Guide for Foreigners: Living in Brazil
Welcome to Brazil! A vibrant country of continental dimensions, with a rich and diverse culture, stunning natural beauty, and a people known for their warm hospitality. If you’re thinking of making Brazil your home, this guide has been prepared to help you understand the first steps, key considerations, and how to adapt to this new and exciting journey, including important information about visa permits and residence permits.
1. Visa and Residence Permit Options: Find your legal path
To live legally in Brazil, the first and most important step is to obtain the appropriate visa permit or residence permit for your purpose. The most common options for foreigners include:
- Work Visa (VITEM V): For those who already have a formal job offer from a Brazilian company. Generally, the company initiates the visa application process in Brazil.
- Study Visa (VITEM IV): Intended for students enrolled in elementary, middle, higher education, postgraduate, technical courses, or exchange programs.
- Family Reunion Visa (VITEM XI): For spouses, partners, children, parents, or other dependents of Brazilian citizens or foreigners who already have legal residence in Brazil.
- Retirement Visa (VITEM XIV): Ideal for retirees or pensioners who can prove a stable and sufficient monthly income (currently, the equivalent of US$ 2,000.00).
- Brazil Digital Nomad Visa (VITEM XIV): A modern option for professionals who work remotely for employers outside Brazil, without an employment relationship with Brazilian companies.
- CPLP Agreement (Community of Portuguese Language Countries): For citizens of CPLP member states (Portugal, Angola, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Sao Tome and Principe, Equatorial Guinea, and East Timor), this agreement offers a simplified and faster path to obtaining residence in Brazil. It’s an excellent option for Portuguese speakers.
Essential Tip: The choice of visa will depend directly on your purpose for living in Brazil and your personal situation. Research which category best fits your profile and gather the specific documentation for it. Be prepared for visa application fees and familiarize yourself with the visa application process.
2. Essential First Steps in Brazil: Legalizing your stay
Arriving in Brazil with the right visa permit is just the beginning. There are crucial steps you must follow to regularize your situation and obtain your Brazilian documents:
Registration with the Federal Police (PF)
This is a mandatory and fundamental step for immigration compliance. Within 90 days after your entry into Brazil (or approval of residence, if the process was initiated in the country), you must go to the Federal Police to register your residence.
- What you will get: Upon registration, you will receive the Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratorio (CRNM), which is your Brazilian ID card for foreigners in Brazil. It is essential for all your activities in the country and establishing your legal work status.
- Common Documents for PF Registration:
- Valid passport
- Visa permit (if applicable, with the entry stamp in Brazil)
- Proof of payment of registration and CRNM issuance fees
- Completed registration form (available on the PF website)
- Certificates (birth/marriage) apostilled/legalized in the country of origin and translated by a sworn translator in Brazil
- Federal Police appointment
- Other documents specific to your type of residence
- Biometric data (fingerprints and photo will be taken during registration)
Attention: The exact list of documents may vary slightly depending on your type of residence and current Brazilian immigration laws. Always consult the official Federal Police website or a specialist. Official source
Apostille and Sworn Translation: Don’t underestimate!
For your foreign documents (such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, diplomas, transcripts, criminal background checks) to have legal validity in Brazil, they need to go through two processes:
- Apostille (or Legalization): If your country of origin is a signatory to the Hague Convention, your documents must be apostilled. Otherwise, they will need to be legalized at the Brazilian consulate in your country.
- Sworn Translation: After apostille/legalization, all documents in a foreign language must be translated into Portuguese by a public sworn translator in Brazil. This professional is the only one authorized to give public faith to the translation.
3. Practical Aspects of Life in Brazil: Adapting to your new home
Living in a new country is an adventure that involves adapting to new routines and systems. Here are some important points to make your life in Brazil easier:
3.1 – CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Fisica)
This is your individual taxpayer identification number in Brazil and is absolutely essential. You will need it for:
- Opening a bank account
- Renting or buying property
- Buying a cell phone chip and getting internet access
- Making larger purchases and even for some online transactions
- Contracting basic services (electricity, water)
How to obtain: It can be requested online and after you need to go in person at the Receita Federal (Brazilian Federal Revenue) or at the Brazilian Consulate in your jurisdiction.
3.2 Bank Account
Opening a bank account is fundamental for managing your finances daily. You will need your CPF and CRNM (or the PF registration protocol, in some cases). Digital banks may offer a simpler process. You will get your PIX number after that.
3.3 – Healthcare
Brazil has a Unified Health System (SUS), which is public, free, and universal, accessible to all residents, including foreigners. However, many foreigners (and Brazilians) choose to take out private health insurance plans to have access to a wider network of hospitals and clinics, with faster service. It’s important to note that travel insurance may be required as part of your visa application process, especially for temporary stays. Don’t forget to create your account at gov.br to access the public health system.
For free 24 hour urgent care, you can go to any Unidad de Pronto Atendimento (UPA).
3.4 – Language: Dive into Portuguese!
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Although in large cities and tourist areas you might find English speakers (especially in the service sector), learning Portuguese is crucial for your social and professional integration and to truly enjoy the rich local culture. Invest in Portuguese classes and practice daily!
3.5 – Cost of Living
The cost of living in Brazil varies significantly depending on the city and your lifestyle.
- Major Centers: Cities like Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasilia tend to be more expensive, especially regarding rent and transportation.
- Smaller Cities and Inland Regions: Can offer a considerably more affordable cost of living, with lower rents and daily expenses.
- Food: Generally cheaper than in many Western countries, especially if you cook at home and buy from local markets.
- Transportation: Public transport is widely available in large cities, but quality varies.
Estimated Monthly Cost of Living in Key Brazilian Cities (USD)
(Note: These are approximate ranges and can vary greatly based on lifestyle, neighborhood, and current exchange rates. BRL to USD conversion based on an approximate R$5.00=US$1.00 exchange rate for illustrative purposes.)
| Category | Rio de Janeiro (USD) | Sao Paulo (USD) | Salvador (USD) | Florianopolis (USD) |
| Rental (1-bed apt, city center) | $500 – $1,200 | $600 – $1,500 | $400 – $800 | $500 – $1,000 |
| Gym Membership | $30 – $80 | $40 – $100 | $25 – $60 | $30 – $70 |
| Food Expenses (groceries) | $200 – $400 | $250 – $450 | $150 – $300 | $180 – $350 |
| Internet (monthly) | $20 – $40 | $25 – $50 | $15 – $35 | $20 – $45 |
| Portuguese Lessons (private, per hour) | $15 – $30 | $18 – $35 | $12 – $25 | $15 – $30 |
| Nightlife (per outing) | $30 – $80 | $40 – $100 | $20 – $60 | $25 – $70 |
3.6 – Housing
Research neighborhoods and cities that align with your lifestyle, needs, and budget. For renting properties, it’s common for landlords to request guarantees such as:
- Fiador (Guarantor): A person with property in Brazil who guarantees the contract.
- Seguro Fianca (Rental Guarantee Insurance): An insurance paid annually that replaces the guarantor.
- Caucao (Security Deposit): A deposit of 3 months’ rent.
4. Important Considerations: Tips for a smooth adaptation
Moving to a new country is a journey of continuous learning. Keep these considerations in mind:
Cultural Adaptation
Brazil is a cultural melting pot, with indigenous, African, and European influences. Be open to new experiences, rhythms, cuisine, and customs. Patience, flexibility, and good humor are great allies in your adaptation. Personal relationships are highly valued. Learning a new language will help you to be integrated to this new culture.
Safety
As in any country, safety varies by region. It’s important to research the area where you intend to live, avoid displaying valuables in public, and take basic safety precautions. Inform yourself with local residents about best practices.
If you need to contact the proper authorities, you can call:
- Militar Police: 190
- Civil defense (for natural disasters): 199
- Firefighters (fires, collapses, rescues in hard-to-reach places): 193
- Ambulance (SAMU – Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência (SAMU): 192
- Domestic tourists: Domestic tourists should go to the nearest police station to file a police report:190
- Foreign tourists: Foreign tourists should go to the Special Tourist Support Unit (DEAT): 1746 or +55(21) 3460-1746.
Specialized Legal Assistance
To ensure all your documents and immigration processes are correct, and to avoid headaches or delays, consider seeking the help of a lawyer specialized in immigration in Brazil. A professional can:
- Advise on the most suitable visa permit
- Assist in collecting and translating documents
- Accompany the process at the Federal Police
- Offer support on issues such as opening a company or buying property
- Ensure compliance with Brazilian immigration laws and labor laws
- Help maintain your legal work status throughout your stay
Consult the National Lawyer’s license registration here.
Useful Links
Conclusion: Your new life in Brazil awaits you!
Living in Brazil can be an incredibly rich and transformative experience. With proper planning, correct information, and an open mind for adventure, you’ll be ready to enjoy everything this wonderful country has to offer: from its stunning landscapes and contagious music to the joy and hospitality of its people.
Good luck on your journey to make Brazil your new home! Do you need more information? contact us!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed immigration lawyer for guidance tailored to your situation.
