Moving to Brazil

Moving Guide

Visa & Residence

Navigating Brazilian immigration can feel complex, but understanding the general routes will set you on the right path. Your specific requirements will largely depend on your nationality. For example, citizens from certain blocs, like the European Union, may have different entry requirements or visa-free tourist periods compared to non-EU citizens.

Typical routes for long-term stays include:

• Work Visas: Usually sponsored by a Brazilian employer, requiring a job offer and specific documentation from both you and the company.
• Family Reunion Visas: For those joining a Brazilian citizen or a foreign national already holding a valid residence permit in Brazil (e.g., spouse, child, parent).
• Study Visas: For individuals enrolled in an accredited educational institution in Brazil.
• Residence Permits: Brazil offers various categories for long-term residence, including those for retirees, investors, or individuals with specific professional skills.

It is crucial to verify the most current and exact requirements, application processes, and necessary documentation directly with the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy in your country of origin, or through the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal) once in Brazil. Immigration laws can change, so official sources are always the most reliable.

Housing & Rental

Finding suitable housing in Brazil involves a few key steps and understanding local practices. Major cities offer a wide range of options, from apartments in high-rise buildings to houses in gated communities or standalone properties.

How to find housing:

• Real Estate Agents (Imobiliárias): This is the most common and often safest route, especially for foreigners. Agents understand the local market, legalities, and can help translate documents.
• Online Portals: Websites dedicated to real estate listings are popular, but be cautious and always verify listings and landlords.
• Word of Mouth: Networking within expat communities or local groups can sometimes lead to hidden gems.

Typical Rental Process:

• Documentation: You'll need a valid visa/residence permit, passport, and often a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas - Brazilian tax ID). Landlords or agencies may also request proof of income.
• Guarantor (Fiador): Many landlords require a "fiador," a Brazilian citizen with property in the same city to act as a guarantor. If you don't have one, alternative guarantees like a security deposit (caução) or rental insurance (seguro fiança) are often accepted.
• Lease Agreement: Contracts are typically in Portuguese. It's highly advisable to have a trusted legal professional review the lease before signing.

Deposits: A security deposit (caução) is common, usually equivalent to 1 to 3 months' rent. This is returned at the end of the lease, provided the property is in good condition.

Temporary vs. Long-Term: For initial arrival, temporary housing (e.g., serviced apartments, Airbnb) can be practical while you get settled and search for a long-term rental. Long-term leases are generally for 12, 24, or 30 months, with break clauses often included.

What Affects the Cost of Your Move

The total cost of your relocation to Brazil is influenced by several factors, making each move unique. Understanding these variables will help you budget effectively, though exact figures will always come from a personalized quote.

• Volume of Goods: The more items you move, the higher the cost. This is often measured in cubic meters (m³).
• Distance: The origin country and specific destination city in Brazil significantly impact shipping costs.
• Seasonality: Peak moving seasons can sometimes lead to higher demand and potentially higher prices.
• Accessibility: Difficulty of access at either the origin or destination (e.g., narrow streets, lack of elevators, remote locations) can add to labor and transportation costs.
• Method of Transport: Sea freight is typically more economical for larger volumes and longer transit times, while air freight is faster but more expensive.
• Customs Duties & Taxes: Brazil has specific import regulations and duties that apply to household goods, which will be part of your overall cost.
• Insurance: Protecting your belongings during transit is highly recommended and adds to the overall cost.
• Additional Services: Opting for services like professional packing, unpacking, disassembling/reassembling furniture, or storage will affect the final price.

For an accurate estimate tailored to your specific needs, always request a free, no-obligation quote from a reputable relocation provider.

Timeline & Packing Tips

A well-organized timeline is crucial for a smooth relocation. Here's a general checklist for a 4-8 week preparation period:

8 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Declutter & Inventory: Start going through your belongings. Decide what to sell, donate, discard, or take with you. Create a detailed inventory.
• Research & Request Quotes: Contact relocation companies for quotes and discuss services.
• Visa Application: If not already done, ensure your visa application is progressing.
• Gather Important Documents: Start collecting passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, academic records, medical records, and financial statements. Make multiple copies and digital backups.

6 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Book Your Relocation: Finalize your moving company and confirm dates.
• Flight & Accommodation: Book your flights and initial temporary accommodation in Brazil.
• Medical Check-ups & Prescriptions: Get necessary medical check-ups and obtain prescriptions for any ongoing medications (with generic names).
• Notify Schools/Employers: Inform relevant institutions of your departure.

4 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Utilities & Subscriptions: Start notifying utility companies (electricity, gas, water, internet) of your move-out date. Cancel subscriptions.
• Mail Forwarding: Arrange for mail forwarding if available.
• Brazilian CPF: If possible, start the process for obtaining your CPF (Brazilian tax ID) even before arriving.
• Packing Essentials: Begin packing non-essential items. Label boxes clearly with contents and destination room.

2 Weeks Before Your Move:

• Confirm Details: Reconfirm moving dates and times with your relocation company.
• Pack a "First Day" Box: Include essentials like toiletries, a change of clothes, important documents, chargers, and basic medication.
• Valuables & Important Documents: Set aside items you will carry with you personally (passports, money, jewelry, critical documents).
• Pet Preparations: If moving with pets, ensure all veterinary checks, vaccinations, and import permits are in order.

1 Week Before Your Move:

• Final Utilities: Confirm disconnection dates for all utilities.
• Clean Out Fridge/Pantry: Start consuming perishable foods.
• Charge Electronics: Ensure all devices are charged for travel.
• Final Packing: Finish all remaining packing, leaving only immediate necessities.

Packing Tips:

• Label Everything: Clearly label boxes on multiple sides with contents and the room they belong in.
• Use Quality Materials: Invest in sturdy boxes, bubble wrap, and packing tape.
• Don't Overpack: Avoid making boxes too heavy to lift.
• Take Photos: Photograph valuables and how electronics are connected for easy reassembly.
• Keep Essentials Separate: Pack a "survival kit" for your first few days in Brazil.

Ready to make your move to Brazil? Request a free quote today on relocation123.com to get started.

Visas, immigration & documents

Moving to this country often involves visas, residence permits, document translation/legalization and customs paperwork. Our verified partners handle the move itself; for visa or immigration help, send the request below and we'll point you the right way.

• Residence permit / visa (work, study, family)
• Document translation & apostille
• Customs clearance for personal effects
• Travel & goods insurance

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Customs & Import Rules

Moving to Brazil: Your Essential Customs & Import Guide

Relocating to Brazil involves navigating specific customs and import regulations. This guide provides a clear, user-friendly overview to help ensure a smooth transition for your personal belongings.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a temporary work visa (1 year or more)

If you're moving to Brazil with a temporary work visa valid for at least one year, your personal household goods and new items can generally enter duty-free. However, new items must be in reasonable quantities and align with your personal profile, not for commercial purposes. You'll need to re-export these items before your visa expires or face significant duties and fines.

What you'll need

• Temporary work visa (valid for more than 180 days and stamped in passport)
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian taxpayer card (CPF) or internet extract
• Notarized copy of all passport pages (including blank ones)
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian identification card or protocol (RNM)
• Copy of your airplane ticket showing entry into Brazil and boarding pass (keep original luggage ticket if boarding pass lacks year of arrival)
• Copy of your Registration Certificate
• Notarized signature of Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) (forms provided by local agent after your arrival)
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature (e.g., proof of residence, luggage declaration, exemption declaration abroad, residence declaration abroad – other forms may be requested)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese, valued in US dollars (form provided by local agent after your arrival). Include type/mark, brand, model, and serial number for all electrical, electronic, mechanic, or optical appliances.
• Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Good to know

• You must be in Brazil for the customs clearance process.
• Goods must arrive in Brazil within 180 days of your entry using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must begin within 45 days of the shipment's arrival.
• Your shipment must originate from your country of nationality or where you were living at the time of shipment.
• Duties are suspended for the duration of your visa's validity.
• You will need to sign a re-export guarantee based on the CIF value of your goods.
• Consumer items like foodstuffs, diapers, cosmetics, candles, or paint are not considered household goods and cannot be included in your move.
• Customs may verify your presence in Brazil; delays and additional fees can occur if you are not in the country.

If you're relocating as a new resident with a permanent visa

For those moving to Brazil with a permanent visa, you can import your unaccompanied baggage duty-free, provided articles are properly listed. You must obtain your permanent visa before arriving in Brazil and register with the Federal Police Department for customs clearance.

What you'll need

• Permanent visa (obtained before arrival)
• Registration at the Federal Police Department in Brazil
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian taxpayer card (CPF) or internet extract
• Notarized copy of all passport pages (including blank ones)
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian identification card or protocol (RNM)
• Copy of your airplane ticket showing entry into Brazil and boarding pass (keep original luggage ticket if boarding pass lacks year of arrival)
• Copy of your Registration Certificate
• Copy of Migratory Certificate (obtained at Federal Police Department at the airport upon arrival)
• Notarized signature of Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) (forms provided by local agent after your arrival)
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature (e.g., proof of residence, luggage declaration, exemption declaration abroad, residence declaration abroad – other forms may be requested)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese, valued in US dollars (form provided by local agent after your arrival). Include brand, model, and serial number for all electrical, electronic, mechanic, or optical appliances.
• Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Good to know

• Goods must arrive in Brazil within 180 days of your entry using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must begin within 45 days of the shipment's arrival.
• Your shipment must originate from your country of nationality or where you were living at the time of shipment.
• Port and airport charges can become very high if a shipment is held without clearance due to visa issues.
• After 45 days of a shipment arriving at the port/airport without customs processing initiated, customs has the right to seize the shipment.

If you're a returning Brazilian citizen or permanent visa holder (after 1 year abroad)

Brazilian citizens and permanent visa holders returning after a minimum of one year residing abroad are eligible for duty-free entry of their unaccompanied baggage. You must obtain a Consular Certificate from a Brazilian Consulate in your country of origin to avoid taxes.

What you'll need

• Notarized copy of all passport pages (including blank ones)
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian CPF
• Notarized copy of your Brazilian identification card (RG / RNM)
• Copy of your airplane ticket showing entry into Brazil and boarding pass (keep original luggage ticket if boarding pass lacks year of arrival)
• Copy of your Registration Certificate
• Copy of Migratory Certificate (obtained at Federal Police at the airport upon arrival)
• Notarized signature of the Residency Consular Certificate (obtained at Brazilian Consulate at origin country)
• Notarized signature of Private Power of Attorney + Digital Power of Attorney (e-CAC) (forms provided by local agent after your arrival)
• Brazilian customs forms filled with notarized signature (e.g., proof of residence, luggage declaration, residence declaration abroad – other forms may be requested)
• Notarized detailed inventory list in DSI form, in Portuguese, valued in US dollars (form provided by local agent after your arrival).
• Original Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

Good to know

• You must prove residence abroad for a minimum of one year.
• To be tax-exempt, you must not have exceeded 44 days in Brazil during the twelve months before your definitive return. You are responsible for verifying and confirming days spent in Brazil; incorrect information may lead to taxes and fines.
• Goods must arrive in Brazil within 180 days of your entry using the issued visa.
• The clearance process must begin within 45 days of the shipment's arrival.
• Your shipment must originate from your country of nationality or where you were living at the time of shipment.

Bringing special items

Restricted & prohibited items

For security reasons, it is not recommended to send personal electronic devices such as cameras, notebooks, tablets, iPods, and smartphones in sea shipments.

Frequently asked questions

What is a CPF and why is it important?
The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is your Brazilian taxpayer ID number. It is mandatory for all residents in Brazil and must be listed on your original Bill of Lading for customs clearance. Delays and charges will occur if it's missing.

Can I include new items in my household goods shipment?
Yes, new items are allowed for duty-free entry for temporary visa holders, but only in reasonable quantities that align with your personal profile and are not for commercial purposes. You may need to present purchase invoices or credit card statements.

What are the time limits for my shipment to arrive and be cleared?
Your goods must arrive in Brazil within 180 days following your entry into the country with your valid visa. The customs clearance process must then be initiated within 45 days of the shipment's arrival.

Do I need to be in Brazil for customs clearance?
Yes, you must be physically present in Brazil for the customs clearance process. Alternatively, you can provide a power of attorney to a local agent to act on your behalf.

What happens if my shipment is delayed at the port/airport?
If your shipment is held at the port or airport terminals without clearance, port and airport charges can become extremely high. After 45 days without the customs process being initiated, customs has the right to seize the shipment.

What information is required on the Bill of Lading?
The Bill of Lading must be consigned to your full name (as listed on your passport), include your CPF number, and your address in Brazil. It must also be rated showing the freight cost, correct gross weight in kilos, measurements in cubic meters, and a description of goods with the number of volumes.

For personalized assistance with your move to Brazil and to ensure all customs requirements are met, please contact relocation123.com.

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