We recently conducted a study on the top destinations people are moving to in 2026, and Brazil made the list. While it’s often associated with Carnaval, endless beaches, açai on tap, and world-famous barbecue, there’s much more beneath the surface.
In recent years, Brazil has been positioning itself as an increasingly attractive destination for digital nomads and long-term expats. Greater media exposure, improved infrastructure, and new international flight routes have made the country more accessible than ever. As a result, more people are discovering a different side of Brazil and are compelled to move there.
Today, Brazil is a popular choice for retirees, entrepreneurs, and remote workers alike. In this guide, we’ll explore why and what you should know before making the move.
Things to Know about Moving to Brazil
Lifestyle
With its tropical climate, abundant natural beauty, and rich cultural heritage, Brazil offers a high quality of life with a strong emphasis on work-life balance. From the Amazon rainforest to coastal cities and colonial towns, the diversity of landscapes alone is a major draw.
Brazilians are known for their warmth and hospitality, making it relatively easy to build a social circle and feel part of a community. That said, the pace of life can feel slower and more relaxed, especially outside major cities, which may require an adjustment if you’re coming from a faster-paced environment.
Cost of Living
On average, the cost of living in Brazil is lower than in the United States or much of Europe, especially if you earn in a stronger currency like USD or EUR. Your largest expenses will typically include rent, particularly in major cities like São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro, utilities, and dining out at international or western-style establishments. Local markets and public transport, however, tend to be affordable.
Healthcare
Brazil offers universal public healthcare through its national system (SUS), which is available to residents at no cost. Many expats opt for private healthcare due to shorter wait times, more consistent service, and access to private hospitals and clinics. Private healthcare in Brazil is considered high-quality and remains affordable compared to costs in countries like the U.S.
Proximity
Although Brazil is geographically on the same continent as the United States, travel times can be longer than expected. Flights from major U.S. cities typically range from 7.5 to over 10 hours, depending on the route and destination. While new direct routes are gradually improving accessibility, flights to Brazil can still be more expensive than routes to Europe.
Language Barrier
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. English is not widely spoken outside of major urban centers or tourist areas. For daily life, learning Portuguese is essential.
That said, classroom learning alone may not be enough. To build real fluency, it’s important to immerse yourself through conversation with locals, media consumption, and real-life practice. This will significantly improve your ability to integrate and navigate everyday situations with ease.
Visas
Bureaucracy in Brazil can be complex and time-consuming, particularly when it comes to setting up essentials like bank accounts, obtaining a driver’s license, or securing residency.
For U.S. citizens, short stay eVisas (up to 90 days) are permitted for tourism, a sufficient amount of time for scouting purposes, sometimes with the possibility of extension.
For longer stays, common visa options include:
- Digital Nomad Visa: Typically valid for one year, requiring proof of foreign income above a minimum threshold, with the possibility of renewal.
- Work Visa: Requires sponsorship from a Brazilian employer and often Portuguese proficiency.
- Entrepreneur Visa: Available to those investing in a local business and meeting job creation or investment thresholds.
- Retirement Visa: For retirees with a stable monthly passive income that meets government requirements.
Be prepared for Brazilian administrative processes requesting notarized documents, apostilles, and official translations into Portuguese.
Shipping Your Belongings to Brazil
Shipping household goods to Brazil comes with specific requirements. In most cases, you must hold a valid long-term visa (typically over 180 days) and provide notarized documentation, which your moving company can help coordinate.
Key points to keep in mind:
- Household goods must be for personal use to qualify for duty-free import
- Shipments typically need to arrive within 180 days of your entry into Brazil
- Your physical presence is usually required for customs clearance
If you’re relocating with pets, you’ll need a valid health and vaccination certificate from your country of origin, endorsed by the appropriate authorities and recognized by Brazilian officials.
For the most accurate and up-to-date requirements, it’s best to work closely with a licensed international moving company, such as Arpin, which can guide you through the process step by step.
Best Places to Move to in Brazil
Brasilia
The capital city of Brazil, located in the Brazilian Highlands. It’s the country’s third most populous city and unlike its coastal counterparts has a business-oriented pace of life as the political and administrative center of the country. Another distinction is its urban planning and modern architecture that earned it an inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the title “City of Design.”
São Paulo
São Paulo is Brazil’s largest and most cosmopolitan city and a global hub for business, culture, and gastronomy. Recognized by UNESCO’s Creative Cities Network as a “City of Film,” it’s also often referred to as the “World Capital of Gastronomy.”
The city is home to one of the largest Japanese diasporas outside Japan, as well as significant Italian and Arab communities, making it one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world.
Florianopolis
Often cited as one of the safest cities in Brazil, Florianópolis is especially popular among retirees, surfers, and remote workers. Located on an island, it offers a unique blend of beach life, nature, and growing tech infrastructure—earning it the nickname “Silicon Island.” With over 40 beaches, it’s an ideal destination for those seeking an active, outdoor lifestyle.
Next Steps in Moving to Brazil
If Brazil feels like the right fit, the next step is planning your move with the right support. Explore our relocation resources or connect with Arpin to begin the process. You’ll be assigned a dedicated move coordinator who will guide you through every stage—from logistics to documentation—creating a tailored roadmap for your move to Brazil.
