Moving To Brazil

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Dreaming of settling down in Brazil, the largest economy in South America?

As an advanced emerging economy and a powerhouse in South America, moving to Brazil from the USA offers significant life changes. Brazil is the largest country in Latin and South America and observes a huge number of relocation from the USA and from the other parts of the world every year. A historically diverse nation and a cultural melting pot, Brazil has a lot to offer when you move to Brazil from the USA.

The International Sea & Air Shipping Advantages

On the eastern side of the country Brazil has a long coastline with the Atlantic Ocean that stretches around 4655 miles! But Brazil is not all about seas and beaches. Of course, the famed Amazon river basin and the forest is there. But apart from these the country enjoys varied topography. When you are moving to Brazil from the USA you open up chances to explore this amazing resourceful country.

However, like any other moves, domestic or international, where you need to uproot yourself and your family to settle down at a completely new location can be a lot to process. And when it is an international relocation the scale of the things to do just gets bigger for every aspect of your move to Brazil from the USA!

But worry not! When you get in touch with us at International Sea & Air Shipping there is enough hope for a hassle-free international relocation! We understand the emotions, the confusions and the hassles tangled with each and every step of your relocation to Brazil from the USA and we have the expertise to untangle them for you! Our team of experienced relocation professionals are equipped with knowledge to guide you at every step. You can look forward to professional assistance from International Sea & Air Shipping when you are moving to Brazil from the USA.

What makes us a trusted relocation partner is that we are capable of providing end to end specialized services for all types of relocation from the origin to the destination countries. So, let our professionals handle your international relocation to Brazil from the USA while you focus on the post-move settling down in your dream country.

Customs Regulations for Brazil

  • Passport (original)
  • Stamped Visa
  • Residence Visa
  • Brazilian I.D. card
  • Inventory in Portuguese (two originals)
    • Inventory should be divided into two separate inventories with first listing used items and the second containing “new” items (i.e. items less than six months old)
    • Inventory must be itemized in detail with brand names, make, model and serial numbers of all electrical items noted
    • Must show the estimated value of the item in U.S. dollars
    • Must be legalized by the Brazilian Consulate for temporary visa holders
    • Pets must be listed on the inventory
  • Certificate of Residence issued by the Brazilian Consulate (for returning citizens)
  • Proof of revenue abroad
  • Proof of residence abroad for over one year
  • Work Contract and Customs Bond for Customers holding a temporary visa
    • Goods must be re-exported upon expiration of the contract for holders of a temporary visa
  • “Termo de Responsibilidade” (guarantee)
  • Power of Attorney forms provided by the Destination Agent
    • Letter authorizing Destination Agent to clear shipment
  • Only two shipments are permitted, one by sea and one by air
  • Shipments must arrive in Brazil no sooner than three months before or no later than six months after Customer’s arrival
    • Shipments must embark from the customer’s resident country
  • Shipments need to be 100 percent inspected
  • Clearance cannot begin until all the necessary documents are received

In Brazil, some articles may not be imported whatsoever. These items include, but may not be limited to:

  • Illegal drugs
  • Guns, explosives and ammunition
  • Knives and other deadly weapons
  • Unauthorized pets and animals
  • Counterfeit money and goods
  • Hazardous materials
  • Pornographic material

Some articles may have restricted quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs in Brazil. These items include, but are not limited to:

  • Alcohol and tobacco products
  • Appliances
  • Bicycles
  • Photo, audio and video equipment
  • Computers need a special entry permit from SEI (list model, serial number and accessories)

Some items require permission from the Ministry of Agriculture before being granted entry to Brazil. These include:

  • Fresh fruit and vegetables
  • Fresh, dried, or canned meats and meat products
  • Fish and fish products
  • Dairy products such as milk, eggs, cheese, etc.
  • Honey including royal jelly, beeswax and propolis
  • Flowers, plants or plant parts like bulbs, seedlings, plant cuttings, etc.
  • Insects
  • Snails
  • Bacteria or fungi
  • Birds
  • Animal food
  • Agrochemicals
  • Biological materials for scientific study or other purposes (semen, embryos, biological or veterinary products)
  • Untreated wood

In an attempt to protect Brazilian crops/fauna/flora from what is known in the USA as the Chinese Bug (Anoplophora Glabripennis), the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture has imposed severe restrictions that are effective immediately on the entry of pallets, wooden airvans, lift-vans, crates, etc.

  • Wooden units must have a fumigation certificate issued by the applicable official government agency in the origin country
  • Wood must be certified treated with heat, fumigation or other type of previously agreed upon chemical product
  • Fumigation should be completed no more than 15 days prior to shipment
  • If wooden crates, units or pieces arrive in Brazil without the certificate, the goods will either be incinerated at the Customer’s expense, or be treated (if possible)

In Brazil, only foreign diplomats are allowed to import a motor vehicle. Diplomats will need the following documents:

  • Passport
  • The Bill of Lading
  • REDA-E (Diplomatic-Free Entry Document – obtained from the embassy through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
  • Power of Attorney (from the Embassy)
  • Proof of ownership
  • Receipt of purchase

When importing a pet to Brazil, the requirements are:

  • An International Health Certificate
    • Issued within 10 days of departure from the Customer’s country of origin
    • If not in Portuguese, the customer may need to have the document translated by a sworn translator
  • Rabies Vaccination Certificate for all pets 90 days or older (unless pet is coming from a country declared rabies-free)
    • Must be issued 30 days prior to intended date of arrival
    • Vaccination should be valid for at least one year
  • Air Waybill for all pets arriving in Brazil as cargo
  • Cats and dogs are subject to examination upon arrival in Brazil
  • Household goods and personal effects may be imported duty and tax free provided they have been owned and used for at least six months and the Customer does not plan to issue them for re-sale
  • Presents, souvenirs, computers and carpets are all duty-free if they are part of the household goods shipments
  • Clothes and other articles considered personal items of Customer are considered duty-free
  • Books, magazines (printed on paper) and periodicals such as newspapers are not considered taxable even if new
  • It is strongly advised not to import any items that are new as they will be subject to high duties and fines
    • New items sent as unaccompanied baggage are subject to duties totaling 50% of the value of said goods
    • Customer must present these items on a separate invoice
  • Other items also subject to high duty fees include:
    • Duplicate items
    • Electrical appliances
    • Wedding trousseaux
    • Items which have been inherited
    • New furniture
    • Alcohol
    • Tins of food

NOTE – Customs regulations are subject to change at any time. The proceeding information is a brief summary of customs regulations applicable to household goods shipments to this destination and is being provided for general guidance to assist our Agents and Customers. Since such regulations are subject to change without notice, International sea & air shipping cannot be held liable for any costs, damage, delays, or other detrimental events resulting from non-compliance. Always double check with your local embassy or consulate.

Call our International Moving Specialists @ 1 (866) 315-4170

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About Brazil

Brazil (officially the Federative Republic of Brazil), is the largest country in both South America and Latin America, and the fifth overall largest country in the world with the seventh largest economy. It’s also a country whose landscape has the greatest biodiversity on the planet, containing everything from rainforests (like 60 percent of the Amazon rainforest) and pine forests, to dunes and sandy beaches, and an extensive and complex system of rivers. It shares land borders with Uruguay, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Peru, Colombia and Venezuela.

The biggest Portuguese speaking country in the world (and the only one in North and South America), Brazil takes much of its culture from Portugal, having been a Portuguese colony pre-independence from 1500 to 1808 after being claimed by explorer Pedro Álvares Cabral.

In addition to its ties to the European country, Brazil is also widely known for its party atmosphere (especially in Rio de Janeiro), specifically the Brazilian Carnival (AKA the Carnaval do Brasil, Carnaval or Carnival) which takes place every year from the Friday to Tuesday before Ash Wednesday, which kicks off the Christian holiday of Lent.

Can’t wait to get started with your overseas relocation to Brazil? First, find out what you’ll need to clear Customs.

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What to expect when you are moving to Brazil from the USA?

Quality of life; cultural differences

When you are relocating to Brazil from the USA expect to meet a different set of cultural practices. The social norms and customs, the family based lifestyle, the laid back pace of life – all add to the charm that Brazil upholds. However, being a fast emerging economy Brazil offers good quality of life and a high human development index.

Cost of living in Brazil

Now, here is the good news part. Cost of living in Brazil when you are relocating to Brazil from the USA will be a lot reasonable on all accounts! Whether it is renting an accommodation or eating out at top class eateries – you can expect an average 40% lower cost than that of the western countries! Now isn’t it wonderful!

Good places to live in Brazil

When you are moving to Brazil from the USA you need to know what are the top places for an expat. Now, moving to the capital, Brasilia is always an option to access facilities faster. Sao Paolo is the most populous city in this country. Apart from these, however, there are some other major places which you can consider for your relocation to Brazil from the USA. Here is a comprehensive list –

  • Rio de Janeiro
  • Salvador
  • Vitória
  • Florianopolis
  • Porto Alegre
  • Curitiba
  • Recife
  • Fortaleza
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All you need to know about the visas to move to Brazil from the USA

When you have decided to move to Brazil from the USA you need to get all the information on this important piece of document that will dictate your terms of staying in this country.

Brazil encourages and has a comparatively relaxed procedure for short term visas. If you are staying less than 90 days you can apply for these. However, like moving to any other international location in Brazil also there are work visas and investment visas available. Let us give you more details on these to assist in your relocation to Brazil from the USA.

Short term visas – As mentioned above if you are moving to Brazil from the USA for a short stay which can be less than 90 days, you may not even need a visa. However, any stay that crosses the 90 days mark will need you to apply and produce the right visa justifying your stay in this country. If you are traveling to Brazil for business purposes and need to stay more than 3 months, you have to obtain the proper short-term visa. If you are staying short term and do not need the visa you have to produce a document supporting that you have sufficient funds to support your stay in Brazil and a return ticket, as well.

Other short term visas that can be issued for a longer period of time than 90 days include – student and artist visas.

Work visas – Termed as V Visa or the VITERM visa, to move to Brazil from the USA and stay there to work you will need to apply for a V visa. However, VITERM is a temporary visa when one gets a contractual job with a Brazilian employer. This visa is valid up-to 2 years and then-after gets renewed. However, you won’t have the facility to change jobs when you are on a V category visa.

There are other work visas available in Brazil to move from the USA and stay here and work. Even digital nomads can obtain a visa providing they are earning US$1500/ month.

Investment visa – An individual or a company one owns can invest in Brazil for research or real estate and obtain an investment visa. The minimum amount required is 150,00 RBL.

Retirement visa – If as a US citizen you can show income proof of US$2,000 then you can move to Brazil from the USA to retire in this charming country.

Permanent visa – Permanent visa is called VIPER in Brazil. If you can satisfy the requirements for a permanent visa that includes a clean criminal record and skills that can contribute to the Brazilian economy, then after obtaining this visa you can move to Brazil from the USA then stay, work and even change jobs without losing the residential permit.

FAQ’s

Can I work in Brazil as a US citizen?

Yes, but these are all subject to proper visa arrangements. Read the documents above on the visa requirement.

How much does it cost to move to Brazil from the USA?

Any international relocation cost will always depend on how much household goods you are moving, container size, port or destination. However, on an average it can cost anywhere in between $1,500 and $12,000 based on the international mover you have chosen to move to Brazil from the USA.

Can you move your pets to Brazil?

Yes. However, you will always have to obtain and produce International Veterinary Certificate and rabies vaccination. In absence of IVC you may produce an approved Pet Passport.

You can also check out for some of the neighboring countries of Brazil –