Sao Paulo at night - lots of high-rise buildings and a cloudy night sky

Best Cities in Brazil for expats

Brazil is a huge country with an even bigger heart. We introduce a few fantastic cities in Brazil for expats you should check out. Although some of them greatly differ, all of them have one thing in common – their friendly residents will welcome you with a smile. Find out which city is for you before making your international move to Brazil.

Moving to Brazil comes with many advantages:

  • beautiful, kind people
  • world-class soccer
  • fantastic music and dance
  • year-round warm weather
  • colorful culture
  • vibrant economy
  • impressive nature
  • amazing Brazilian cities for expats

Five good cities in Brazil for expats

Rio de Janeiro

Rio is definitely the best-known city in Brazil. Many still think it is the country’s capital. Home of the Carnaval, the Copacabana and Ipanema beaches, the statue of Christ the Redeemer and much more, Rio is the most visited tourist destination in Brazil. Having so many sightseeing spots is both a blessing and a curse. On the one hand, you are surrounded by world-famous attractions, on the other, you will have to put up with hordes of tourists on a daily basis if you live nearby. Nevertheless, settling in Rio de Janeiro has many perks. It has a large expat community which means you are likely to hear your own language and feel more at home.

Moreover, who wouldn’t want to live in one of the most beautiful cities on the globe? Imagine visiting a gorgeous, sandy beach every day after work, sunbathing or playing sports with your friends and family. In Rio, this is just an ordinary afternoon.

Mountains with the statue of Christ in Rio behind the Olympic circles

Apart from the annual Carnaval, Rio has hosted numerous world-class events, the most famous being the Summer Olympics in 2016 and the 2014 World Cup.

Fortaleza

This northern city is also popular among expats. This does not come as a surprise, knowing that it is the leader of the northeastern economy. The city produces electroceramics, dyes, and styrofoam packing materials. Furthermore, it exports sugar, salt, cotton, lobsters, cashews, clothing, carnauba wax, fruits, etc.

Nature lovers will love Fortaleza’s rich flora and fauna. Its lagoons and nature preserve with abundant wildlife will leave you speechless. You can enjoy stunning beaches as well as a large waterpark and resort called Beach Park, that both tourists and locals adore. Fortaleza’s unique feature is the jangadas – traditional boats used for fishing. They can be seen near some of the city’s many beaches. You can visit President Castelo Branco Mausoleum and the José de Alencar Theatre for some history and culture. Sports fans will be interested in Castelão Stadium, one of the largest in Brazil.

A beach full of people in one of the best cities in Brazil for expats

Life in the best cities in Brazil for expats almost feels like a permanent vacation.

Curitiba

Curitiba also deserves a spot on the list of best cities in Brazil for expats. Since the 19th century, many immigrants have found their new home in Curitiba. Minority groups include Germans, Poles, Italians, and more recently Japanese and Syrian people. Located in the center of the continent, this city has a great geopolitical position. Among its best products are trucks, buses, cars, paper, tobacco, cement, furniture, textiles, mate (tea), soft drinks and beer.

It boasts an organized public transportation system and wonderful green spaces. With its highways, railroads and air routes, it is well-connected with other big cities. Moreover, it’s mild oceanic climate makes it one of the most livable cities in Brazil. We recommend visiting an Egyptian-style temple near Lake Bacacheri and the Paranaense Museum. Sports fans will be happy to know that there are two modern soccer stadiums.

Brasilia

Brasilia is the federal capital of Brazil. It became a UNESCO World Heritage site 30 years ago. Entrepreneurs and professionals from all over the world move to Brasilia for work. It has numerous embassies as well as multinational companies. Embassadorial staff makes up a large portion of the foreign population. A lot of companies’ headquarters are located in Brasilia. Construction, food processing, computer software, printing, and publishing are among the most important industries. When it comes to traffic, Brasilia is linked with other Brazilian cities and other countries. There are railways, highways and as well as air routes. Buses and cars are the most popular means of public transport within the city. It has a warm and mild climate.

In terms of culture and entertainment, Brasilia has a lot to offer. There is the National Theatre, the Federal Reserve Museum, the Museum of Brasília, and many other renowned cultural institutions. Additionally, there are two professional soccer stadiums, many swimming pools, cinemas, and nightclubs.

Buildings and fountains in Brasilia; clear sky with a rainbow

The highest GDP in Brazil makes Brasilia a very attractive expat destination.

Sao Paulo

Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil with the largest expat community. This city is not for those who prefer a quiet lifestyle since it is generally very crowded and a bit chaotic. However, many find a city that is so ethnically and culturally diverse quite exciting. It is full of Europeans, Arabs, Japanese, as well as Americans moving to Brazil from the US. Most major Brazilian companies are based in Sao Paulo – the most important commercial and industrial center of Brazil. Although the cost of living is higher here compared to other Brazilian cities, there are many decent job opportunities for expats.

When you’re done working, there is a large number of nightclubs, bars, and restaurants to go to. Moreover, you can spend some quiet time in the mountains and rainforests just outside Sao Paulo or visit one of the charming seaside towns which take only a few hours to get to.

This was a brief overview of the best cities in Brazil for expats. Take them into consideration if moving to Brazil is in your near future. Moving to a foreign country is no joke, so make sure you gather as much information as possible before making your choice. Also, know that you are not alone – there are reliable moving companies in Brazil ready to help you with every step of the move. It is time to embark on this life-changing journey and join your fellow expats in Brazil.

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