Brazil receives over 6 million tourists each year. But not all its visitors are short-term; it’s also a favorite destination for immigrants from around the globe. Some of the things that make it stand out include a relatively stable political environment, an expanding economy, a rich culture, and its diverse landscape.
In this Remitly guide to moving to Brazil for 2025, we’ll take a look at things like visa requirements, job opportunities, where to live, financial planning, and more.
Understanding Brazil as a destination
Brazil is the largest and most populous country in Latin America, covering an area of 3.8 million square miles with over 212 million inhabitants. Its official language is Portuguese, but don’t fret if that’s not one of the languages you speak; there are plenty of apps to help you learn. That said, if you were to count all the indigenous and immigrant languages you might hear around the nation, you’d still be going after 200!
Brazil has some of the best beaches in the world, and offers plenty of parks and botanical gardens if you love to immerse yourself in nature. The infrastructure for getting around to visit these places is improving all the time; while the country is still developing, you’ll be able to travel comfortably on buses, boats, cars, trains, or planes if you’re covering a long distance.
Brazilian people are warm and welcoming, which always makes the transition smoother, especially if you decide to relocate permanently.
Why relocate to Brazil?
So why would you make that decision? Well, while the beaches get much of the attention, Brazil has plenty more to offer as a potential new home.
Cost of living: In general, the cost of living in Brazil is three times cheaper than in the United States. If you’re a retiree, you’re likely to enjoy a better quality of life in Brazil because your money can do much more in Brazil than in the U.S. or Canada.
Jobs and business opportunities: Because of the growing economy, there’s a significant need for a skilled labor force. If you have a special skill or an entrepreneurial talent, you may be able to take advantage of them to find your place in the country.
The culture: There’s never a dull day in Brazil. If you want to settle in a place that produces and enjoys good music and loves to dance, Brazil should be near the top of your list. The country also organizes some of the world’s most famous and grandest festivals, including Carnival of course.
Cuisine: It’s hard to go wrong with Brazilian cuisine. The nation’s food is varied and full of flavor, thanks to its mix of indigenous and imported influences.
Things to do: Whether you love hiking, swimming, dancing, horse riding or pretty much any other type of outdoor activity, you’ll find it in Brazil. Oh and soccer, of course—”futebol,” as Brazilians call it, is a national obsession, from the beaches to the streets to the stadiums.
What are the requirements for moving to Brazil?
If you’re a citizen of the U.S. or Canada, you haven’t traditionally needed a visa to enter Brazil and stay for up to 90 days. But that all changed in April 2025. If you find yourself loving the country and want to stay a bit longer, you can request an extension for up to 180 days.
If it goes particularly well and you want to make the move to Brazil permanent, you’ll need to submit an application for a temporary resident’s permit first. The good news is that the process is relatively simple—providing you meet all the criteria for your particular visa—and can be done through the online portal.
You can also submit your application through a Brazilian consulate or embassy in your country.
Once you get a visa, you’ll be able to apply for the National Migration Registration Card (CRNM)—more on that later.
Who qualifies to apply for a visa to move to Brazil?
Generally speaking, the temporary VITEM visas are the pathway to permanent residence in Brazil. There are many different types, but some of the main ones for people looking to move to Brazil permanently are for people who;
- Have family in the country.
- Are making significant investment in property in the country.
- Are retired.
- Can be defined as a digital nomad.
- Are married to a Brazilian or have a child with one.
Obtaining a CRNM
If you wish to move to Brazil permanently, you’ll have to obtain the National Migration Registration Card (CRNM). To get that, you’ll need to be in Brazil physically. And quite typically for Brazil, the application process isn’t done online but at a local federal police location.
Of course, you can always schedule an appointment online or through a phone call. You can expect the CRNM interview to last for about 30 minutes. The authorities will also take your fingerprints during the session and once you’re approved, you’ll pay a fee and receive the card.
Financial planning before relocating to Brazil
Before you move, you’ll need to be sure that your finances are in order. For starters, consider the cost of getting to your destination and the type of visa you hold; some of them have financial requirements on top of the other prerequisites. The digital nomad visa is a good example—you’ll have to prove your income and existing bank balance to get one.
If you’re flying, the prices can vary considerably. There’s much more demand in the lead-up to Carnival, for example. So if you’re able to, consider booking your tickets during off-peak season.
If you’re traveling by road, remember that it’s a very large country, so factor in things like the cost of gasoline, food, overnight accommodation, and any border fees. If you’re using an international moving specialist, sites such as ExpatExchange often have helpful information about moving costs and other expats’ experiences.
Banking and accommodation
Opening a bank account as an immigrant in Brazil can be complex, and the banks don’t have the greatest reputation for being easy to deal with. Consider finding a bank that offers services in English, which may make things quite a bit easier.
You’ll need to provide several documents to open an account, including your passport, CPF (Brazilian Taxpayer Registry, proof of address, and proof of income. They might also ask you for bank statements, or even references from any previous banks where you’ve held accounts.
You’ll almost certainly have to do the whole process in person, too. That means going to a meeting at the bank with your documents, which you’ll have to arrange in advance. Be prepared for some waiting and quite a bit of bureaucracy during this process.
As for accommodation, if you’re renting you’ll almost certainly have to pay three months’ rent in advance as a deposit, and all rental agreements must be in writing. It’s mandatory in Brazil that rental agreements set out the costs in the local currency, too.
The cost of living in Brazil
Once you get to the stage of finding somewhere to live, like most countries the cities are pricier than the rural areas and smaller towns. But even in the major cities it’s cheaper than the US—for perspective, the cost of living in São Paulo excluding rent is approximately 66.6% lower than in New York. Once you factor in rent, the difference is even larger; rent in São Paulo is typically 85% lower than New York prices.
Overall, you’ll only need about $3,000 USD per month in São Paulo to enjoy the same lifestyle you’d have for $12,000 USD in New York.
Where to live in Brazil
There’s something for everyone in Brazil, and the most suitable location to settle depends on your preferred lifestyle and goals.
For professionals
São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have strong opportunities for professionals in tech, engineering, and education, among other fields, and larger expat communities to help you make connections.
For families
Curitiba is known as the “greenest” city in Brazil, with strong cycling infrastructure, lots of green spaces and strong tech and education sectors. It’s a good option for families, striking a balance between the bustle and opportunity of the big cities and the safety and relative quiet of a smaller place. Porto Alegre is another city with loads to do for kids, and decent healthcare, education, and living standards.
For retirees
As a retiree, you may already have experienced the hustle and noise of big cities and want somewhere more peaceful. Natal, on the country’s eastern tip, and Campinas, just two hours’ drive from São Paulo but much quieter, are two cities that offer more relaxing vibes and friendly residents. They also have good healthcare facilities.
For young singles
If you’re single, you’ll love places like Belo Horizonte and Florianópolis. These areas have a lively nightlife and play host to many people from around the world seeking fun and adventure. They have exceptional restaurants and accommodation to suit different budgets.
Start planning your relocation to Brazil now
Brazil’s growing economy and lower cost of living make it an ideal destination if you’re looking to settle away from North America. Its world-renowned tourist attractions, rich and diverse culture, improving healthcare system, spectacular scenery, and friendly people make it well worth considering.
FAQs
What type of government does Brazil have?
Brazil has a federal government. The country consists of several different states that are managed under one federal system in which the president is the head of state, usually elected after a four-year term.
Is there a United States embassy in Brazil?
Yes, the United States has several embassies and consulates in Brazil. You can find them in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Recife, Porto Alegre, Belo Horizonte, and the capital Brasília.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Brazil?
From April 2025, yes they do. You can remain in the county for 90 days on a tourist visa, and may be able to extend it to 180 days if you’re really having a great time.