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Exercise a high degree of caution
Exercise a high degree of caution in Brazil due to high crime rates and regular incidents of gang-related and other violence in urban areas.
Brazil
Portuguese‑speaking Brazil unites Amazonian jungles, carnival streets and sun‑drenched coastlines under a single, vibrant flag.
Overview
Brazil’s massive territory spans the Amazon basin, bustling metropolises like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, and a sun‑lit northeast coast celebrated for its music and cuisine. Portuguese unites the nation, while regional cultures—African‑influenced rhythms, indigenous traditions and European legacies—create a kaleidoscope of experiences.
At a glance
Languages
- Portuguese(Official)
- English(Widespread)
- French(Widespread)
- Spanish(Widespread)
Population213,421,037
CurrencyBrazilian Real (BRL)
1 BRL = 0.1955 USD
1 USD = 5.1141 BRL
Cost of living
Numbeo publishes these source indexes relative to New York City.
Cost of LivingPotentially much less expensiveSource category: All | 2026
RentPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Rent | 2026
GroceriesPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Grocery | 2026
RestaurantPotentially much less expensiveSource category: Restaurant | 2026
Local Purchasing PowerMuch weaker local purchasing powerSource category: Purchasing Power | 2026
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Quality of life
Quality of LifeStrongSource category: Quality Of Life | 2026 | Overall quality of life index
SafetyLimitedSource category: Safety | 2026 | Safety index (100 = safest)
HealthcareMixedSource category: Healthcare | 2026 | Healthcare quality index (100 = best healthcare)
PollutionModerateSource category: Pollution | 2026 | Pollution index (100 = most polluted)
TrafficHighSource category: Traffic | 2026 | Overall traffic index (considers time + inefficiency + CO2)
Sources
- Numbeo Cost of Living Index
Entry requirements
Visa and residency reference data is available for Digital Nomad, Citizenship, Investor, and 3 more.
Digital Nomad
- Digital Nomad Visa / Residence Authorization
CNIG Resolution 45 route for immigrants who work remotely in Brazil for a foreign employer or service client.
- 1 year, renewable
- Remote/foreign employment only
Citizenship
- Ordinary Naturalization
Ordinary naturalization route requiring indefinite residence, communication in Portuguese, and criminal-record and residence documentation covering the previous four years.
Investor
- Real Estate Investment Residence Authorization
Residence authorization route for foreign nationals making a qualifying urban real-estate investment in Brazil.
- 2 years, renewable
- Path to residency
Passive Income / Rentista
- Retirement / Pension Residence Authorization
Residence authorization route for retirees or survivor-pension beneficiaries who transfer at least USD 2,000 per month to Brazil.
- 2 years
Work (Employer-Sponsored)
- Temporary Visa V (VITEM V) Work Visa
Temporary work visa for foreign nationals establishing temporary residence in Brazil with prior labor authorization.
- 1 year, renewable
- Employer-sponsored only
Tourist / Visa Waiver
- Visit Visa
Visit visa for tourism, business, transit, and other short-stay activities in Brazil without remuneration in Brazil.
- 90 days
- No work rights
Languages
- Portuguese(Official)
- English(Widespread)
- French(Widespread)
- Spanish(Widespread)
Sources
- Country language reference
Safety
3 source-backed travel advisories are available for Brazil.
United Kingdom
FCDO advises against all but essential travel
Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Amazonas State.
FCDO advises against all but essential travel to the following river areas towards the west of Amazonas State:
- along the Amazonas (Amazon) River and its tributaries west of the town of Codajás and east of the town of Belém do Solimões in Amazonas State
- along any part of the Itaquaí River in Amazonas State
- along any part of the Japurá River or its tributaries in Amazonas State
- along the Rio Negro (Black River) and its tributaries north or west of the town of Barcelos in Amazonas State
United States
Level 2Exercise Increased Caution
Exercise increased caution in Brazil due to crime and kidnapping. Some areas have increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to these areas due to crime: Anywhere within 160 km/100 miles of Brazil’s land borders with Bolivia, Colombia, Guyana, French Guiana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, and Venezuela.
- This restriction does not apply to the Foz do Iguacu National Park or Pantanal National Park
- Informal housing developments, such as favelas, vilas, comunidades, or conglomerados, at any time
- Brasilia’s “Satellite Cities” at night
This includes Ceilandia, Santa Maria, Sao Sebastiao, and Paranoa. Country Summary: Violent crime, including murder, armed robbery, and carjacking, can occur in urban areas, day and night. There was a kidnapping for ransom of U.S. travelers. Gang activity and organized crime are widespread and often tied to the recreational drug trade. Assaults, including with sedatives and drugs placed in drinks, are common, especially in Rio de Janeiro. Criminals target foreigners through dating apps or at bars before drugging and robbing their victims. U.S. government employees are advised not to use municipal buses in Brazil because of a serious risk of robbery and assault, especially at night.
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