Places to live in Brazil: tips for foreigners to choose!

Many people are interested in living in Brazil, and there are several reasons for this, such as the tropical climate, natural beauty, diverse culture, job opportunities, relatively low cost of living, and the hospitality of Brazilians. However, knowing the options for places to live in Brazil is essential.

In this way, choosing the best place to live may depend on personal preferences and lifestyle. Check now the main characteristics of Brazil and tips to choose the best place for you!

Therefore, if you need legal support for your move, consult our specialized team by clicking here.

Why live in Brazil?

There are many reasons why someone might choose to live in Brazil. So, below are some of them:

• Climate: Brazil is known for its tropical climate, with sunshine and pleasant temperatures throughout the year, especially in regions such as the Northeast and Southeast;
• Natural beauty: Brazil is a very diverse country in terms of natural beauty, with beaches, mountains, tropical forests, and waterfalls. This means there are many places to explore and adventure;
• Rich culture: Brazil is a country with a rich and diverse culture, with indigenous, African, Asian, and European influences. Furthermore, the music, dancing, food, and celebrations are vibrant and captivating;
• Job Opportunities: Brazil has one of the largest economies in the world and there are many job opportunities in different sectors;
• Cost of living: The cost of living in Brazil can be relatively low compared to other countries, especially in areas outside major cities;
• Hospitality and friendliness: Brazilians are known for their hospitality and friendliness, which can make it easier for foreigners to adjust to life in the country.

What are the best places to live in Brazil?

In principle, choosing the best place to live in Brazil depends on your personal preferences, goals, and lifestyle. However, there are some cities that are quite popular among foreigners:

• Florianópolis: The capital of Santa Catarina is known for its beautiful beaches, pleasant climate, high quality of life, as well as developed infrastructure and diverse businesses and jobs in the innovation and information technology sector;
• Manaus: City located in the heart of the Amazon Rainforest, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil. It is the largest city in the northern region of Brazil and the seventh largest city in the country, it has a strong history, traditional and innovative events, a university, and more;
• Rio de Janeiro: Rio is famous for its stunning landscapes, exciting nightlife, vibrant culture, and relaxed lifestyle;
• São Paulo: The largest city in Brazil is an important economic and cultural center, with many job opportunities, restaurants, and lively nightlife;
• Recife: The capital of Pernambuco is a historic city with beautiful beaches, rich culture, and lively nightlife, in addition to being a cultural center and activities in the area of ​​technology.

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Other options

• Curitiba: The capital of Paraná is a city with a high quality of life, efficient public transport, ecological parks, and, for example, many cultural options;
• Gramado: Known for its cold climate, European architecture, winter festivals, and exuberant nature, it’s located in Serra Gaúcha, in Rio Grande do Sul;
• Bonito: A city in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito is a popular tourist destination thanks to its crystal clear waters, caves, and canyons;
• Campos do Jordão: The mountain town located in the state of São Paulo is known for its cold climate, European architecture, sophisticated restaurants, and cultural events;
• Tiradentes: A historic city in the state of Minas Gerais, known for its colonial architecture, Minas Gerais cuisine, and cultural events;
• Petrópolis: Located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Petrópolis is a mountain town with a mild climate, imperial architecture, as well as museums and natural parks.

In summary, other cities that can also be considered are Belo Horizonte, Brasília, Porto Alegre, and Salvador, among others. However, you should research and visit the cities before making a decision about where to live in Brazil.

How to evaluate places to live in Brazil?

Evaluating places to live in Brazil involves many personal and subjective factors. However, here are some factors that can be helpful in evaluating options:

• Personal goals: what do you hope to achieve by moving to a new city or region? This can include personal, professional, or financial goals;
• Lifestyle: What is your ideal lifestyle? Do you prefer a busy city or a quieter area? Would you rather have access to outdoor activities, culture, entertainment, nightlife, or a combination of these things?;
• Infrastructure: what are the basic needs you have in a city, such as public transport, schools, hospitals, supermarkets, restaurants, among others? Check whether the available options meet your needs;
• Security: Security is a major concern anywhere, so it’s important to assess the crime rate of the city or region you’re considering living in;
• Costs: Check the costs of housing, transportation, food, and other common expenses in the city where you are considering living. So, compare with other options to get an idea of ​​how much you might need to live there.
• Climate: consider the climate of the city or region you are considering living in. The weather can influence your quality of life and the activities you can do.

And what else does Brazil offer?

So by evaluating the factors listed above, you can get a better idea of ​​which city or region might be right for you.

In addition, Brazil has a good infrastructure, with cities that offer a wide range of services and facilities, such as hospitals, schools, public transport, and commerce.

There are also options for those looking to live in more rural areas, with a quieter life and close to nature.

Places to live in Brazil for those who want to live experiences with nature

In summary, Brazil is a country with many options for those who want to live experiences with nature. Here are some options for places to live:

• Florianópolis: the capital of Santa Catarina is an island with beautiful beaches, trails, waterfalls and areas of environmental preservation, such as Ilha do Campeche and Lagoa do Peri;
• Bonito: located in Mato Grosso do Sul, Bonito is a city known for its crystalline waters, caves, canyons, and trails. As such, it is a popular destination for ecotourism;
• Alto Paraíso de Goiás: a city close to Chapada dos Veadeiros: Located in the state of Goiás, Chapada dos Veadeiros is an environmental preservation area with waterfalls, trails, rock formations, and wildlife;
• São Félix do Tocantins: it’s about 30 km from the Jalapão State Park and is one of the cities that offer accommodation to visitors;
• Santarém: this is a city located in the state of Pará, in the north of Brazil. It is the third largest city in the state in terms of population, with over 300,000 inhabitants. It is located on the banks of the Tapajós River, one of the main tributaries of the Amazon River;
• Angra dos Reis: is a city located in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Thus, Angra dos Reis is known for its beautiful beaches, islands, and lagoons, and is located in the Costa Verde region.

These are just a few options for places to live in Brazil for those who want to live experiences with nature. There are many other places to explore and discover across the country, each with its own unique characteristics.

Places to live in Brazil for those who want to live in urban experiences

Brazil has several options for big cities for those who want to live urban experiences. Here are some of the biggest cities in the country and their main features:

• São Paulo: the largest city in the country, São Paulo is a financial and cultural center with many museums, theaters, restaurants, bars, and lively nightlife. Not only is it a cosmopolitan city with a mix of cultures and neighborhoods with distinct characteristics;
• Rio de Janeiro: Known for its iconic beaches, carnival, and nightlife, Rio de Janeiro is a vibrant city full of energy. It has cultural centers with many entertainment options, museums, and art galleries;
• Belo Horizonte: the capital of Minas Gerais is a modern and dynamic city, with a vibrant cultural scene, lively restaurants and bars, and an active nightlife. It’s also a starting point for exploring the region’s nature, such as the nearby mountains and waterfalls;
• Brasília: the capital of Brazil is a planned city with many modern buildings and iconic monuments, such as the National Congress and the Cathedral of Brasília. It’s a political and administrative center with many options for entertainment and cultural events;
• Salvador: the capital of Bahia is a historic city with many colonial buildings, beaches, and a vibrant Afro-Brazilian culture. Therefore, it is a lively city with many options for live music, local cuisine, and carnival.

These are just some of the biggest cities in Brazil with different characteristics for those who want to live urban experiences. Each offers a unique blend of culture, history, cuisine, and entertainment options to explore.

Places to live in Brazil for those who want to work in the technology and innovation sector

Brazil has several technology centers spread across the country, with opportunities for those who want to work in the technology and innovation sector. Here are some of the main technological centers in the country:

• São Paulo: the state of São Paulo is one of the main technology centers in Brazil, concentrating companies such as Google, Facebook, and Microsoft;
• Belo Horizonte: the capital of Minas Gerais is an important technological hub, with emphasis on the Administrative City, which is home to several technology companies and startups. Likewise, the city has a strong presence of telecommunications and software companies;
• Porto Digital: located in Recife, Porto Digital is one of the main technology centers in Brazil, concentrating on several technology companies, startups, and incubators. Furthermore, sectors such as information technology, gaming, and the creative economy have a significant presence in the region;
• Florianópolis: the capital of Santa Catarina is known for being an important technology hub in southern Brazil, with emphasis on the Informatics Center of the Federal University of Santa Catarina, Sapiens Parque, and Impact Hub, technology parks/hubs that house several companies and startups;
• Brasilia: in addition to being the capital of the country, Brasília is also an important technological hub, with emphasis on the Brasília Technological Park and the presence of technology companies such as Huawei and Embratel.

How to live in Brazil as a foreigner?

To live in Brazil as a foreigner, you must obtain a residence permit or temporary visa. Thus, people can apply for different types of visas based on specific justifications, such as:

• Work: granted to anyone who was hired by a Brazilian company or has their own business in the country;
• Investor: granted to anyone who wants to invest in a company or project in Brazil;
• Student: granted to those who wish to study at an educational institution in Brazil;
• Retired or pensioner: granted to those who receive a retirement or pension income and wish to reside in Brazil;
• Digital Nomad: for those who have a contract with a foreign company, but can work remotely.

How to live in Brazil permanently?

First, according to the new law, residence permits can be granted to immigrants who wish to live in Brazil based on several categories, including work, investment, family reunion, study, and refuge.

Second, you can apply for a residence permit as soon as you arrive in Brazil. However, it will initially be temporary, with a term of up to two years, in general.

Third, you can renew for a little longer in some cases, or ask for permanent authorization in others.

Fourthly, after you live in Brazil for 4 years (or 1 year, in some exceptions) with the permanent residence permit, you can apply for Brazilian naturalization. However, for this, you also need to meet other requirements, such as knowledge of the Portuguese language and the absence of a criminal record.

Therefore, naturalization will allow you to have the same rights and duties as a Brazilian citizen, including the right to vote and be elected to most public offices, in addition to not having to renew your residency.

Steps for your planning to live in Brazil

Foreigners should be aware that Brazil has its cultural, social, and economic particularities that may be different from what they are used to if they wish to move to the country.

Therefore, having a well-designed plan of action, which includes obtaining the appropriate visa, choosing the city or region where you want to live and work, having knowledge of the Portuguese language and Brazilian culture, in addition to adapting to the lifestyle and climate locally.

Another important point is to do thorough research on the available housing options, which should be in accordance with the individual’s needs and expectations, including location, cost, safety, and quality of life.

In addition, being prepared to deal with bureaucracies and challenges that may arise in the process of change, such as adapting to the new culture, looking for a job, and obtaining public services. Or rely on a trusted legal advisor to assist you in this process.

Finally, you should know that Brazil is a country of great diversity and cultural richness, with many opportunities in different areas, such as business, technology, tourism, art, and culture. In other words, with good planning and preparation, you can have an enriching and successful experience of living in Brazil.

See some key points:

• Research the visa options suitable for your profile, as well as the purpose of moving;
• Check the weather conditions, cost of living, job offer, and quality of life in the cities or regions you are interested in living;
• Do detailed research on housing options, including price, location, security, and services offered;
  Prepare the necessary documentation to apply for the visa, including passport, criminal record certificate, proof of income, and other required documents;
• Hire a migration lawyer or specialist consultant for guidance and assistance throughout the process;
• Arriving in Brazil with a contingency plan and an adequate budget to deal with possible unforeseen events and extra expenses;
• Know the Brazilian culture, customs, and laws to better adapt to the new country and avoid legal or social problems;
• Search for information about educational institutions, health, and public services available in the chosen city or region;
• Stay up-to-date on news and changes in the political and economic scenario in Brazil to adapt to changes and make more informed decisions.