Brazil, known for its cultural diversity and breathtaking landscapes, attracts many travelers and expatriates every year. For expatriates, Brazil offers a welcoming environment. According to the Expat Insider 2024 survey, the country ranks 7th out of 53 destinations for ease of integration, and 3rd for friendliness of locals. The cost of living can be high in Brazil. This is particularly true in big cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. Expenditure on housing and health care requires good financial preparation. As travelers, it’s important to find out about administrative formalities. For example, visa requirements. Find out about cultural differences, too, to help you integrate successfully!
A journey through unexpected landscapes
There’s much more to Brazil than lush forests and golden beaches. Although the country is home to over 60% of the Amazon rainforest, which stretches across nine countries, it offers much more than just tropical landscapes. With its 7,500 kilometers of coastline, Brazil is famous for its iconic beaches such as Ipanema and Copacabana. Its territory reveals an incredible geographical and ecological diversity!
One of Brazil’s natural wonders, Iguazu Falls, on the border with Argentina, is a breathtaking spectacle. The site is made up of 275 cascades over almost 3 kilometers, making it one of the world’s largest waterfalls. The country also boasts some impressive peaks, such as Pico da Neblina, Brazil’s highest point at 2,995 metres.
Brazil’s inland plateaus, such as the Planalto Central, offer contrasting landscapes with mountains, deep valleys and stunning rock formations. The Nordeste is distinguished by its vast sand dunes and semi-arid landscapes. They offer a totally different face from that of the tropical regions.
Brazil’s biodiversity is not confined to rural or protected areas. Even in big cities like Rio de Janeiro or São Paulo, it’s not uncommon to come across unusual species of urban wildlife, adding a wild touch to the urban environment. The Pantanal, the world’s largest floodplain, is another example of the country’s natural wealth, home to an extraordinary fauna with an unrivalled density of wild animals.
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Understanding Brazilian cultural traits
People recognize Brazil for its cultural and ethnic diversity, reflecting a history rich in varied influences. This diversity translates into a warmth and friendliness that are an integral part of Brazilian culture. Brazilians are known for being warm and tactile, frequently using hugs to say hello or goodbye.
Communication is also very gestural in Brazil. Their attachment to celebrations such as Carnival, as well as music and dance, embody the Brazilian joie de vivre. These traits make Brazil a welcoming and open country, where human relations are central.
How to travel to Brazil
French nationals can visit Brazil for up to 90 days without needing a visa. A passport valid for at least six months and an exit ticket are required to enter the country. If you wish to stay longer, you will need a long-stay visa.
Long-stay visas
If you wish to settle in Brazil for a longer period, you will need to obtain an appropriate visa. These visas are issued according to your situation and the nature of your stay.
- Temporary visas :
- VITEM I: For educational exchanges, scientific research or voluntary work.
- VITEM III: Issued for artistic or sporting stays, or for professionals taking part in specific events.
- VITEM IV: For studies or internships.
- VITEM VI: For foreign journalists and press correspondents.
- Work visas :
People wishing to work in Brazil can obtain a work visa under certain conditions. There are several types of work visa.
- VITEM V: A temporary visa valid for two years, renewable, for skilled workers.
- VITEM II: For short-term business trips, with no possibility of remuneration by a Brazilian company.
- Permanent work visa: Granted to workers with long-term contracts, or to professionals with skills that are rare in Brazil.
The process of obtaining a work visa can be complex. The Brazilian company hiring you must prove that there are no qualified local candidates for the position. What’s more, permanent residency allows you to work without needing a specific work visa.
- Permanent visa :
To become a permanent resident, you must meet certain conditions.
- Family reunification: Marriage to a Brazilian citizen or union with a permanent resident.
- Investment: Invest a significant amount in the Brazilian economy.
- High-level research: Be a renowned researcher or academic.
- Company representative: sent to Brazil by a company, foreign financial institution or holding company.
Retiree Visa
The VITEM XIV visa is for retirees with a pension income of at least USD 2,000 per month. This visa is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Living and working in Brazil
To work in Brazil, it’s essential to obtain a work visa, as we’ve seen. The “classic” route to living in Brazil.
- Finding a job: The first step is to land a job. This is often facilitated by networking or the involvement of recruitment agencies specializing in expatriation.
- Document translation: Have your CV, diplomas and references translated into Portuguese, as language is an important criterion in the Brazilian recruitment process.
- Application for authorization to hire: Your future employer must apply to the Brazilian authorities for authorization to hire a foreigner. This is essential to obtain a work visa.
- Visa application: Once your employment authorization has been granted, you can apply for a work visa at the Brazilian consulate in your country of residence.
- Registering with the Federal Police: As soon as you arrive in Brazil, you must register with the Federal Police to obtain your residence permit, the Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros (RNE).
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The Brazilian job market
Brazil, the world’s twelfth-largest economy, offers many job opportunities, although the market is highly competitive. Legislation requires Brazilian companies to employ at least two-thirds Brazilian staff. This obligation can make it difficult to hire foreigners. There are many opportunities for French nationals wishing to settle in Brazil, such as in the automotive, tourism and information and communication technology sectors.
Opportunities vary considerably from region to region. For example, São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro concentrate a large proportion of jobs in the service and industrial sectors. The northern and north-eastern regions are more focused on agriculture and the exploitation of natural resources.
Working conditions in Brazil
In Brazil, legal working hours vary between 40 and 44 hours a week, spread over five or six days depending on the sector. Brazilian companies are renowned for their relaxed working atmosphere. Relations are often friendly, even between different hierarchical levels. However, it’s important to note that the working environment can differ greatly depending on the company and the region.
The Brazilian healthcare system
The Brazilian healthcare system is divided into two main sectors: public and private, each with its own characteristics and challenges. Find out more about the Brazilian healthcare system in our webinar on this topic!
The public healthcare system (SUS)
The Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS) is Brazil’s public health insurance scheme, providing free access to medical care for all residents of the country, regardless of income. SUS is based on the principle of universality. It aims to guarantee everyone the right to healthcare, whether for medical consultations, hospitalization, vaccinations or emergency care. However, despite being an essential pillar of the Brazilian healthcare system, SUS is often criticized by many for its limitations. Waiting times for care can be very long, and the quality of services is often basic due to underfunding and limited resources.
The private healthcare system
In Brazil, around 70% of hospitals are privately owned, offering a high-quality alternative to SUS. These private establishments are often better equipped, with modern infrastructures and faster access to care. The services offered in the private sector are generally equivalent to, or even better than, European and North American standards. However, private-sector care is expensive. For example, a consultation with a general practitioner can cost around 100 euros, and specialist care or hospitalization can entail much higher expenses.
Health coverage for French expatriates in Brazil
Expatriates should consider taking out international health insurance before leaving for Brazil. This insurance covers healthcare costs in the private sector, where care is of better quality and waiting times are much shorter.
- Membership of the Caisse des Français de l’Étranger (CFE) : CFE offers coverage similar to that of French Social Security. You can also take out additional insurance to cover excess costs in Brazil’s private sector.
- First-euro international insurance: This option allows you to be reimbursed from the first euro spent, without having to go through the French Social Security system. This type of insurance generally includes repatriation assistance, a crucial element in the event of a serious health problem.
To choose the best health cover for your expatriation to Brazil, consult santexpat.fr for personalized advice. We tailor our solutions to your needs, taking into account the particularities of the Brazilian healthcare system.
