Moving to Brazil

Moving to Brazil from the UK

Moving to Brazil offers an exciting opportunity to experience one of the world’s most vibrant and diverse cultures. Known for its stunning landscapes, from the Amazon rainforest to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is a country full of natural beauty and lively cities. For UK expats, settling into Brazilian life means embracing a culture rich in music, dance, and cuisine, as well as the warm hospitality that Brazilians are known for. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or simply the adventure of it, Brazil’s welcoming spirit and dynamic lifestyle make it a captivating destination.

Brazil has its own unique way of life, with regional differences in culture, language accents, and daily routines. Getting familiar with the Portuguese language is essential for connecting with locals and navigating daily life, as it’s the official language and widely spoken in all parts of the country. Beyond language, you’ll also want to explore the varied housing options, healthcare systems, and education opportunities available.

Removals to Brazil

Whether you are buying or renting, your home in Brazil won’t feel like home without your possessions. Britannia Movers International specialises in helping families and individuals to move their belongings quickly and safely from the UK to destinations all over Brazil. We offer decades of experience in relocation services, combined with local knowledge to tailor the move to your individual requirements.

A Britannia Movers International expert will arrange a time to meet with you and visit your home. This means you can discuss everything you wish and ask as many questions as you like. This meeting will allow us to get to know you, understand the scale of your move and discuss any concerns or special requirements you have.

Furthermore, it will give our removals expert the opportunity to carry out an international moving survey. This is often helpful for our clients as they can then decide what needs to be shipped to Brazil, what is going into storage, and what is being sold and recycled.

During this meeting we will ask questions regarding your budget, timeframe and any potential moving dates. Whilst these aren’t set in stone then and there, it is ideal for us to have a rough idea so we can build your bespoke moving package and suss out any additional help you may need. Your representative will draw up your international removal plan based solely on your needs, and this will be sent to you for approval.

International Removals to Brazil

Britannia can offer you a door-to-door service to Brazil and can either ship your effects by sole use container or – for smaller shipments – a crate known as an LCL. In addition, we can offer a door-to-door air freight service to some destinations in Brazil. Our agents in Brazil will arrange customs clearance, and deliver and unpack the effects, including removal of debris on day of delivery.

Our trained removers can pack and wrap all your items to ensure that they are transported safely. If you choose a full door-to-door shipping service to Brazil, Britannia will deliver your belongings all the way to your new home.

Typically, sole use containers take an average of 6-7 weeks to arrive in Brazil. Crated (LCL) consignments may take longer, on average 7-9 weeks. Airfreight consignments may take considerably less time on average, 7-14 working days subject to customs and port clearance.

Additional Removal Services to Brazil

Britannia has been helping people move all over the world for decades and there isn’t a situation we haven’t faced. Whether it’s moving to Brazil with a pet or transporting your vehicle, Britannia has got you covered.

No matter where you are move to in Brazil and wherever from, we can handle the paperwork and visas that you will need- all new migrants must have the required Visa and CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas – Brazilian Social Security Number). We know that paperwork can be a nightmare and stressful, so we aim to minimise that as much as possible for you, by handling it ourselves where possible.

Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you with all the personalised specifics to do with your move or you can request a quote.

Emigrating to Brazil

Regarded by many as one of the most exotic countries in the world, and famous for its exciting cities, carnivals, and lifestyle, Brazil is a popular location for tourists and expats alike. While the country also has a relatively strong economy, its attraction lies in its diversity of landscapes and natural scenes, cultures, and in the adventures it offers Europeans looking for something different.

Brazil is the largest and only Portuguese-speaking country in South America and is the fifth largest country in the world. It is one of the fastest growing economies in the world and has a free market economy with abundant natural resources. Despite its economic strength and development, certain regions of Brazil are characterised by harsh poverty, and inequalities among the population. Life in Brazil can be difficult, but if you manage to find suitable employment, you should be able to live reasonably well, especially as living costs are relatively low.

Brazil has a rich biodiversity, a fun-loving culture and amazing sceneries for those looking for a different way of life. One thing is for sure – if you are moving to Brazil permanently, you will enjoy great food, will immerse yourself in a new culture and lifestyle and will see some of the most stunning landscapes in the world.

Transit Options to Brazil

If you have made the decision to move to Brazil, you may feel overwhelmed as you try and get your affairs in order. More often than not one of the biggest stresses when moving abroad is figuring out how to transport your belongings.

No item is too big or small for the team here at Britannia. You may be interested in some of our additional services to help make your move easier. Packing, insurance and pet transport are all additional options that we offer our clients.

Whatever services you require, we are ready to sit down and chat about even the minor details to help make sure you are completely prepared for your move.

Brazilian Visas

Expats, in order to enter Brazil, will need a valid passport that has an expiry date longer than six months. A visa will also be required. Those who are visiting Brazil as a tourist, or on business, can obtain a visa on arrival into Brazil that lasts for up to 90 days. If you are moving to Brazil, you will need to secure a different visa from a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your home country. However, Britannia is able to help you with the visa process too.

Migrants into Brazil will often opt for one of the following two visas:

• Work visa – any foreigner wanting to work in Brazil must have this visa or Brazilian residency. You should have a job secured before your move to apply for this visa as your employer will submit the work permit application on your behalf.
• Permanent visa – issued to individuals who seek residency or look to retire in Brazil.

Living in Brazil

In an ideal world none of us would relocate without visiting the country we intend to move to beforehand. It is important to get a feel for its climate, its culture and its customs to be sure that it really offers all that we are looking for. Even more so than many other countries, Brazil varies enormously between mountain and beach, from rural areas to urban centre and from city to city. Decide what features are most important to you, research the areas that best tick the boxes and try to visit them all before you make your decision about exactly where to relocate.

If you are moving to Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, then you may want to consider renting first or spending time in different neighbourhoods before moving. Both of these cities are huge with infrastructure and facilities changing rapidly between different areas, especially in Rio de Janeiro. You may also want to factor in the time that you could be spending on public transport or driving to work as the traffic systems can be chaotic. In cities such as Porto Alegre and Brasilia this is less of a problem, though still worth investigating beforehand.

If you are relocating for work, a visit beforehand may not be possible. In this case, simply try to find out as much as you can before you go. With so much information available on the internet, it is easy to find the answers to just about every question imaginable. It is even possible to arrange viewings or rent a property online before you leave the UK.

Weather in Brazil

Brazil is blessed with a tropical climate. However, due to its size and different landscapes, the weather is different across different locations. The north-east of the country is how people stereotype Brazil’s climate; hot, tropical and humid. The south of the country tends to be more temperate and experience a greater diversity in weather patterns.

Winter in Brazil spans the months of June to August, whereas winter falls December, January and February. In the winter the southern areas of Brazil can experience frosts and snow and the average temperature tends to vary between 13°C and 18°C. Summertime temperatures can reach 45°C and expats should be prepared for intense humidity.

The majority of expats settle in Rio de Janeiro, Sao Paulo, or Brasilia. Rio is located on the coast and summer temperatures can hit a staggering 40°C, with an annual average of 26°C. Sao Paula and Brasilia benefit from being situated on the inland plateau where temperatures are less extreme, with an annual average of 20°C.

Rio de Janeiro

Boa Vista

Jobs in Brazil

Brazil’s economy is flourishing thanks to a global rise in the price of food and oil, both of which Brazil is a big producer. Brazil produces coffee, cocoa, oranges, soya beans and sugar cane, as well as hydroelectric power.

Sectors that have seen rapid growth are:

• Agriculture
• Engineering and environmental management
• Food manufacturing
• Mining
• Oil and gas renewable energy

There are jobs available in these sectors for highly skilled foreign workers.

Brazil also has a large and dynamic services industry. For English speakers, job opportunities will be more readily available in the big cities of Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Brasilia (the capital) and Porto Alegre.

Additionally, there are jobs available in the manufacturing, construction and engineering of a high-speed rail network throughout Brazil. The local population doesn’t always have the necessary skills to progress such a project, so workers with technical qualifications are required from other countries.

International candidates who can speak Portuguese, have good knowledge of the country, and can display an interest in Brazilian culture and life, are best positioned to find work. It can often help to already be based in Brazil when applying.

Education in Brazil

School is compulsory from the age of six in Brazil and the country has an array of both public and private schools. The school system is split into three tiers; elementary, high school and higher education. Despite it being compulsory for children to attend school for a minimum of seven years, between the ages of seven and 14, sadly this is a rule which is rarely enforced.

For this reason, many people assume that public schools in Brazil are substandard. However, some have a high level of teaching and are a great place for expat children to learn Portuguese fluently and make Brazilian friends. Parents should visit a public school to see how they function – the school day is split into morning, afternoon and evening sessions because the number of pupils is so high. Children will attend one of these sessions which will account for their school day.

The majority of private and international schools in Brazil are located on Sao Paulo, Brasilia and Rio de Janeiro. Brazilian private schools follow the local curriculum, which has a strong focus on languages and religion. Private school fees are cheaper than international schools, which is a draw for some parents.

International schools give foreign students the opportunity to study the curriculum of their country or study towards an International Baccalaureate – a qualification recognised by universities worldwide.

Healthcare in Brazil

Expats can receive free care and treatment in any state hospitals as Brazil has a public healthcare service. However, the majority of foreigners tend to take out private healthcare policies as the quality of public facilities can often be substandard. For those who are caught in an emergency situation and taken straight to a public hospital you can be transferred to a private facility when you are stable.

Expats should be aware that, upon admittance into a private facility, they will be expected to pay a large deposit. For this reason, any health insurance papers should be carried at all times as they will be needed for the admissions process and will guarantee reimbursement of charges.

For non-emergencies, expats are encouraged to visit one of the many farmacia (pharmacies) located in the towns and cities of Brazil.

Cost of Living in Brazil

Compared to the UK, general costs of living in Brazil are cheaper. However, education fees can really elevate monthly costs for expats if an employer hasn’t included these in a relocation package. Rental prices, eating out and groceries are significantly cheaper compared to the UK.

According to Numbeo, the cost of living in Brazil is 54.7 lower than in the UK, not including rent. Rent alone will be nearly 75% lower in Brazil. The difference in salaries also reflects this, with the average monthly wage in Brazil being 86.7% lower than in the UK.

Brazil Currency

The currency of Brazil is the real, often abbreviated to BRL, and divided into 100 centavos. Notes are available in denominations of 100, 50, 20, 10, 5 and 2 BRL. There is also a 1 BRL coin, and centavos come in 5, 25, 10, or 5.

Cost of Everyday Items in Brazil

You can check out some of the items you are likely to purchase regularly whilst living in Brazil below. Prices are shown in Brazilian Real and converted to UK pounds alongside the price in the UK so you can see how costs match up.

Renting in Brazil

Rental properties in Brazil fall into one of three categories: private rentals, assisted private rentals and short-term rentals. The majority of expats tend to live in large cities such as Rio de Janeiro or Sao Paulo. However, Belem and Manaus are rising in popularity. Rental prices are more expensive in the larger cities but are still considerably cheaper compared to the UK.

Buying Property in Brazil

Foreigners are free to purchase property in Brazil, as long as it is not deemed a rural property or close the country’s borders. There can be some unscrupulous estate agents so always make sure they are recognised by the Brazillian certifying body, the CRECI, short for Conselhos Regionais de Corretores de Imoveis.

Some of the best property search sites in Brazil include Vivareal, Zap and Imovelweb. However, visiting a local trusted estate agent is also a great option.

Brazilian Culture

There is a vast mix of people living in Brazil which contributes to its varied culture. European and African citizens have a great impact on the country and modern-day Brazil is quite complex in terms of its population.

One huge factor linking to culture is the fact that 80% of Brazil’s population is of Roman Catholic faith. This is mainly due to a large Portuguese population that came to Brazil in the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th centuries.

As well as religion, Brazilians focus whole heartedly on the family and family values. A typical Brazilian family tends to be large, with extended family and friends all becoming very close and supportive. Expats should be prepared to become part of the family when befriending Brazilian nationals.

Languages in Brazil

The official language of Brazil is Portuguese. It is the mother tongue for the majority of the population. However, there are around 220 other spoken languages in the country. Unsurprisingly, Spanish is the second most spoken language, followed by French, German, Japanese and Italian. Unlike other countries, only 5% of Brazil’s population can speak fluent English.

If you are moving to Brazil, it is highly advised to learn some Portuguese before you arrive to make life easier. As the dominant language you can expect everything to be carried out in Portuguese and locals will find it disrespectful if you do not at least try to master the language.

Brazil Food and Drink

Just like Brazil’s culture there are European, African and Amerindian influences when it comes to cuisine too. The national dish of the country is feijoada; a sew made from black beans. It takes over 24 hours to prepare and cook – Brazilian women take great pride in this dish.

Brazil is also famous for its barbecue and only the finest cuts will do in the eyes of the locals. In the north barbecues are stacked with charcoal, whereas in the south people cook over wood. Either way, prepare to indulge in your usual cuts of meat as well as wild boar and chicken hearts.

If you are an expat with a sweet tooth, you won’t be left disappointed in Brazil. Brigadeiros are essentially chocolate truffles made by simmering condensed milk and cocoa butter together, followed by whisking in butter. The mixture is then separated and rolled into balls and doused in sprinkles.

In contrast, is the egg-based sweet of quindim. Eggs, sugar, coconut, and butter are blended together and baked in cupcake-sized moulds. The bottom is toasted and dense with caramelised coconut, whilst the top is a firm custard.

Public Holidays in Brazil

There are 12 annual holidays in Brazil. However, there are other region or job specific holidays too that you will need to research when arriving in the country. Below are all of the public holidays that apply to Brazil as a whole.

• New Years Day – 1^st January
• Carnival – March or April
• Good Friday – March or April
• Easter Sunday – March or April
• Tirandentes Day – 22^nd April
• Labor Day – 1^st May
• Corpus Christi – May or June
• Independence Day – 7^th September
• Nossa Senhora de Aparecida – 12^th October
• All Souls’ Day – 2^nd November
• Proclamation of the Republic – 15^th November
• Christmas Day – 25^th December

Choose Britannia for Your Brazil Relocation

If you are thinking about moving to Brazil and want to find out more about our international removal services or request a quote, you can call us on 0845 6006661 or email sales@britannia-movers.co.uk. Our team will be happy to discuss how we can help you with your international relocation.