New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026

Hi!  I've moved to Curitiba in July 2025, having lived in the UK (London) for the past 35 years!

I'ts been "all change" and I'm still trying to settle down and get myself acquainted with this beautiful city.  I'd be happy to get in touch with other British expats out there!

Thanks

Maggs

Hi everyone,

I moved to Curitiba three months ago and trying to figure everything out. At the moment, I'd like to find out more about work visas and residency permits. I'd also like to meet other expats both online and in person and share experiences.

the emerald door

03/18/26 @Maggs400, @emeraldoor.  Welcome!

Hi Everyone. I'm Craig.  I am from the United States and Married to a Brazilian.  I have traveled to Brazil for the las 9 years.  Last year I decided to move back to my wife's country.  It is the best decision I have ever made.  The country is beautiful, the people are fantastic and I am loving it.  All the best to everyone!

04/14/26 @CraigDeVigia.  Welcome, Craig!  It's great to have more representation for the North here -- my husband and I live in Manaus in Amazonas, the next state over.  Of course, in the North "the next state over" means something very different -- and a lot more distance -- than it does in most of the rest of Brazil!  Sounds like you're already very familiar with Brazil, so enjoy your life here.  Any questions, we're here to help.

Hi Craig! Apparently you live somewhere in Pará near Belém. Is that true? What an incredible place to live and explore.

I live in Paraíba and in the diverse region I live there are things to discover without end. Take advantage of all of your new possibilities. Brazil is a magnificent country.

mberigan

@mberigan

Hi.  Yes in a city that is 1 square mile.  The city is Vigia which is a 2 1/2 hours drive east of Belém.  Still working the American daily grind but not ready to retire yet.

@abthree

Hi yes I have been going there for many years and then when I got married with my wife here in the states we decided to move back there and take advantage of it. Para definitely has its own culture, music food etc. I really love it.

05/27/26 @Bolandpe.  Welcome!  Brazil is absolutely a wonderful place, but it's a different world from anything you're probably used to, and very far from family and friends.  Please consider visiting Brazil and seeing whether it's right for you before making any decisions.  If there are any questions we can answer for you, we're here to help.

At the risk of overgeneralizing, many Brazilian women really like non-Brazilian males who do not suffer from machismo or honor culture, who have no qualms about helping around the house, cooking, cleaning, etc...

05/28/26 Thank you. I did visit recently. Too many people in Rio but may try Bahia. - @Bolandpe

Salvador is a lovely, historic city, and Bahia is a  huge and diverse state, almost as large as France or Texas, with a wide variety of climates -- all warm, but ranging from humid to very dry -- landscapes, and communities.  Not many English speakers, but that goes for Brazil in general, so it's never too early to start working on your Portuguese.  All the best!

Hello, everybody,

I'm from California's Silicon Valley where I worked as a technical writer for more than 40 years. Worked for companies big and small, startups and well-established endeavors, such as Apple Inc.

Have moved to Cabedelo in the Paraiba to live with my wife, who is a paraibana. We just recently moved here after 10 years together in California

My interests are languages, writing, swimming, plants, and talking with anybody who will listen.

Cheers,

Alex Lange

@alexanderstephenlange

Bem vindo and glad to hear of your return!

mberigan

07/06/26 @alexanderstephenlange.  Welcome, Alex!

Hi All,

I am married to a Nordeste, Recife, have been to BR 10 times. We are pondering me retiring there, with our family in tow, in a few years. Interesting to see the experiences and feedback prior to moving. We are looking at Joao Pessoa and Natal. Young daughters... so schools are a concern.

Anyway, I love being part of this.

Jim

08/31/26 @CT Nordestes.  Welcome!  Expats in João Pessoa are friendly and welcoming, so post your questions and I'm confident that you'll get responses.  There are fewer expats in Natal, but lately we've seen some interest from other people who want to move there, so you may have some other people to explore the city with. 

@CT Nordestes

Bom dia CT Nordestes! Tudo bem?

We live in Bela Jampa (João Pessoa). My wife is from here and I am from Minnesota, having lived here for 4 years.  I taught Middle and High School in the Twin cities for about 30 years before retiring here. My wife has been a Ballet and Popular dance teacher here for many years within some Comunidades.  We have many friends, (and former students) who have mostly said the public schools here are not great.  Many of our friends and family pay (or have paid in the past) for private schools and get better quality educations...  That being said, our kids are in their late 20s now, so we don't have any recent experience with students in the school system.  Feel free to send a private message and we can talk more or give some specific referrals if you'd like.  Welcome to the beautiful Nordeste and best wishes with your move! Martin