How to move to Brazil: full guide for Americans

With a vibrant and diverse culture, jaw-dropping natural wonders, fun-filled festivals and friendly people, it’s no wonder Brazil is a popular expat destination. Whether you’re moving to boost your career, looking to explore a new city and country, or heading to Brazil for studies, you’re in for an epic adventure.

This guide runs through all you need to know about moving to Brazil from the USA. We’ll cover the practicalities of life in Brazil, the costs of living to prepare for, and where you might choose to live. To help you save money when you live, work or study abroad, we’ll also touch on Wise international transfers, with the mid-market exchange rate and fees shown before you confirm.

Learn more about Wise

Brazil quick facts

Things to know before moving to Brazil

• Brazil covers nearly half of South America and spans four time zones.
• Brazil has a highly diverse population and culture shaped by Indigenous peoples, Africans, Europeans, and later migration.
• São Paulo is one of the largest cities in the Southern Hemisphere by population.
• Major industries include mining, energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and services.
• Like the US, Brazil drives on the right.
• About 60% of the Amazon rainforest is in Brazil.
• Brazil has roughly 4,500 miles of coastline.
• Brazil is one of the world’s largest coffee producers.
• Brazil has won the men’s soccer World Cup five times.
• Brazil is one of the world’s most biodiverse countries.

Moving to Brazil from the USA: can you do it?

Yes. You can move to Brazil from the US if you obtain the visa or residence authorization that matches your plans.

Since April 10, 2025, US passport holders have needed an e-visa for tourism or business visits of up to 90 days.¹⁴ If you plan to live, work, study, invest, retire, or join family in Brazil, check the relevant temporary visa and residence-authorization route with a Brazilian consulate or the Brazilian immigration authorities before travel.

Moving to Brazil with family

Brazil can be a great place to live with your family. In Brazilian culture, families are typically close-knit, with multiple generations living together or relatively close to each other where possible. 

There’s plenty for kids to do, fun travel opportunities, and there are a range of great international schools in the major cities if you’d like your children to follow the US curriculum. The main downside is probably travel time back to the US when you want to visit family and friends back home.

One important point to note about moving to Brazil with family is that under Brazilian law, any children holding a Brazilian passport must have permission from both parents to leave the country. If your child is traveling with only one parent, written permission from the other parent is required. 

These rules don’t technically apply to children holding foreign passports — but there have been cases of families running into delays and complications on the border when trying to travel without both parents present².

Can you move to Brazil with pets?

You can move to Brazil with a cat or dog without a specific import permit. Other animals require advance permission. For a cat or dog, you must present an International Veterinary Certificate or accepted pet passport. Animals aged 90 days or older generally need a valid rabies vaccination.¹⁵

Cost of living in Brazil

Your costs in Brazil will depend on where you live, your household, and your lifestyle. Smaller towns may cost less than major cities, but exchange-rate movements make US dollar comparisons change quickly. Check current local prices before setting a budget.

How much does it cost to move to Brazil?

Once you’ve established a basic budget for daily life in Brazil, you’ll need to plan for one-off costs involved with the move itself. 

The cost of moving to Brazil will vary depending on how you make your arrangements and exactly where you’re coming from. However, some key items to factor in include:

• Flights
• Visa and permit fees, including possible legal or translation costs
• Shipping household goods
• A deposit on accommodation
• Extra charges for family members or pets
• Temporary accommodation when you first arrive
• Living costs before your first paycheck

How to move your stuff to Brazil

Moving to Brazil probably means you’ll need to take more than just your suitcase. However, shipping your entire household can be expensive and time consuming. Many people choose to sell or offload a lot of their larger items before making the move, keeping things simple to cut the overall costs.

The easiest way to start once you know where in Brazil you’re moving to, is to get online quotes from several moving companies. You’ll be able to generate estimates based on the size of home you’re moving from, to give you a basic idea of the fees to send all your stuff. Ask each mover for a current written quote based on the volume or weight of your goods, the exact route, packing, insurance, customs support, and delivery services.

---

Send money to Brazil with a secure Wise transfer

If you’re moving to Brazil you’ll need simple, cheap ways to pay for your shipping, cover a rental deposit, and manage your daily life using reais. Cut the costs of currency exchange and sending money to Brazil with Wise.

Wise shows the fee, exchange rate, and estimated delivery time before you confirm an international transfer.

Wise uses the mid-market exchange rate for currency conversion and charges a transparent fee that varies by route, amount, and payment method. You can get started online or in the Wise app.

Get started with Wise

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing  for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information

---

What is it like to live in Brazil? The basics

Let’s look at some practicalities of moving to Brazil. We’ll dive right into what it’s like to live and work there, and get into the details of some dream destinations in just a moment.

Housing

Housing is always going to be a major budget item, no matter where in the world you choose to live. And like everywhere else, the costs of accommodation in Brazil can vary a lot depending on where you want to live and the type of home you’d prefer. On average, though, accommodation in Brazil is cheaper than in the US, and there’s a good range of options for every price point.

Renting

The costs of renting a place in Brazil can vary enormously based on where you choose to live. The biggest cities and financial hubs — like São Paulo for example — can be pricey compared to smaller cities, and even the capital Brasilia. 

Rental prices vary widely by city, neighborhood, property, and exchange rate. Compare current listings in Brazilian reais, and consider areas outside the center if they suit your commute and safety needs.

To get your rental set up you’ll almost always need proof of income. If you’re moving to Brazil for work you’ll probably need to get temporary accommodation set up at first, to give you time to get all the paperwork together to arrange your longer term rental agreement.

Buying property in Brazil as an expat

Foreigners can buy many urban properties in Brazil, but restrictions and extra checks may apply to rural, border-area, coastal, or other regulated land. Get Brazilian legal advice before signing a contract.

You will commonly need to have a CPF number, Brazil’s taxpayer registration number, for the purchase and related registrations. A CPF alone does not confirm that a property or transaction is legally available to you.

The health care system in Brazil

Brazilian citizens and legal residents can access free public healthcare. However, it’s important to know that services can be underfunded in some areas which may mean delays for treatment. 

It’s very common to have private healthcare cover in addition, to make sure you can always access the care you need when you need it. Private healthcare in Brazil is relatively expensive, but considered to be of very high quality.

Banking and taxation

Brazil has a developed banking system with a good range of accounts available. It’s common to need your CPF number before you can get your account open, which will usually mean you can’t open a Brazilian bank account until you’ve arrived in the country. 

Brazil uses a progressive personal income tax system, with a top monthly rate of 27.5% in 2026 and reductions for some lower taxable incomes.¹⁶ Tax residence and US filing obligations can be complex, so consider cross-border tax advice.

A Wise Account can help eligible customers manage money internationally:¹⁷

• Open a personal account online with no monthly fee.
• Hold and exchange 40+ currencies.
• Send supported international transfers with fees shown upfront.
• Get account details for select currencies.
• Use the Wise card where it is accepted, subject to eligibility and availability.

Create a Wise account in minutes

Please see Terms of Use for your region or visit Wise Fees & Pricing  for the most up-to-date pricing and fee information

Education

The school year in Brazil usually runs from February through to December, with main holidays in July and January. Public schools in Brazil are free, but the quality can vary significantly. 

Some expat families choose private or international schools, including schools that follow US or international curricula. Compare accreditation, language, fees, location, and admissions before applying.

Transportation

If you’re in a major city in Brazil you’ll usually find there’s a decent public transportation network including buses and often a metro. While many expats do choose to drive — or have a personal driver — congestion in the city centers can be frustrating and lead to long commute times. 

It’s worth considering the journeys you’ll need to make regularly when you choose accommodation — being close to your school or work will always be a bonus.

Quality of life in Brazil

Expats living in Brazil tend to have a good quality of life. However, it’s worth knowing that high levels of income inequality in Brazil does mean that some populations rank poorly on quality of life scores⁸.

Expats who have already made the leap to live in Brazil report enjoying life thanks to friendly locals and an active expat community, great places to travel and explore, vibrant festivals and plenty of cultural activities to get involved in.

Culture and people

Brazil is commonly described as a cultural melting pot, which leads to high levels of diversity with traditional and more recent festivals, celebrations and customs all marked. Modern Brazilian culture has elements derived from Portuguese colonization, with influences from indigenous cultures and multiple waves of migrants over the years.

Generally Brazilian people are considered to be friendly and welcoming. People are sociable and like to spend time together, eating and hanging out.

Safety

The US State Department advises travelers to exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping.¹⁸ 

That means you need to exercise caution and remain aware of your surroundings at all times. It advises against travel to international land-border areas and informal housing developments, with limited exceptions described in the advisory.¹⁸ 

Most people traveling to Brazil have a completely trouble free time — but as with anywhere, there are risks which you’ll want to be aware of. Read up on recent travel advice before you move to Brazil, and get to know which areas are safe in your local area.

Moving to Brazil as an American: immigration requirements

US passport holders need an e-visa for short tourism or business visits. An e-visa does not authorize residence or employment.¹⁴ If you intend to live in Brazil, choose the temporary visa or residence-authorization category that matches your activity, such as work, study, investment, family reunification, retirement, or remote work.

Requirements differ by route. For employment, the Brazilian employer may need to request prior residence authorization before you apply for the related visa. Confirm the current sequence and documents with the Brazilian immigration authorities or the consulate handling your application.

Document requirements vary by visa and residence route. You may be asked for:

• Your passport
• A completed application form
• Passport photos
• Proof of fee payment
• Civil-status documents, such as a birth or marriage certificate
• A criminal-record certificate or FBI background check
• A prepaid return envelope for a consular application

Use the current checklist for your exact application route.

Permanent residency and Brazilian citizenship

Brazil offers temporary and indefinite residence authorizations under its current immigration framework. Possible routes include family reunification, employment, investment, retirement, and other qualifying activities.

Eligibility, validity, and whether you apply from abroad or in Brazil depend on the route. Do not rely on the former “VIPER” terminology or assume that one year of residence creates eligibility. Check the current rules with Brazil’s immigration authorities before applying.

Best cities to live in Brazil as an expat

Hopefully you’re getting excited about moving to Brazil from the US now — let’s take a closer look at a few popular expat destinations.

São Paulo

São Paulo is the financial capital of Brazil, and a great place for people moving to Brazil for work. As well as some great career opportunities, it’s a fun city with great entertainment, places to eat and drink, and decent infrastructure. 

It’s also one of the most expensive places in the country. Rent can be higher than in many other Brazilian cities, especially in central or high-demand neighborhoods. Compare current listings in reais before choosing an area.

Florianópolis

Beaches, watersports and great weather are what bring many tourists to Florianópolis — and something you’ll get to experience plenty of if you choose to live there permanently. The opportunities for time outdoors and fun activities make this a popular pick for people moving to Brazil with family especially.

Curitiba

Curitiba is known as a city of the arts, with venues like the Botanical Garden and the Oscar Niemeyer Museum — which hosts a variety of national and international art exhibits. It’s a relatively small city by Brazilian standards, making it a fairly easy place to live and navigate. 

Rental prices can be lower than in some larger or more tourism-focused cities, but current prices depend on the neighborhood and property. Compare local listings in reais.

Rio de Janeiro

Rio de Janeiro is another top pick — especially for people moving to Brazil for work. It’s a colorful place with a very rich and diverse culture, great beaches and facilities for outdoor activities. 

 As a large city there are plenty of choices for accommodation and schools, making it easy to settle in — but be warned, it can be expensive!

Summary: moving to Brazil from USA

Moving to Brazil from the USA is a big decision. However, if you’re looking for an adventure you’ll love the chance to learn about a new place, meet friendly people, and explore a different culture. Remember these key steps to make sure everything goes smoothly — and good luck!

• Choose the visa or residence route that fits your plans, and arrange it before moving.
• Set a budget for day-to-day life and one-off moving costs.
• Consider opening a Wise Account before leaving the US to help manage supported currencies.
• Arrange temporary accommodation while you look for a permanent home.
• Connect with local and expat communities to learn how daily life may look.

🚀 Get started with Wise

---

**Sources:**

1. Itamaraty - Applying for a visa
2. US State Travel - Brazil
3. BR Government - Sanidade animal e vegetal
4. Numbeo - Cost of living in Brazil
5. Move Hub - Moving to Brazil
6. Numbeo - Cost of living comparison: São Paulo and Brasília
7. Tax Summaries - Brazil
8. OECD - How’s life in Brazil?
9. Travel State - Brazil travel advisory
10. Itamaraty - VITEM
11. Itamaraty - Permanent visa
12. Numbeo - Cost of living comparison: Curitiba and Florianópolis
13. IBGE - Brazil population estimate for 2025
14. Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Electronic visitor visa
15. Brazil Ministry of Foreign Affairs - Entry of pets into Brazil
16. Receita Federal - 2026 personal income tax tables
17. Wise Help Centre - What is a Wise Account?
18. US Department of State - Brazil Travel Advisory

Sources checked on 09.09.2026