Miscellaneous Information about Retiring in Brazil

In order to retire in Brazil, you must be at least 50 years old and will need to have a solid pension in place that amounts to at least $2000 USD per month, with an additional $1000 for each dependent that you intend on supporting. You can support two people i.e. your spouse and child. Applicants need to provide identification, application fees (approximately $200 USD) and a letter that clearly states why they intend on taking up permanent residency in Brazil. You can apply via mail or by visiting a Brazilian embassy directly. The visa must be in place before you travel to Brazil.

São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Brasilia and Curitiba are the most important cities with expatriates. The suburbs of São Paulo are the the most recommended places in which one can find the best, most astonishing architecture, healthiest air and safest place to settle in a house in gated communities. Those communities offer a variety of amenities for residents, 24 hour security with cameras connected to the residents’ houses, patrols and other high technology devices. The residential communities are usually close to commercial centres, malls, hospitals, medical offices, etc.

If you need to bring your pets with you just make sure that your dog or cat over three months old must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days but no more than 12 months before export to Brazil. The vaccination certificate (Form EXA25) must be endorsed by the Brazilian Consulate General in your home country. Your pet doesn’t have to stay in quarantine on arrival as long as the right certificates are in place. There is good quality veterinary care and pet supplies available in Brazil’s main urban areas.

Brazilians are not known for their punctuality, so when you are invited to a Brazilian’s house it is best to arrive at least 30 minutes late if the invitation is for dinner. If it is an informal gathering of family and friends you can even come an hour later than says the invitation. Brazilians like to dress up and will judge others on their appearance. Casual dress is more formal than in many other countries. So it is always better to over- than to under-dress.

You should always bring the hostess flowers or a small gift. Gifts are opened when received. You should avoid black and purple colors as they are associated with mourning and funerals.

Should you wish to hire a made make sure to check all the references before letting somebody into your house and life. Once you have found the right person you will have to sign a contract with your new employee. Their contract is done in their “worker’s card”/carteira de trabalho after a trial period. In general, they work for 8 hours a day, five days a week. They are paid a monthly salary (or if you don’t need them the whole week, they are paid per day) plus transportation, social security (20% of their monthly fee which goes to the government), Christmas bonus or 13th salary and a month’s vacation after working for 12 months.

Healthcare is very expensive in Brazil, with average cost of a doctor’s consultation for an uninsured patient of about BRL 200 – 250. However, many drugs that are prescription elsewhere are more easily available in Brazil, and pharmacists are well informed and easily available to answer questions and provide advice for simple health concerns.

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