Brazil

"Ordem e progresso" ("Order and progress")

overview

Welcome to Brazil

Brazil, the largest country in South America, is famous for its Amazon rainforest, vibrant culture, and iconic cities like Rio de Janeiro. With a diverse economy that includes agriculture, industry, and technology, Brazil plays a crucial role in the global market.

overview

Brazil Essentials

National Anthem

Hino Nacional Brasileiro

Independence Day

September 7, 1822

Haiko

Amazon rainforest / Samba rhythms fill the air / Christ the Redeemer

Interesting Tradition

Celebrates Festa do Boi-Bumbá a folklore festival featuring a resurrected ox

Weirdest Local Superstition

Eating seven grapes at midnight on New Year's

Strangest Law Still on the Books

Illegal to be a fortune teller

overview

Come for the history, stay for the future

Come for the energy, stay for the endless possibilities: Brazil pulses with an infectious vitality that transforms visitors into lifelong devotees. From sunrise acai bowls on Copacabana to evening samba in Salvador, life here is lived in vibrant color. The country's entrepreneurial spirit and welcoming culture have created a thriving ecosystem for international talent, supported by recent visa modernization and investment programs that make embracing the Brazilian way of life more accessible than ever.

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Vamos lá

Immerse yourself in a land where 'jeitinho' isn't just ingenuity, but the key to unlimited potential. Here, you're joining a symphony of cultures crafting tomorrow's opportunities.

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Bem-vindo ao Brazil

Famous for its Carnival Brazil is where samba and soccer are life!

Brazil isn't just a country—it's a celebration of life itself. Here, time moves to the rhythm of samba, and even a simple street corner can burst into spontaneous festival. This is a land where nature's abundance and human joy create an irresistible energy.

From the mighty Amazon rainforest to the sun-kissed beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil offers wonder for every kind of adventurer. Whether you're drawn to the thundering Iguaçu Falls, the colonial charm of Salvador, or the modern pulse of São Paulo, you'll find a country that embraces life with unmatched passion and vibrancy.

Statistics

Savor the Flavor

Eat

feijoada (black bean and pork stew) - pão de queijo (cheese bread balls)

Drink

caipirinha (cachaça with lime and sugar) - guaraná (carbonated fruit drink)

overview

Com sede?

Beer

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

66

Wine

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2

Coffee

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

1.94

Tea

Annual consumption (liters per capita)

2.63

overview

Cultural Tips and Etiquette

#1
Personal space is minimal - closeness is normal
#2
Samba is more than dance - it's cultural identity
#3
Beach culture has specific social rules
#4
Feijoada gatherings are important social bonds
#5
Football discussions can be deeply personal

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Brazil Essentials

Representative Novel

The Hour of the Star by Clarice Lispector (Captures the essence of Brazil's urban poor)

National Animal

Rufous-bellied thrush

National Pasttime

Football (Soccer)

National Souvenir

Havaianas flip-flops

National Dish

Feijoada

Famous Festival

Carnival

Famous Dance

Samba

Famous Music

Samba

overview

Did You Know?

Brazil is home to the world's largest carnival celebration.

Rio de Janeiro's famous festivities attract millions of revelers each year.

The country boasts an impressive football legacy.

They have won the FIFA World Cup a record five times.

Brazil’s cuisine ranks #9 in the world.

Brazil's diverse culinary scene includes the beloved feijoada, and world-famous churrasco barbecue.

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Brazil’s Key Historical Events

1,500

April 2014

Portuguese land in the area and claim it for the Portuguese crown.

1822

July 2014

The son of the Portuguese king declares independence from Portugal and crowns himself Pedro I, emperor of Brazil.

1888

February 2015

Slavery is abolished. A year later, Brazil's monarchy is overthrown and a federal republic is established; in subsequent decades, government is dominated by European coffee plantation owners.

1939-45

March 2015

Brazil initially declares itself neutral but in 1943 joins Allies in World War Two. A Brazilian expeditionary force fights in Italy.

2023

October 2016

Thousands of Bolsonaro supporters ransack government buildings in Brasilia. Their actions are widely condemned. The government vows to arrest those responsible.

MOBILITY

Access Brazil Residency Rights on the GlobalPassport™ Platform 

NO. OF Mobility Assets

3

MOBILITY

Citizenship Pathways and
Residency Requirements

Citizenship by Birth
Yes
Citizenship by DESCENT
Yes
Citizenship by MARRIAGE
1 years
DUAL Citizenship
Yes
RESIDENCY BY Naturalization
4
PASSPORT VALIDITY
10 years

MOBILITY

Passport Power

Visa Free Countries

147

Performance Class

Global Contender

Passport Grade

B+

Rank

55

Score

144.6

This visa grants access to:

• 38% of the world's population 

• 73% of UNESCO sites 

• 43% of global GDP 

• 49% of the world's land area 

MOBILITY

Visa-free access to:

MOBILITY

Number of American Emigrants to Brazil by Year 

Year
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
Brazil
238,998
244,567
255,952
273,338
263,470
252,159
273,226

MOBILITY

Compare My Passport

Select up to 3 Mobility Assets
Mobility Asset
Approval Time (est.)
Appointment Availability
Term (i.e. duration)
Minimum Investment
Physical Presence Requirement
Cost of Living
English Usage
Quality of Life
Healthcare Ranking
Passport Power
Visa-free Country Access
Number of American Expats
More Details

Rankings

Brazil's Global Rankings 

Brazil shows strength in climate quality (#6) and maintains affordable living costs (#91). While facing some challenges our analysis covers its performance across economic and lifestyle metrics.

Exceptional performance
Standard performance
Needs Improvement
Rankings are based on 2023-2024 Global Indices and Assessments from recognized international organizations. Updated quarterly to reflect the most recent available data
91
Cost of Living
2024
Highly Affordable
35
Quality of Life
2024
Very Good
131
Safety
2024
Low
44
Happiness
2024
High
142
Tax Burden
2024
Moderate Load
70
English Proficiency
2023
Low Proficiency
83
Rule of Law
2024
Weak
83
Healthcare System
2024
Basic Coverage
6
Pleasant Climate
2024
Very Pleasant

Healthcare

Healthcare Overview

Key Health Indicators

Median Age

33.9

years

Life Expectancy

76.0

years

Obesity Rate

22.10%

Tobacco Use

12.00%

Sources

Health care Indicators

Health Expenditure

9.89%

of GDP

Hospital Beds

2.09

per 1000 people

Doctors

2.1

per 1000 people

Out-of-pocket

22.65%

of total expenditure

Sources

Healthcare

Did you Know?

Universal Healthcare (SUS)

Brazil provides universal healthcare through the Unified Health System (SUS), offering free medical services to all citizens and residents.

Private Healthcare Options

In addition to public services, Brazil has a robust private healthcare sector that many residents and expatriates use for quicker and more specialized care.

High-Quality Hospitals

Brazil is home to some of the highest-rated hospitals in Latin America, with advanced medical technology and well-trained healthcare professionals.

Healthcare for Expats

Expatriates living in Brazil have access to both public and private healthcare options, with many choosing private insurance for better services.

Medical Tourism

Brazil is a popular medical tourism destination, known for its affordable cosmetic surgeries and high-quality specialized medical treatments.

Healthcare

United Healthcare Coverage Service Index (2000 - 2021)

Healthcare

Healthcare Cost Calculator

cost of living

Cost of Living Overview

Brazil presents a varied cost of living landscape. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro are the most expensive cities. Housing costs in major urban centers can be high. Food is generally affordable, especially local produce. Utilities are moderately priced. Public transportation in cities is reasonably priced but can be crowded. Education expenses vary widely between public and private institutions.

Cost of Gasoline

$1.03

per liter

Cost of Meal

$5.48

(Inexpensive Restaurant)

Monthly Rent

$333.42

(1 bedroom, City Center)

Monthly Utilities

$69.65

(85m² Apartment)

Domestic Beer

$1.83

(0.5 liter draught)

VAT Rate

17%-25%

cost of living

Cost of Living plus Rent Map

cost of living

Cost of Living Calculator

cost of living

Rent Calculator

Taxation

Taxation Overview

Understanding Brazil's tax system is vital before moving there.+Brazil taxes residents on their worldwide income and non-residents on Brazilian-source income, with progressive income tax rates ranging from 0% to 27.5%. Social security contributions are mandatory. A Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas (CPF) number is required for tax purposes.+Brazil has a double taxation treaty with the United States, which helps mitigate potential dual taxation issues.

Tax Residency Requirement

183 days

Worldwide Income Taxation

Yes

Higher Rates for Foreign Assets

Yes

US Double Taxation Treaty

Yes

Personal Income

Progressive tax rate based on income levels

0%-27.5%

Personal Capital Gains

Flat rate on investment gains

15%-22.5%

Inheritance

Based on inherited amount and relationship

0%-8%

Corporate Income

Standard corporate tax rate applied to business profits

34%

Corporate Capital Gains

Tax rate applied to capital gains from corporate investments

34%

Dividends

Withholding tax rate applied to dividend distributions

0%

Interest

Withholding rate interest payment to non-residens

15%-22.5%

Royalties

Withholding tax rate for royalty payments

0%

Work Assignment

Foreign individuals are considered tax residents if they hold permanent visas or temporary work visas with a Brazilian employment contract from the date of arrival, or if they hold temporary visas without a Brazilian employment contract after completing 183 days of actual physical presence in Brazil (consecutive or not) within a 12-month period.

Overall Ranking

Global position in PWC’c Ease of Paying Taxes ranking

184

Ease of Paying Taxes Score

Overall score based on multiple factors

34.4

Total Tax and Cotribution Rate

TTCR percentage including all mandatory contributtions

65.1
%

Time to Comply

Annual hours required to comply with tax regulations

1501
HOURS

Number of Payments

Total number of tax payments required annually

9.6

Post-filing Index

Score measuring the ease of processes after filing taxes

7.8
%

taxation

Tax Burden Map

taxation

Income Tax Calculator

CLIMATE

Climate Type

Mostly tropical, but temperate in south

Average Temperature

25.44 °C

Humidity

80

%

Average Annual Precipitation

1,761

mm

Rainless Days per Year

245

Best Time to Travel

September-October

Questions?

Frequently Asked Questions About Gaining Residency or Citizenship in Brazil

Find answers to common questions about GlobalPassport™ and our tools guiding you towards residency or citizenship in Brazil.

What Mobility Assets are available to me in Brazil?

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Do I need to speak Portuguese to apply for residency or citizenship in Brazil?

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Can my family members apply for residency or citizenship in Brazil with me?

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How will the GlobalPassport™ help me move to Brazil?

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Can I keep my own citizenship?

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