Al
@abthree
American and Brazilian citizen
Forum posts
6502
Contacts
32
About me
American and Brazilian
Speaks English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, some Spanish
Registration: 28 December 2017
Sistema de agendamento: no appointments available by Kurterino
I have to register my visa (that I made in my home country) at the polícia federal, and a really weird thing just happened to me: I filled out the form until I got to the final page that I have to print out and to present at the PF (together ...
08/26/26 @Kurterino. Unfortunately, expats in various cities report this problem all the time, and the PF never seem to fix it. Two suggestions: Try accessing the system via Firefox, if you haven't already. Some official and ... Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
08/15/26 I think the German proof of address will work for the Stable Union, if not for the Permanent Visa, so long as at least one of them is a Brazilian citizen... - @Peter ItamaracaAt the cartório probably, if their declaration and ... Read More
João Pessoa by mikewelke
Hello everybody just wondering if there's any expats living in JP like I am? Hopefully I will get some results. I am from the US my name is Mike and I'm married to a Brazilian woman
08/14/26 @MA22 Why do I need to send a private note? Well if I do how do I do that? - @mikewelke Welcome, Mike. To send a Direct Message to MA22, click on the Envelope icon on the left side of the menu across the top of MA22's post, to the left of ... Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
08/13/26 I am sure they will need to provide a proof of address, so the rental contract will serve this purpose. - @Peter Itamaraca Not the one in Germany: "Our rental contract in Germany has both our names. Would that count for something?" Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
08/13/26 Doesn’t this have implications concerning their taxes? If I understand the OP correctly, they are planning to stay in Brazil only part of the year, which means that they would not have to pay all of their taxes in Brazil. But if they ... Read More
União Estável/Stable union with German partner? by seamonster12
Hi everyone,First of all I'd like to thank all the experts of this forum, as I've read many of your contributions and they are extremely helpful. However, some of the info I read is either out-of-date or doesn't fully apply in our case.I'm a ...
08/12/26 @seamonster12. As @Peter_Itamaraca and @alexanderstephenlange have written, your list looks quite thorough to me.To be safe, you should contact the cartório that you plan to use beforehand to confirm your document list, your ... Read More
Nursing Homes by chefjim
Ola Gente,I would like to receive some information...or ideas...about going to a nursing home here in Porto Alegre, RS. As I don't want to bother my family in the US when I get too old to live alone, I would like to spend my last days here, mainly ...
08/11/26 @chefjim. Thanks for your kind words, Jim. I'm impressed with how well you're preparing for the move. It should go well. Read More
URGENT HELP REQUEST by Nomad Mundo
Hi everyone, Good night!I was robbed at GRU Airport earlier today and lost all my documents and money. I’m currently without ID, cash, or a place to stay and urgently need somewhere safe to sleep for just a few days while I deal with the ...
08/07/26 @Nomad Mundo. Sounds like you're on the right track -- I'm so glad to hear it. Try to get some rest this weekend so you can hit the ground running on Monday. It'll be ok. 👍🏻 Read More
Nursing Homes by chefjim
Ola Gente,I would like to receive some information...or ideas...about going to a nursing home here in Porto Alegre, RS. As I don't want to bother my family in the US when I get too old to live alone, I would like to spend my last days here, mainly ...
08/07/26 @chefjim. Best of luck with that! I'll be very interested to see what you discover, and hope that you'll share. If long-term care insurance figures in your planning, be sure to confirm with your carrier if you haven't ... Read More
URGENT HELP REQUEST by Nomad Mundo
Hi everyone, Good night!I was robbed at GRU Airport earlier today and lost all my documents and money. I’m currently without ID, cash, or a place to stay and urgently need somewhere safe to sleep for just a few days while I deal with the ...
08/07/26 @Nomad Mundo. I'm sorry to hear that this has happened to you again. Two significant things are in your favor: you apparently still have your phone (since you're able to post here), and today, Friday, August 7, is a ... Read More
Wedding venues/planners ripping off foreigners? by Wout
I would really appreciate it if someone could give me good advice here.Me and my wife (Brazilian) have been living in Europe for the last 7 years. We married recently, and wish to give a wedding party with 150 guests in São Paulo where her ...
08/02/26 @Wout. That sounds like a ripoff to me, too. What used to be my go-to site for weddings appears to be in permanent "manutenção" (it happens -- it's the internet, after all!), but I'd recommend consulting sites like these, ... Read More
Application Went Straight to MJSP Without PF Biometric Invitation by HPBrasil
My application bypassed the PF biometric invitation and went straight to MJSP. After submitting additional documents, the status changed a week later. Since a rejection seems likely, should I email MJSP directly to ask why I wasn't invited for ...
08/01/26 My application bypassed the PF biometric invitation and went straight to MJSP. After submitting additional documents, the status changed a week later. Since a rejection seems likely, should I email MJSP directly to ask why I wasn't invited ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn’t work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
07/22/26 Or you could get with the program and open up Brasilian bank accounts instead of thinking you money is safer in another country with all the complication that brings. - @hagece8690 I generally agree for people who move definitively to ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn’t work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
07/21/26 @DavidPH. If you don't have one already, you may find a multicurrency Wise Everyday Account with their debit card and a BRL balance helpful. Your countryman, @Peter_Itamaraca clued me into it, and we keep an emergency and travel fund on ... Read More
Health insurance by Boondog
Hello,I am 72 bought a home in Casimiro de Abreu and in order to get my retirement visa I need Brazilian health insurance anyone have any thoughts or advice?Much appreciated, Joe aka;Boondog
07/19/26 I am 72 bought a home in Casimiro de Abreu and in order to get my retirement visa I need Brazilian health insurance anyone have any thoughts or advice?Much appreciated, Joe aka;Boondog - @Boondog Hi, Joe. People who have arrived on the ... Read More
Noisy Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
The other day, speaking with a native, she said: Brasil é muito barulhento, né?! (She had lived in Germany for a long while... .)In my area, so far, it's really noisy only when something big is happening, like the Copa and other ...
07/16/29 @Ivair Gontijo. Great to hear that the move to BH is completed, apparently successfully. Except for a local bar that had to be shut down by court order - that's a new one for me! 🤣 Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/15/26 @alexanderstephenlange. We just got back from Rio de Janeiro, and going up Corcovado at the photo spot where they make you stop to take a picture that they'll try to sell you when you come back down, the girl managing entry asked me, ... Read More
Noisy Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
The other day, speaking with a native, she said: Brasil é muito barulhento, né?! (She had lived in Germany for a long while... .)In my area, so far, it's really noisy only when something big is happening, like the Copa and other ...
07/15/26 @alexanderstephenlange. We live in the Centro Histórico of Manaus, and there is music in the air every evening and all weekend, all the time. I love it ... but we live on the 17th Floor -- 19 stories above the street ... Read More
Starlink use in Brazil by Boondog
@abthree Thank you for responding. Yes, I bought a home in Casemiro de Abreu in the state of Rio they should be moving there sometime September October. Do you have any experience with Starlink in rural areas?Thanks again for your input. Regards. ...
07/14/26 Do you have any experience with Starlink in rural areas?Thanks again for your input. Regards. Boondog - @BoondogHi, @Boondog. I do not, but I live in a major city. We have a few members in remote locations in the interior who may be ... Read More
Word(s) of the day by alexanderstephenlange
Queijo no queixo faz uma queixa!Please add to this thread, friends.
07/11/26 @alexanderstephenlange. I don't know how far it extends into the rest of the Northeast, but my favorite "falar sergipano" is "ximar", meaning "to be envious of someone else's food", especially being obvious enough to hopefully convince ... Read More
Making the move by Boondog
I’m curious if any Americans live in or around Casimiro de Abreu, Brazil?
07/13/26 I’m curious if any Americans live in or around Casimiro de Abreu, Brazil? - @Boondog Welcome! Are you talking about the municipality of Casimiro de Abreu in the interior of the State of Rio? When asking about Brazilian ... Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/09/26 Still, the language test intrigues me as I was once rated "native speaker" at the University of Wisconsin by a Brazilian professor who had just "invented" his test for rating students of Portuguese at the then-strong language ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
9 July 2026 From a neuroscience standpoint, the brain of a polyglot is “wired” differently from that of a monolingual. Learning languages is always fun as you are constantly exposed to new experiences. - @Pablo888Interesting. does the ... Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/08/26 It's 15 years of residency actually. @hagece8690Correct. Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/08/26 Personally I believe you need to speak a level sufficient to adequately survive to get citizenship in any country. Brasil needs to get it's excrement assembled IMHO, and have two different requirements. One for people working in the civil ... Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/08/26 @hagece8690 Not sure if citizenship is an exact measure, my friend. I believe many here do not intend to get citizenshiip. I for one don't intend to get it. - @alexanderstephenlange And there's no pressing reason that you should. As ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
07/08/26 That was my whole point. You cannot truly learn from a few hundred hours in a class. - @hagece8690True. But one of the biggest values of the class work -- if it's competent and high quality -- it that it can protect you from internalizing ... Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/07/26 I am super white and blonde, but why I am not mistaken for a gaucho, I'm not sure. You mention "my blue eyes ": Ditto! Cheers! - @alexanderstephenlangeOh, I'm sure that you are, and if you haven't heard it yet, you will. 😂 The ... Read More
Assimilation: when is enough enough? by alexanderstephenlange
TL; DR some thoughts on plugging in (or not) to the culture/society. All comments welcome! How important to you is assimilation into Brazilian society? Do you even find yourself contemplating it? Is it self-imposed or something unconscious you don't ...
07/06/26 @alexanderstephenlange. Good question, and great topic! For most foreigners, particularly in the Northeast where you live and the North where I live, I think that "assimilation" in the strictest sense of "eventually ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Brazil forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
07/06/26 @alexanderstephenlange. Welcome, Alex! Read More
My Debit card is stuck in Customs by NewBrazil
Has anyone experience with having a debit card or credit card replacement sent from the USA. Right now my replacement debit card they are saying. Your package has been delayed due to a Government Agency hold. It showed it passed thru the scan the ...
06/07/26 Not sure this helps at all, but I always have my new cards (both US and UK) sent to someone there, who will be visiting soon, and they bring them over... Never had a problem. - @Peter Itamaraca I effectively do the same. I use a mail ... Read More
Building a house in Brazil (Armação dos Búzios, RJ) by fred2brazil
Fellow member, I've always found this forum helpful so far. Maybe some of you can help me along further in regards to some questions I have about building a house in Brazil. Maybe some of you have experience in building a house and have gone ...
06/06/26 @fred2brazil. Congratulations on the expansion of your family. Thanks for all the good information you've provided to us in this thread since you began your project. I hope that you find a motivated buyer for your beautiful house, and ... Read More
My Debit card is stuck in Customs by NewBrazil
Has anyone experience with having a debit card or credit card replacement sent from the USA. Right now my replacement debit card they are saying. Your package has been delayed due to a Government Agency hold. It showed it passed thru the scan the ...
06/06/26 Has anyone experience with having a debit card or credit card replacement sent from the USA. Right now my replacement debit card they are saying. Your package has been delayed due to a Government Agency hold. It showed it passed thru the ... Read More
Life in Brazil: What foreigners should expect by efmarshall1
I currently live in the U.S. and though I have never visited Brazil; I am thinking of relocating from the US. What can I expect as a foreigner moving to a new country. I have researched Brazil and I have made up my mind.
06/04/26 I currently live in the U.S. and though I have never visited Brazil; I am thinking of relocating from the US. What can I expect as a foreigner moving to a new country. I have researched Brazil and I have made up my mind. - @efmarshall1 ... Read More
Is it hard to become fluent in Brasilian Portuguese ? by hagece8690
FWIW I've passed the Celpe-Bras exam, and can watch videos, read, and communicate verbally with pretty much anyone here like a native, except people from Bahia KKKKKK, and when encountering regionalized slang. The reason I am asking this question, ...
05/31/26 @hagece8690 Thanks for a lot of good insights. A lot depends on how we define "become reasonably fluent in Brazilian Portuguese". I don't believe that it's really possible simply by osmosis, but a lot of academic ... Read More
Carnê-Leão by ibdegen
Sorry if this is covered in another topic, but I have not found anything. I am a retired American with a permanent residence visa. I have been paying taxes for the past two years in Brasil and am getting ready to file a return for 2025. For the ...
05/30/26 Would Brazil refund me the balance between the US taxes and the Brazilian tax assessment? That would be an interesting loop hole if this were the case... - @Pablo888That would be nice, wouldn't it? Unfortunately the RF is smarter than ... Read More
Having trouble with credit card and debit card working by NewBrazil
Just when yesterday and today to my local supermarket to buy groceries. When I tried to pay with my international credit card it didn’t work. Called my bank they said everything thing should work. In the same store tryed to use my ...
05/30/26 @haggece8690, @Gabriel Otero. 100% All the cards that I use in Brazil are Brazilian now, too, mostly because I got tired of playing POS Roulette in stores, always wondering whether my US credit card would work this time or ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
05/29/26 Yes, but if I add 180 days to October 21 of last year, that makes April 29, so to not be in overstay, he should have come back on April 29. Instead he came back on March 17 (or 18), so he should have an overstay of almost 40 days, right? ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
05/29/26 What am I missing? - @Kurterino You're probably not missing anything, you're just overthinking it. Seriously. 😂The March 18 - June 16, 2025 is irrelevant because a new 180 period started on October 18, 2025, and he doesn't appear ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Brazil forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
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 -- ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
05/27/26 Also, if I remember correctly, if he comes to Brazil the next time, they won’t let him stay 90 days, but 90 minus 19 (his overstay), correct? - @Kurterino I think that once he pays the fine he gets the days back, but I'm not sure, so ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Brazil forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
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 ... Read More
Overstay: can't figure out why by Kurterino
I decided to open a new topic: as I wrote before, a friend of mine got a fine for an overstay of 19 days (https://www.expat.com/en/forum/south-america/brazil/1115536-new-fine-for-overstaying.html#6123527), and we can’t quite figure out ...
05/27/26 @Kurterino. Let's do a dive into the higher mathematics of countries that rate a "4*" on the QGRV, of which Switzerland, like most Schengen countries, is one. The "*" means " Máximo 90 dias de estada a cada 180 dias.". So your ... Read More
New fine for overstaying ? by Kurterino
A friend of mine has left Brazil yesterday evening, he was here on a tourist visa. He has been staying in Brazil for the last 20 years on consecutive tourist visas, before Covid he was able to stay 180 days at a time, and since Covid he can only ...
05/26/26 @kurterino You're probably right about your friend's fine; it makes sense.Most, but not all, Schengen countries are on the two separate 90 day visit regime. These Schengen countries (including non-EU members that are part of the Schengen ... Read More
New fine for overstaying ? by Kurterino
A friend of mine has left Brazil yesterday evening, he was here on a tourist visa. He has been staying in Brazil for the last 20 years on consecutive tourist visas, before Covid he was able to stay 180 days at a time, and since Covid he can only ...
05/26/26 Does anybody know if 25 Reais is officially the new fine for overstaying? - @Kurterino I can't find any sign that the fine has been lowered from R$100/day. The immigration agent has considerable discretion, though, and may have exercised ... Read More
Retirement Visa for Brazil by abthree
The Brazilian Government has approved a replacement for the old Permanent Visa for Retirees, that was eliminated for new applicants as part of the 2017 Immigration Reform. As was the case with the old Permanent Visa (VIPER) for family reunion, the ...
05/24/26 @kilobravo. Sorry to read that renewal is giving you so much trouble. I was afraid that this would happen when this visa was first announced, but I never expected the difficulties to last this long.The only person I know of who ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
05/19/ 25 I do see Chinese EVs everywhere , it’s impressive. I don’t know the brands except for BYD, but they do seem to sell well. Too bad that I never had the pleasure to get an EV Uber. - @Kurterino So far we've seen three brands ... Read More
Google Fi phone service good in Brazil? by alexanderstephenlange
Hello, ex-patriots!I have heard that Google Fi (a service I use here in the States) works well in Brazil.Anybody have any thoughts on that?I also understand that one should switch away from Google Fi to use a less expensive, native service... ...
05/18/26 @alexanderstephenlange. @mberigan may have some suggestions on this; I think that he's wrestled with this problem. I don't have any useful experience with it myself.You can minimize your dependence on a US cell number if before you move ... Read More
Mozzarella by Kurterino
This is the second time I’m opening a thread about food, and just like the last one, it’s about a dairy product (last time I inquired about cream). I like to bake a pizza once in a while, it’s a tasty meal and very easy to make at ...
05/18/26 Where did you get the Buffalo milk necessary for true mozzarella? :-) - @alexanderstephenlange That was @Kurterino. I just suggested to him how he might find rennet. 😃 Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
05/18/26 I also use Uber quite frequently, and so far i haven’t been in one that’s larger than a compact car (like a Fiat Panda or a Hyundai i20). Most of the times they’re either relatively new or well maintained and clean, but ... Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
05/18/26 You might remember that you gave me very precious advice about making Mozzarella, since it seems to be extremely difficult, if not impossible, to find real Mozzarella here in Brazil. As it happens, just a few hours ago I was enjoying my ... Read More
São Paulo - Policia Federal Scheduling by leleflowah
Ola, everyoneI’ve been trying to schedule an appointment with the policia Federal for over a month, at different times of the day and week. Completely booked. I’ve never seen this before! Has anyone else has any issues? Can I go another ...
05/17/26 This is what I get no matter the time and day. - @leleflowahTry using a different browser. Some Brazilian government sites respond better to Firefox, and have trouble with Chrome and Chrome clones. Read More
Emancipation Day: The Lei Aúrea of May 13, 1888
On May 13, 1888, 138 years ago, slavery was peacefully abolished in Brazil when the Lei Aúrea, the Golden Law, was signed by the Princess Regent Isabel, acting for her father, Emperor Pedro II, who was in Europe for medical treatment. ... Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
05/13/26 @Kurterino. You're very welcome. My purpose here is to help other expats over the inevitable bumps of living in Brazil, and both my academic training and my professional background let me write comfortably about this kind of issue, not ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
05/11/26 Thank you, @abthree. If you want to, tell us an example of the R$ cost for a typical Uber trip, say 20 kilometers in moderate traffic/time of day. Thanks in advance! - @alexanderstephenlange Following on from @mberigan's message, here are ... Read More
With fuel prices soaring, how are you getting around in Brazil? by Veedushi
Hello everyone!In many countries, transportation costs are becoming a real challenge for expats. Some are completely changing their habits: using public transport more often, carpooling, switching to scooters… or cycling.In Denmark, for ...
05/10/26 @mberigan. Gasoline and ethanol prices here in Manaus track yours in Campina Grande - on the other side of the country - to the centavo, including the weird reduction for "aditivada". I've wondered about that, too.For expats from North ... Read More
Social Security Monthly Payments by Roddie Simmons
Bom Dia or at least I hope it will be. I am late to the party of changing my Social Security residence information from the USA to Brazil. I have until the end of the year and among other things I would like to know if my monthly deposits to PayPal ...
05/08/26 Hi, @Roddie Simmons. Send your questions to the FBU (Federal Benefits Unit) at the US Embassy in Lisbon. If you can organize your questions in one email, that may help them help you. The contact information is ... Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
04/30/26 @Thomasteuscher. Note that according to Article 30 of the Treaty, it was signed in Portuguese, French, and English versions, all equally authoritative, but in the event of a divergence of interpretation, the English version will prevail. Read More
Another tax question… by Kurterino
I had a little discussion with my accountant on Friday, and the gist of it is that he recommended to not file taxes at all, so I wanted to see how some of you guys are handling the tax situation. I’m getting a monthly pension from my home ...
04/29/26 Hello i am exactly in same situation as you. What did you do ? Let me know. My tax person here in rio thought that i need to claim swiss taxes paid on pension back from the swiss and pay full tax here ! - @Thomasteuscher Good evening. ... Read More
Work permit or a student visa - how was your experience? by emeraldoor
Has anyone gotten a work permit or a student visa? How was your experience?There are dozens of websites with general information, but not with more details. For example: When should you get the background check? How long is it valid for? Does Brazil ...
04/27/26 @emeraldoor. Income requirements for Student Visas/Authorizations for Residence aren't specified. The income requirements for a Digital Nomad visa (income of US$1,500/mo. or more, or US$18,000 in a bank account) or a Retirement ... Read More
Work permit or a student visa - how was your experience? by emeraldoor
Has anyone gotten a work permit or a student visa? How was your experience?There are dozens of websites with general information, but not with more details. For example: When should you get the background check? How long is it valid for? Does Brazil ...
04/27/26 @emeraldoor. Requirements for a student visa -- obtained outside Brazil at a Brazilian Consulate -- appear here:https://www.gov.br/mre/pt-br/consulado-chicago/Visas/types-of-visa-1/temporary-visas-vitem-1/vitem-iv-studiesRequirements for ... Read More
Feedback on Mail Forwarding Service / Virtual Address by Pablo888
I have a USPS mailbox where I send stuff related to my small business but USPS has increased prices for a small postal box from $120 about 5 years ago to $220 this year.In addition to the uncontrollable price increases because USPS is bleeding ...
04/27/26 @Ivair Gontijo. Sorry, you're right: US Global Mail seems to have changed their focus and radically increased their prices. I'm in what they're calling a "Legacy" program now that last billed me in Nov. 2025 and won't bill me again until ... Read More
Brazillian MigranteWeb by nicholsharvey
I have successfully gained access to the Brazil MigranteWeb. https://migrante.mj.gov.br/painel/cadastrar-processoI am trying to check on the status of my retirement visa renewal. I currently have a Brazillian retirement visa. I need a step-by-step ...
04/21/26 @nicholsharvey. So glad it worked for you! Read More
Brazillian MigranteWeb by nicholsharvey
I have successfully gained access to the Brazil MigranteWeb. https://migrante.mj.gov.br/painel/cadastrar-processoI am trying to check on the status of my retirement visa renewal. I currently have a Brazillian retirement visa. I need a step-by-step ...
04/20/26 @nicholsharvey. MigranteWeb came in after my time, but you might try inserting the process number from the Protocolo for your renewal here:https://migrante.mj.gov.br/consulta-publicaIf this doesn't get you what you're looking for, I hope ... Read More
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
04/20/26 @easygoer1050. Thanks for the update. THAT sounds a lot better -- happy for you! It also speaks well of Remitly and Xoom that they credited your funds to accounts that they knew were yours, and didn't leave them sitting in their own ... Read More
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
04/20/26 For expats (like me!) who do their banking and transfers around the first of every month, remember that May 1 is Labor Day in Brazil, so the banks, very much including foreign exchange operations, will be CLOSED next Friday.ATMs should ... Read More
Required Documents for Residency Based on Family Reunion in Brazil. by abthree
Please note that this English translation is for informational purposes only, and is neither authoritative nor definitive. The authoritative document in Portuguese on which this translation is based can be accessed through the link at ...
04/16/26 Because Vitem Xi is only good for a limited amount of time. The goal was to buy the home and live in Brazil full time. Mission accomplished. - @CraigDeVigia Someone apparently misinformed you: VITEM XI is the usual -- and so much easier -- ... Read More
Brazilian Passport by onthabay
Hello, I'm an American living in Brazil with a permanent residency card. I keep seeing Instagram ads, and other ads saying "Get Your Brazilian Passport Now!" I have asked administrators at my local Federal Police station where I received my Perm. ...
04/16/26 Thank you so much as always for your detailed, thoughtful replies! Still debating in my own head as to the potential benefits of Brazilian Citizenship vs. continuing with my Permanent Residency status as "Indeterminado." Gratidão ... Read More
Required Documents for Residency Based on Family Reunion in Brazil. by abthree
Please note that this English translation is for informational purposes only, and is neither authoritative nor definitive. The authoritative document in Portuguese on which this translation is based can be accessed through the link at ...
04/16/26 @CraigDeVigia. Sounds like you're ok now, so should continue on the course you're on, but just out of curiosity, why didn't you get a VITEM XI visa at a Brazilian Consulate before you came? It would have made your life a lot easier. Read More