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Moving Abroad from Brazil
Seeking safety and stability — the growing wave of Brazilian emigration
Last updated March 2026
4.5M
Brazilians Abroad
United States
Top Destination
400K+
In Portugal
200K+
In Japan
An estimated 4.5 million Brazilians live abroad, with the US, Portugal, and Japan as the top three destinations. Violence, economic instability, and political polarization push Brazilians overseas, while cultural adaptability and Portuguese language connections make Portugal an increasingly popular choice. The Brazilian diaspora is known for entrepreneurship, with Brazilian restaurants and businesses thriving worldwide.
Top 8 Destinations for Brazil Expats
Where Brazil citizens are actually moving — with honest reasons why.
🇺🇸United States
1.4M+ Brazilians in the US — largest community. Miami, Boston, and Newark NJ have established Brazilian neighborhoods.
🇵🇹Portugal
Same language, D7/D8 visas, and EU residency path. 400K+ Brazilians — the largest immigrant group in Portugal. Lisbon and Porto.
🇯🇵Japan
Historic Japanese-Brazilian community (Nikkei). 200K+ Brazilians with special visa status. Manufacturing sector in Nagoya region.
🇬🇧United Kingdom
Growing Brazilian community in London. Youth Mobility Visa and Skilled Worker Visa pathways.
🇨🇦Canada
Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Programs. Toronto and Vancouver attract Brazilian tech and business professionals.
🇮🇹Italy
Many Brazilians qualify for Italian citizenship by descent (jure sanguinis) — opening EU residency rights.
🇩🇪Germany
Blue Card for skilled workers, growing Brazilian community in Berlin and Munich.
🇦🇺Australia
Working Holiday Visa, skilled migration, and beach culture that resonates with Brazilian lifestyle.
Why People Leave Brazil
- 1Safety concerns: Brazil's homicide rate (22 per 100K) drives families to seek safer environments
- 2Economic instability: real (BRL) volatility, inflation, and limited formal sector jobs for young graduates
- 3Political polarization: deep societal divisions and institutional distrust
- 4Healthcare access: while SUS is universal, quality varies dramatically and wait times can be months
- 5Career ambitions: Brazilian professionals seek higher salaries and international experience
- 6Education: desire for internationally recognized degrees and better research opportunities
Important Considerations Before Leaving
- Brazil allows dual citizenship — no need to renounce Brazilian nationality when gaining another
- Italian ancestry: millions of Brazilians qualify for Italian citizenship by descent — this opens all of the EU
- CPF abroad: keep your CPF (tax ID) active even while living abroad — needed for Brazilian banking and property
- Remittances: use Wise, Remessa Online, or similar for best BRL exchange rates vs traditional banks
- Voting: Brazilian citizens abroad must vote at consulates or justify absence — voting is mandatory
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Brazil citizens live abroad?
An estimated 4.5M Brazil citizens currently live abroad. The top destination is United States.
What are the best countries to move to from Brazil?
The most popular destinations for Brazil expats are United States, Portugal, Japan, United Kingdom. Each offers different advantages from career growth to lifestyle and cost savings.
What should I consider before leaving Brazil?
Brazil allows dual citizenship — no need to renounce Brazilian nationality when gaining another Italian ancestry: millions of Brazilians qualify for Italian citizenship by descent — this opens all of the EU
Not sure where to move from Brazil?
Take our free AI quiz — answer 7 questions and get personalized country matches based on your budget, lifestyle, and priorities.
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