The Global Expat Hub
Brazil
Warmest welcome in the survey and the biggest riser this year; safety is the trade-off to plan around.
Your plan for Brazil checklist · timeline · cost breakdown
Estimates for one adult before ongoing rent and living costs; couples and families scale up. Tap a plan for the full breakdown.
Top cities for expats in Brazil
Costs and character vary significantly within Brazil. Here are the cities our readers compare most.
Latin America's financial capital — diverse, vibrant and full of opportunity
Beaches, culture and carnival energy — iconic but demanding
Island city beloved by remote workers — beaches and startup culture
Cool climate, European feel and high quality of life by Brazilian standards
Brazil by the numbers editorial estimates in US dollars
SafetyWing's Nomad Insurance is built for expats and remote workers — international coverage in 185+ countries from around $40/month, no long-term commitment needed.
Get a free quote from SafetyWing →🔗 Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page earn The Global Expat Hub a small referral fee at no extra cost to you. Our country scores, ratings and editorial content are never influenced by affiliate or advertising relationships. Learn more.
🌤️ Climate
Tropical in the north and northeast, subtropical in the south with mild winters. Rio is hot and humid, Florianópolis temperate.
Mean temperatures for São Paulo; seasons are reversed from the northern hemisphere.
🌧️ Rain & snow
Rainfall about 1,400 mm (55 in) a year.
Snow Rare, southern highlands only.
⚖️ The law
Official legislationPortal da Legislação (Planalto) ↗
OverviewLaw of Brazil on Wikipedia ↗
Driving On the right. Licence rules →
🏛️ Taxes
Property tax IPTU 0.3–1.5% of assessed value.
Local & regional income tax None; national 0–27.5%.
🎓 University
Public federal universities free (competitive entry); private $3–10k/yr.
📱 Phone & eSIM
Carriers Vivo, Claro, TIM.
Average cost Local SIM or eSIM with generous data about $12/month; a 30-day travel eSIM (Airalo, Holafly, Saily and similar) around $20 for 10 GB.
Sponsored
🎁 Schemes to attract expats
- Digital Nomad visa
- Retiree visa on ~$2,000/mo pension
- Investor visa from ~R$500k
Figures are national averages for planning, not quotes; big cities run higher. Tax schemes change often and carry conditions. Verify before you rely on them.
Official sources for Brazil embassies, warnings, law and reference
Government, intergovernmental and reference sites only; no reviews or opinion. Links open in a new tab.
Ratings & warnings independent
Follows your Mid-range tier partner listings match your budget
Services & daily life one labelled partner per page
Life in Brazil faith, wellbeing, shopping and play
Holidays & festivalsNational holidays, closures and the festivals worth planning aroundSearch for jobs for free, or post a job — free.
Roles open to foreigners in Brazil: remote work you can do from São Paulo, and in-person jobs with employers who hire from abroad. Searching for and posting expat jobs is always free, for job seekers and employers alike. Every listing stays live for 60 days.
Latest listings. Example listings shown until the first real posts go live.
See all jobs in Brazil and post a job →
In the meantime, search these trusted remote job boards
Free to use. These are independent sites we like; opening in a new tab. Come back to post your own role here — posting is always free.
Frequently asked questions
Is Brazil safe for expats?
Brazil scores 40 out of 100 for safety on The Global Expat Hub, and 68 out of 100 for liveability — #25 of the 52 countries we cover. The full breakdown, including official warnings and regional differences, is on the safety page linked from this page.
What is the cost of living in Brazil?
The Global Expat Hub estimates a mid-range lifestyle in Brazil from around $1,600 per month. The figures are national averages for planning, not quotes — big cities run higher — and this page breaks costs down by tier and city.
Can I move to Brazil?
Yes. The routes and incentives The Global Expat Hub lists for Brazil include: Digital Nomad visa; retiree visa on ~$2,000/mo pension; investor visa from ~R$500k. Step-by-step visa and residency detail is on the visa pages linked from this page.
What is the best city in Brazil for expats?
The top cities for expats in Brazil profiled on this page are São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Florianópolis. Brasília is the capital. Each city profile includes typical rent and character to help you compare.