Explore

Brazil

Currency
Brazilian Real (R$)
Languages
Portuguese (official)
Capital
Brasília
Timezone
Multiple (UTC -5 to -2)
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Explore Brazil: A guide for expats and nomads

Overview
Overview

Brazil is the largest country in South America, celebrated for its biodiversity, lively culture, and vast landscapes. Known for the Amazon rainforest, iconic beaches, and the famous Carnival, Brazil combines vibrant urban centers with extensive natural beauty. For expats, Brazil offers an exciting environment, a variety of regional cultures, and a warm, welcoming attitude.

Culture

Brazilian culture is known for its vibrancy, with influences from Indigenous, African, and European traditions. Music and dance, such as samba and bossa nova, are cultural mainstays, while festivals like Carnival showcase Brazil’s love for celebration and expression.

Do's and Don’ts

  • ✅ Do greet with a kiss on the cheek or handshake and a warm demeanor.
  • ✅ Do embrace the local customs, including trying regional foods and engaging in social gatherings.
  • ❌ Don’t discuss sensitive topics such as politics or social inequality unless you know the person well.
  • ❌ Don’t flaunt valuables openly, as theft can be an issue in some area.

Government

Brazil is a federal republic with three levels of government: federal, state, and municipal. The president serves as both head of state and government.

Social media

Popular social media platforms include WhatsApp, Instagram, and Facebook, with Twitter and YouTube also widely used.

National sport

Football (soccer) is a national passion, deeply ingrained in Brazilian culture, with the country having produced many world-renowned players and hosting an intense football culture.

4.0
RATING
It’s perfect for digital nomads
Digital nomad friendly
Fairly digital nomad friendly
Challenging for digital nomads
Not ideal for digital nomads

Available digital nomad visa, affordable living costs, and thriving nomad communities.

Internet
3.0
RATING

Decent speeds in urban areas; however, rural areas may have limited connectivity

Cost of living
4.0
RATING

Lower than most Western countries; however, costs can vary by city.

Access to basic resources
4.0
RATING

Good in cities; healthcare and education may be challenging in rural areas.

Weather
Brasília
4:30 est
4.0
RATING

Warm climate year-round, with regional variations and a tropical climate in the north.

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LGBTQIA+ friendly
4.0
RATING

Generally welcoming, especially in large cities, with legal protections in place.

English proficiency
2.0
RATING

Low overall, but higher proficiency in business and tourist areas.

Family friendly
3.0
RATING

Great family culture and outdoor activities; however, limited English-speaking schools.

Public transport
4.0
RATING

Well-developed public transport in major cities (metro, bus networks), but limited options in rural areas. Cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have extensive metro systems, though traffic congestion is an issue.

Live
Live

Expat community

Brazil has a growing expat community in cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília. Many foreigners work in finance, technology, and tourism or join communities of digital nomads who are drawn to the warm climate and rich culture.

Setting up a local bank account

To open a bank account, expats need a Brazilian ID number (CPF), proof of address, and a valid passport. Large banks like Banco do Brasil, Itaú, and Santander have branches across the country, and some cater to expats with English-speaking staff and expat-friendly accounts.

Getting Around

  • Public transport: Brazil offers multiple options for transportation, including extensive bus networks, metros in larger cities, and domestic flights for long distances.
  • Buying a vehicle: Buying a car is straightforward, but registration is mandatory, as well as having insurance.
  • Driver’s license: Driving requires a Brazilian license, though some international licenses are accepted for a limited period.

Medical system

Brazil has a universal healthcare system (SUS), which provides free healthcare to residents. However, expats often choose private healthcare for more immediate access to services. Private health insurance is common, and major cities have well-equipped hospitals and clinics.

Work
Work

Visa eligibility

Brazil offers various visa options, including business and work visas. The country also recently introduced a digital nomad visa, attracting remote workers worldwide.

Temporary residence

Brazil offers visas for temporary residence, including the VITEM XIV (Digital nomad visa), for remote workers and the VITEM V for those with work contracts.

Permanent residence

After four years of residency (or less under specific circumstances), expats can apply for permanent residency.

Digital nomad visa

Available to remote workers with a valid contract and proof of income. The visa grants up to one year of residence, renewable based on ongoing employment.

Work culture

Work culture in Brazil values relationship-building, with a relaxed approach to punctuality and formality. While Brazilians work hard, they also appreciate taking time for social interactions.

Job opportunities for expats

Expats often work in fields such as IT, engineering, education, and tourism, with international companies and language schools frequently hiring. Opening a business in Brazil requires registration with Brazilian authorities, an identification number (CNPJ), and compliance with labor laws. São Paulo is a popular hub for startups, particularly in technology.

Tax considerations

  • Income tax: Brazil has a progressive tax system, with rates from 0% to 27.5%. Expats are typically taxed on global income after 183 days of residence in a year.
  • Social security: Contributions are required for employees, and self-employed individuals must contribute to the social security system for access to retirement and other benefits.
Hire
Hire

Discover everything you need to know to hire in Brazil smoothly and effectively. With over 30 years of experience, our parent company, CXC, has deep expertise in navigating local regulations and processes, ensuring you can engage workers in Brazil compliantly and confidently from day one.

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Metropolitans & attractions

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Metropolitans & attractions
Metropolitans & attractions

Major cities

  • São Paulo: Brazil's financial center with a thriving arts scene, known for its diversity and business opportunities.
  • Rio de Janeiro: Famous for its beaches, Christ the Redeemer statue, and Carnival celebrations.
  • Brasília: The modernist capital, known for its unique architecture and planned layout.

Major attractions

Salvador: Known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, vibrant Carnival, and colonial architecture.
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Amazon Rainforest: The world’s largest rainforest, offering adventure tourism and ecological tours.
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Iguaçu Falls: One of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world.
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Metropolitans & attractions
  • Amazon Rainforest: The world’s largest rainforest, offering adventure tourism and ecological tours.
  • Iguaçu Falls: One of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world.
  • Salvador: Known for its Afro-Brazilian culture, vibrant Carnival, and colonial architecture.
Population
214 million
Digital nomad visa
Available
Driving side
Right
Calling code
+55
Public Holiday
12 National Holidays
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