UhOhDetran
Canadian expat in Brazil
Forum posts
45
About me
Canadian
Registration: 19 October 2023
Fine for late declaration of foreign bank account
Hey guys, I'm an expat and permanent resident of Brazil, although currently I'm not in Brazil but will return there. I know this is a dumb mistake, but I figured out recently that I should have declared my foreign bank account with the RF. It ... Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
@MotoEspresso It may be a little different if you bring in lots of stuff (like moving there permanently). That's why I'm applying for the letter from the embassy because we're bringing four luggages of possessions. Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
Just a quick update that the embassy said that they wouldn't accept the AirBNB receipt, but it's not a big deal because the lease starts two weeks later....so a bit of a delay. Hopefully it will work out and I'll update everyone when it does in case ... Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
Your first tax return as a PR is where you declare your landed assets to the RF. You have a short time period before and after your landed date to bring money and items into the country tax free, then it's over and done.Now, it's Brasil, so, I'm ... Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior by UhOhDetran
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ...
I reviewed your post history quickly, and it seems you left Brasil, went back to Canada, are now wanting to go back, is that correct ? If yes, the question becomes, did you file a tax return in Brasil at any point ?If yes, you cannot claim the tax ... Read More
Atestado de residência no exterior
Just wondering if anyone (Brazilian or expat) left Brazil for a while and then applied for a "Atestado de residência no exterior". It's a document that you apply for and get from the embassy stating that you've been living outside of Brazil ... Read More
New scam stolen CPF by NewBrazil
my girlfriend CPF just got stolen she got a WhatsApp telling her she need to pay a fine. We tracked the phone number to Santos just near São Paulo. Now she going to Federal Police and her bank to do a report and also there a website from the ...
I would possibly but carefully ignore it! If it's just some Whatsapp then they probably don't have anything to use against your girlfriend.Also, I hate the fact that so many places ask for a CPF. But I never give it to them (I know in some places ... Read More
CPF renewal/confirmation by Kurterino
It has been discussed that starting this year (2025), foreigners have to renew (or confirm) their CPF every year. (For those who didn’t know, here’s the explanation: ...
I wonder if this also applies to people like me, who have left temporarily for a year or so but before the two year deadline of returning to Brasil? I checked my CPF and it seems to be "regular" for now... Read More
Return to Brazil (perm resident): need visa? by UhOhDetran
Hey guys, I think I know the answer to this but I'm not sure. Basically, I have a CRNM card, permanent resident of Brazil, via family reunion. I left Brazil temporarily in January 2025 for work, and now I'm planning on returning before the "two year ...
Okay thanks! I do have some cameras because I'm a photographer, but I've had them for years and even previously brought them into Brazil before when I lived there and I didn't have a problem then either. Read More
Return to Brazil (perm resident): need visa? by UhOhDetran
Hey guys, I think I know the answer to this but I'm not sure. Basically, I have a CRNM card, permanent resident of Brazil, via family reunion. I left Brazil temporarily in January 2025 for work, and now I'm planning on returning before the "two year ...
Thanks so much for the reply! Also, would you know if I would have to make a list of items I bought overseas during this time for customs? Actually, I didn't get too much, but I did replace a few things that were getting old so I'm wondering if I'll ... Read More
return to Brazil (perm resident): need visa?
Hey guys, I think I know the answer to this but I'm not sure. Basically, I have a CRNM card, permanent resident of Brazil, via family reunion. I left Brazil temporarily in January 2025 for work, and now I'm planning on returning before the "two year ... Read More
Taxes: Trying to file declaração de saída by UhOhDetran
Hey guys, until 2025 I lived in Brazil, but I moved away to Canada in January 2025. I'm trying to file the "declaração de saída" since I won't be a tax resident of Brazil. So, I'm trying to use the IRPF program to do so. ...
Edit: okay, I figured it out. I have to file the communicação first, then the declaração with the IPRF 2026 when it comes out. Sorry folks for taking up the space. Read More
Taxes: Trying to file declaração de saída
Hey guys, until 2025 I lived in Brazil, but I moved away to Canada in January 2025. I'm trying to file the "declaração de saída" since I won't be a tax resident of Brazil. So, I'm trying to use the IRPF program to do so. ... Read More
Permanent Residency and Foreign Appointment by UhOhDetran
Hey all, I have a CRNM card (permanent residency, family reuinion visa) and I was wondering how long can one leave Brazil and still have the permanent residency valid?Suppose for example the situation is an overseas job opportunity that lasts one ...
@abthree Thank you for the very detailed answer and the official source! Yes, it looks like a 1 year absense is okay! Read More
Finding a country to retire in by GuestPoster108899
My name is David. I live in Canada. I am 47. I want to retire abroad, but I am not sure which country to pick. The problem is that I am 47, not the normal retirement age.I do not have a pension, just savings and investments.I am not willing to make ...
Just drop the requirement of English speaking and learn another language. It will open up MANY options.. Read More
Finding a country to retire in by GuestPoster108899
My name is David. I live in Canada. I am 47. I want to retire abroad, but I am not sure which country to pick. The problem is that I am 47, not the normal retirement age.I do not have a pension, just savings and investments.I am not willing to make ...
@David Vankerkhoven Croatia is a little pricey, so it's not my favorite, but it's beautiful and has a lot to recommend it. I'm now a PR of Bulgaria, the EU's poorest member. Taxes are low, property is cheap to buy and own, and the cost of living ... Read More
Permanent Residency and Foreign Appointment by UhOhDetran
Hey all, I have a CRNM card (permanent residency, family reuinion visa) and I was wondering how long can one leave Brazil and still have the permanent residency valid?Suppose for example the situation is an overseas job opportunity that lasts one ...
@Peter Itamaraca That is interesting. It makes sense. The idea would be to leave for a year on an assignment and just come back after. Read More
Permanent Residency and Foreign Appointment by UhOhDetran
Hey all, I have a CRNM card (permanent residency, family reuinion visa) and I was wondering how long can one leave Brazil and still have the permanent residency valid?Suppose for example the situation is an overseas job opportunity that lasts one ...
@JNSQ86 Ah okay thanks guys! No, this would be my first time. Read More
Permanent Residency and Foreign Appointmnet
Hey all, I have a CRNM card (permanent residency, family reuinion visa) and I was wondering how long can one leave Brazil and still have the permanent residency valid?Suppose for example the situation is an overseas job opportunity that lasts one ... Read More
Leaving Brazil... by UhOhDetran
Well, it's finally come to this point. Nearly two years ago, I moved to Brazil and became a permanent resident. Got to say, it was very fun and I learned some Portuguese and had an overall nice time....But my job has come to depend more on items ...
@Expatax Thanks a lot for that reminder! That's very helpful...it might have slipped my mind with all this stuff we're doing. Read More
Leaving Brazil...
Well, it's finally come to this point. Nearly two years ago, I moved to Brazil and became a permanent resident. Got to say, it was very fun and I learned some Portuguese and had an overall nice time....But my job has come to depend more on items ... Read More
Certify photocopies/copies for Foreign PR by UhOhDetran
My wife is Brazilian and I am applying to get her permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian application requires that I certify copies of certain documents and send them a scan of the certified copies. Has anyone got this done in Brazil ...
@Gasparzinho 777 : Just for reference, Canada immigation does not require apostilled documents. Read More
Certify photocopies/copies for Foreign PR by UhOhDetran
My wife is Brazilian and I am applying to get her permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian application requires that I certify copies of certain documents and send them a scan of the certified copies. Has anyone got this done in Brazil ...
Just an update. I got some certified copies of bills, birth certificate, and marriage certificate at the local tabelião. They do the required stamp -- just for further reference. Read More
Certify photocopies/copies for Foreign PR by UhOhDetran
My wife is Brazilian and I am applying to get her permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian application requires that I certify copies of certain documents and send them a scan of the certified copies. Has anyone got this done in Brazil ...
05/27/24 @abthree. If I understand correctly, an Apostille is slightly different than copy certification, where someone writes "this is a true copy of the original" on the copy. The immigration website still seems to want the ... Read More
Brazil drivers license by Waljah
Got an email from Detran saying that i have to do a tox test to renew my license. I am cool with that. Problem is that the tox test has to be done by may 30 or I incur a fine of R$1,500. 00. I won't be back in Brazil until July. License expires ...
If your license is still valid what about exchanging it for an SP license? Read More
Certify photocopies/copies for Foreign PR by UhOhDetran
My wife is Brazilian and I am applying to get her permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian application requires that I certify copies of certain documents and send them a scan of the certified copies. Has anyone got this done in Brazil ...
@abthree. If I understand correctly, an Apostille is slightly different than copy certification, where someone writes "this is a true copy of the original" on the copy. The immigration website still seems to want the latter.@Cserebogar .. I'm still ... Read More
Certify photocopies/copies for Foreign PR
My wife is Brazilian and I am applying to get her permanent residency in Canada. The Canadian application requires that I certify copies of certain documents and send them a scan of the certified copies. Has anyone got this done in Brazil ... Read More
Skilled Nominated Visa 190
Hey All, nice to meet everyone! I am thinking about applying for a permanent Australian visa to live and work in Australia!I am wondeirng if anyone had any idea about the Skilled Nominated Visa 190. More specifically:If a person gets invited after ... Read More
Drivers license by Canforbra
Is it easy to change a canadian driver's license to a brazilian one?Would I need to retake any sort of tests?
@UhOhDetran that is the same in canada if you want something done you need to go public and it magically very fast. I already have a CPF but that was a Hassel and it was issued after I left the country. My wife currently has the original. ... Read More
Drivers license by Canforbra
Is it easy to change a canadian driver's license to a brazilian one?Would I need to retake any sort of tests?
It is not easy. I exchanged my Ontario license for a Brazilian one. From the day of completing all the steps, it took 150 days to get it, which is much longer than the promised two weeks or so. After I didn't get any results at first, I:Harassed the ... Read More
Crossing state border, need passport or just RNM? by UhOhDetran
Hey guys, I'll be driving a few hundred kilometers and crossing from São Paulo to Minas Gerais. I was wondering what kind of ID I might need if there are any checkpoints/police. Will my CRNM and CNH cards do or should I also have my passport? ...
Thanks everyone! And to answer abthree's question...yeah, I got my CNH after 150 days. Well, it's a long story so I am planning to write about on a separate thread because someone else might find it useful.. Read More
Crossing state border, need passport or just RNM?
Hey guys, I'll be driving a few hundred kilometers and crossing from São Paulo to Minas Gerais. I was wondering what kind of ID I might need if there are any checkpoints/police. Will my CRNM and CNH cards do or should I also have my passport? ... Read More
Free Portuguese courses for foreigners by Nomad Mundo
Good Night... Listed below For foreigners, free Portuguese ...
If you have a partner that speaks Portuguese, get them to read novels to you and don't ever speak English during the activity. I'm finding this helps a lot. You can ask for word definitions in Portuguese and practice explaining what happened in the ... Read More
What annoys you about Brazil? by Peter Itamaraca
We all know that Brazil has a fantastic climate, a very low comparable cost of living, friendly laid-back people and amazing beaches and nature. But what really gets your goat, as this might help people considering moving here? Some examples might ...
@UhOhDetran Oh, I absolutely agree - but this is the price we pay to live here.... The island where I live is a popular weekend destination for tourists - we often say that the weekends are the price we pay to live here for the rest of the ... Read More
What annoys you about Brazil? by Peter Itamaraca
We all know that Brazil has a fantastic climate, a very low comparable cost of living, friendly laid-back people and amazing beaches and nature. But what really gets your goat, as this might help people considering moving here? Some examples might ...
And, of course, none of these annoyances exist in any other country in the world, correct?... No corruption, illegality, bureaucracy, inherited wealth, taxes, crime, political nepotism, bad governance, foreign languages, financial disparity, lack ... Read More
What annoys you about Brazil? by Peter Itamaraca
We all know that Brazil has a fantastic climate, a very low comparable cost of living, friendly laid-back people and amazing beaches and nature. But what really gets your goat, as this might help people considering moving here? Some examples might ...
Horrific import taxes, especially on products Brazil will never produceEveryone LOVES to say "it can't be done". Every single person in a business interaction like getting an apartment adheres to random rules for the sake of it and will never offer ... Read More
Can't Exchange Foreign Driver's License for Brazilian CNH by UhOhDetran
I'm very happy I found this forum because I have a very tricky problem in Brazil and I need some serious advice here. I came to Brazil in February 2023 and now I'm a permanent resident -- I have my CRNM card and everything....but....I am have ...
@English Penguin : Thanks so much for the reply! Wow, that is harsh. It boggles my mind how there could be potential problems with the process but they simply refuse to just tell you. I've sent over 120 emails to the Detran and Poupatempo asking ... Read More
Can't Exchange Foreign Driver's License for Brazilian CNH by UhOhDetran
I'm very happy I found this forum because I have a very tricky problem in Brazil and I need some serious advice here. I came to Brazil in February 2023 and now I'm a permanent resident -- I have my CRNM card and everything....but....I am have ...
Just Google the Geographic area you are in for "Auto Escolas" or "Despachantes". Then pick yours. Use your browser, it will have a Geo Locator. Have someone to contact them to sort this. And make sure the surrogate party ... Read More
Can't Exchange Foreign Driver's License for Brazilian CNH by UhOhDetran
I'm very happy I found this forum because I have a very tricky problem in Brazil and I need some serious advice here. I came to Brazil in February 2023 and now I'm a permanent resident -- I have my CRNM card and everything....but....I am have ...
I also forgot to say that on August 10, 2023, I got an email from a person at the Poupatempo saying that "Informamos que a Central retornou com o processo sem nenhuma anotação, reenviamos para prosseguir com o processo de ... Read More
Can't Exchange Foreign Driver's License for Brazilian CNH by UhOhDetran
I'm very happy I found this forum because I have a very tricky problem in Brazil and I need some serious advice here. I came to Brazil in February 2023 and now I'm a permanent resident -- I have my CRNM card and everything....but....I am have ...
Thanks guys. BTW, if anyone knows of a Despachante that I can still contact, I'm all ears. Unfortunately, my license is expiring so that if I can't get this sorted out, basically I'll have to leave Brazil for a while to get everything renewed in ... Read More
Can't Exchange Foreign Driver's License for Brazilian CNH
I'm very happy I found this forum because I have a very tricky problem in Brazil and I need some serious advice here. I came to Brazil in February 2023 and now I'm a permanent resident -- I have my CRNM card and everything....but....I am have ... Read More
Appointment with Federal Police in São Paulo by boseyedr
Hi,The Brazilian Consulate approved my Vitem XI visa. And now I need to travel to Brazil and meet with the Federal Police. I don't seem to be able to find the correct site to schedule an interview with them. Or can I do this at the Guarulhos ...
I'm not sure I understood, but do you need to register your visa? If so, you can find the info here:https://www.gov.br/pt-br/servicos/registrar-se-como-estrangeiro-no-brasilYou'll likely have to go to the office on R. Hugo D'Antola, 95 - Água ... Read More
"Must Know" items that expats should know about Brazil by Pablo888
What makes Brazil such a unique place? People, place, opportunities, and what boundaries are not meant to be crossed.Examples of what cannot be "googled"a) What is the current music trend and who is the current rage and why? b) What is the ...
I've lived in Brazil since the beginning of this year and some things you should know:It's hard to get electronics into the country. The best way is actually to fly out and bring them in because there's a law that says you can buy stuff overseas ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2023 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 ...
Hey everyone, I moved to São Paulo this year. I actually joined this forum because I've been having a huge problem trying to get my Canadian driver's license exchanged for a Brazilian CNH. I recently read a success story on here about that so ... Read More
Obtaining a Brazil Driver's License (CNH) in Sao Paulo by californiainbrazil
Here is my experience in getting a Brazilian driver’s license (CNH) in Sao Paulo. Hopefully this will be helpful to those getting their CNH for the first timeWebsite with ...
This is an extremely useful post. I am going through the procedure right now! I submitted all my documents on June 13, 2023. Unfortunately, I still don't have my license but I recently went back to the Poupatempo. They couldn't figure out what was ... Read More