforest
- Strong economic sectors and business opportunities
- Warm climate and welcoming social atmosphere
5. Housing, Cost of Living & Daily Life
Cost of living varies widely between regions. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are among the more expensive cities, while many smaller cities are more affordable.
Common monthly expenses include:
- Rent or condominium fees
- Electricity, water, gas and internet
- Groceries and dining
- Transportation or fuel
- Private healthcare premiums
- School fees (for international or private schools)
6. Transportation & Getting Around
6.1 Public Transport
Major cities offer reliable transport options, including:
- São Paulo Metro and CPTM commuter rail
- Rio de Janeiro Metro, BRT and trams
- Bus networks nationwide
- Ride-sharing apps like Uber, 99 and Cabify
6.2 Driving in Brazil
Brazil drives on the right-hand side. Newcomers can often use their foreign licence temporarily, but conversion to a Brazilian licence may be required for long-term residency.
6.3 Domestic & International Travel
Brazil has extensive domestic flight networks. Major airports include São Paulo–Guarulhos, Rio de Janeiro–Galeão, Brasília, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre.
7. Culture, Lifestyle & Places to Visit
7.1 Everyday Culture
- Portuguese is the national language and essential for daily communication.
- Social life is warm and community-oriented.
- Workplaces value relationships, communication and adaptability.
- Food is diverse — churrasco, feijoada, seafood and regional dishes.
7.2 Popular Cities & Attractions
- Rio de Janeiro: Beaches, Sugarloaf Mountain, Christ the Redeemer
- São Paulo: Business hub, dining, nightlife
- Salvador: African-Brazilian culture and heritage
- Amazon Rainforest: Eco-tourism and natural wonders
- Iguaçu Falls: One of the world’s largest waterfall systems
- Brasília: Modernist architecture and federal district