Step-by-step guide to moving from Europe to Brazil

Moving from Europe to Brazil involves legal, logistical, financial, and cultural planning. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you transition smoothly:


Step-by-Step Guide to Moving from Europe to Brazil


1. Define the Purpose of Your Move


Brazil offers different visa categories depending on your purpose:


  • Work (VITEM V or VITEM XI)
  • Study (VITEM IV)
  • Investment (VITEM IX)
  • Family Reunification (VITEM XI)
  • Retirement
  • Digital Nomad Visa
  • Permanent Residency (VITEM XIII)

🔹 Choose the one that fits your profile. 

2. Check Visa Requirements


Visit the official website of the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy in your country. Documents usually required:


  • Valid passport (6+ months validity)
  • Passport-sized photos
  • Criminal background check (from your home country)
  • Proof of income or employment
  • Health insurance
  • Marriage/birth certificates (for dependents)
  • Translations & apostilles for official documents

🔹 Submit all documents either online or at your nearest consulate.


3. Apply for a CPF Number (Brazilian Tax ID)


The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is essential in Brazil for:

  • Opening a bank account
  • Signing a lease
  • Buying property or a SIM card


💡 You can apply for a CPF at the Brazilian Consulate or after arrival at a Post Office or Receita Federal.


4. Apply for a Visa


Depending on the type:

  • Apply in your home country at the Brazilian Consulate.
  • Some temporary visas can be changed to permanent after arriving.

⏳ Processing time: usually 2–8 weeks.

5. Buy Travel Insurance


Mandatory for many visa types. It should cover:

  • Medical emergencies
  • Repatriation
  • COVID-19 coverage


6. Book Your Flight to Brazil


Common entry points:

  • São Paulo (GRU)
  • Rio de Janeiro (GIG)
  • Brasília (BSB)

🔹 Flights from Europe often connect via Lisbon, Madrid, or Frankfurt.



7. Prepare Your Finances


  • Notify your bank of international use
  • Set up international transfers (e.g., Wise, Revolut)
  • Open a multicurrency account if possible
  • Research exchange rates and transfer limits


🔹 Brazil has currency controls. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash into the country.


8. Find Accommodation


Options:

  • Short-term: Airbnb, hostels, hotels
  • Long-term: QuintoAndar, Zap Imóveis, OLX


💡 Rental agreements often require a CPF, guarantor (“fiador”), or rental insurance.


9. Plan for Health Insurance


  • Brazil has SUS (public healthcare) — free but limited in quality and speed
  • Private insurance recommended: Bradesco Saúde, SulAmérica, Amil, Unimed
  • Digital nomads and expats often use international insurance providers


10. Move Your Belongings

Options:

  • International shipping (containers via sea)
  • Air freight (costlier, faster)
  • Excess airline baggage


🧾 You may be exempt from import tax within 180 days if:


  • You have a permanent visa
  • Your items are used personal goods
  • You declare them with Brazilian customs


11. Register with the Federal Police


After arrival:

  • You must register within 90 days of entry (or earlier based on your visa type)
  • This gives you the RNE/CRNM (residence card)


📍 Go to the “Polícia Federal” office with your passport, visa, and other documents.



12. Set Up Life in Brazil


  • Get a SIM card (Vivo, TIM, Claro)
  • Open a bank account (Nubank, Banco do Brasil, Itaú)
  • Get a local driver’s license (CNH, possible exchange in some cases)
  • Enroll your children in school if applicable
  • Learn basic Portuguese (apps, classes, or tutors)



⚠️ Additional Tips:


  • Language: Portuguese is essential for most daily life tasks.
  • Taxes: After 183 days, you become a tax resident. Report global income.
  • Safety: Be aware of regional safety concerns (use apps like “Fogo Cruzado”).
  • Cultural: Brazilians are warm and informal, but bureaucracy is slow and paperwork-heavy.


✅ Documents Checklist


Document

Required for

Passport (valid 6+ months)

Entry and visa

Visa approval

Entry and residence

CPF (Tax ID)

Banking, renting

Criminal background check

Visa and registration

Birth/marriage certificates

Family reunification

Travel insurance

Visa application

Proof of funds/job

Visa approval

Apostilled and translated docs

Legal processes



The article is prepared to you by the team of dedicated professionals from Migrate Global.

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