Retiring In Brazil

Retiring in Brazil

Are you imagining a picture perfect retirement in a place that’s bright and warm, full of life with pockets of serenity, friendly and convenient - all for the right price? Brazil will likely exceed your expectations. The abundant sunshine can’t be beat, especially if you’re looking to escape dark and dreary winters. With extensive beaches, deep forest, sparkling cities and multiple climates, expats and retirees from all over the world choose Brazil. Plus, Brazil offers a relatively lower cost of living than many western countries making it an affordable option and increasing the appeal.

Your days are sure to be fulfilled in this destination which illuminates with life through culture, food and futbol among many other activities.

Read on to learn more about Brazil and determine whether it’s the perfect retirement destination for you.

Reasons to Retire in Brazil

Brazil is larger than the continental U.S. The weather in the equatorial northeast of the country is mild year-round, with blue water and swaying palms. Further inland are tucked lush mountain regions, colonial cities, and the enormous Amazon basin. Brazilian culture is one of the richest and most fascinating on the planet, with traces of Europe, Africa, and Asia along with its indigenous roots visible. Oh, and don’t forget about the annual Carnival in Rio, a cultural and creative extravaganza - freely participate or watch in awe!

Brazil is quite affordable for retirees. The quality of housing is very high considering the low cost of real estate in Brazil. A one-bedroom apartment in a city center averages about USD $450 per month, and USD $300 further from the center. Although, don’t skimp on rent - it’s wise to lease a more expensive apartment or house in a known safe area. A meal in an inexpensive restaurant costs under USD $10, on average. In a mid-range restaurant, a three-course meal for two people runs around USD $35. Not used to Brazilian cuisine? No worries, restaurants of every stripe will set a table for you in Brazil when you need a taste of home.

You will see more evidence of your purchasing power if you scout around for your new home. It is not unusual to find a comfortable waterfront home for less than USD $90,000, or comparatively, a country estate with acres of land and a lovely home for less than USD $125,000.

As for drawbacks, Proficiency in English is uncommon, particularly far from the larger main cities. Violent crime is an acknowledged issue in large cities. Visitors and expats should always remain aware of their surroundings and store valuables in a safe place. You’ll likely want to visit Brazil several times before you make a final decision regarding your move and your landing spot.

One of Brazil’s strongest attributes is its universal healthcare. The system is administered by cities and states, and is funded by local, state and federal taxes. Thus, public (government-funded) hospitals and clinics are free of charge and offer a full range of high quality services. Healthcare, including primary healthcare, outpatient treatments, mental health, hospital care, and prescription drug coverage is available to all legal residents of Brazil, including retirees living in Brazil on retiree visas. Although universal and free, wait times to access healthcare can be very long. Consider purchasing private health insurance if you anticipate health needs, or prefer not to wait for service.

It is likely you will find the cost of healthcare in Brazil to be less than in other countries, such as the US. Brazilian healthcare is separated between public and private facilities. Public hospitals are located in most major cities, they provide good service and are free for Brazilian residents, including qualifying expatriates. However, they are often crowded, and medical professionals are rarely fluent in English or other languages. If you do not speak or understand Portuguese, you will likely feel more at ease in an international hospital. Private hospitals provide excellent services. Many expatriates seek medical attention in private hospitals even without private medical insurance. The cost of Brazilian medical insurance to ensure constant access to the private system is approximately $R 6,000 per year.

Rio Beachwalk.jpeg

Rio de Janeiro. Urban beach walk.

Retirement Visa in Brazil

Brazil knows it’s got something good when it comes to attracting the comfortably retired, and maintains a retirement visa specifically for this purpose. Applicants for a Brazilian retiree visa must be over age 60 with a pension or investments that pay out at least $1,400 USD per month. Check with the Brazilian consulate to confirm the current minimum amount of monthly income as exchange rates fluctuate. Recent changes in the law now permit retirees to factor in non-pension income, such as annuities or stock dividends, to reach the minimum threshold.

Under the terms of the retirement visa, a verified income of USD $2,000 covers the principal applicant plus two dependents. Plan on bringing more than two dependents? You must demonstrate an additional USD $1,000 per month for each additional dependent after the first two. Brazil sets no limit on the number of your dependents who may receive permanent residence visas based on your approved status.

It's also important to note that the Brazilian retirement visa does not permit employment. You can consult an expert Advisor for more detailed inquiries on this matter.

Who is considered a potential dependent of a retiree under Brazilian immigration law?

Unmarried children, either minors under 18, or adult children with a documented inability to provide for themselves
Ascendants or descendants, with a demonstrated need for support by the principal retiree
If a child, grandchild, or great-grandchild is orphaned, unmarried, and under 18, or of any age with a documented inability to provide for themselves
A spouse or partner in a stable union, without distinction of sex

Purchasing Real Estate in Brazil as a Retiree

Additionally, Brazilian retirement visas allows individuals to purchase real estate and to reside on a long-term basis in Brazil. The Brazilian Temporary Visa for Retirees is available to qualified retired foreign nationals and, under new regulations, to the beneficiaries of deceased pensioners. It is initially granted for a two-year period and can be renewed. Recent changes to the retirement visa is intended to attract foreign investment to Brazil and stimulate the real estate market.

Apply for the visa one to two months before you travel at the Brazilian consulate with jurisdiction over your legal residence. Be prepared to provide the relevant vital records with accompanying apostilles and sworn translations.

Learn More About Retiring in Brazil

If you envision yourself spending your retired days endlessly soaking up bright Brazilian sunshine and smiles then get going. Dig-deeper into relevant topics related to moving to Brazil, browse qualified, bilingual Advisors and reach out for specific inquiries.

Retiring In Brazil