Questions & Answers

Answers to some of the most common questions we are asked. If you have a question which isn’t included here, please get in touch.

Every country and major city has its fair share of crime, drug abuse and violence, and, of course, Brazil is no different. There are areas of cities that should be avoided, just as in London, Manchester, New York, Miami, Detroit, Paris, Marseilles, Brussels, etc, etc, but Brazil is no more dangerous than anywhere else. Common sense should always prevail, no matter which country or city you are in.

Personal violence is extremely rare in Brazil, and the vast majority of Brazilians will avoid conflict at all costs.

In our experience, absolutely yes. A typical Brazilian’s weekend might be to arrive at the beach house Saturday, set up the BBQ, put on some music, open a beer, throw some meat on the BBQ and then party until falling asleep. Sunday, repeat. And everyone is welcome whether you have been invited or not…

In Brazil a gringo is described as anyone who is not Brazilian, and many years ago they were seen as much wealthier than Brazilians, and so could, indeed should, be asked to pay more. This is becoming less and less common as the damaging effect on their business is realised.

In Brazil a Power of Attorney (POA) is an extremely common document. However, it must specify exactly what powers are being given, and for what purpose – it cannot be an ‘open’ POA. So, by granting the appropriate POAs to the necessary people, they can act on your behalf, and avoid the need for you to travel to resolve issues when you are not in Brazil.

Established holiday rental market from the nearby city of Recife; low entry cost maximises capital appreciation potential; currently in line for increased tourism investment; many people dream of living on the beach of a tropical island creating good resale market potential; and simply, there is a limited amount of island beachfront available…!

Yes to both – and this income can go a long way to covering your basic living costs here.

Your spouse and any genuine dependents (eg children under 18 or in full time education, elderly parents or a disabled person requiring support). If you want to include others outside this list, then simply make further investments in their name.

Yes, current rules state the Brazilian Golden Visa is renewable annually, which requires a visit to the local Federal Police by all those benefitting from it.

Yes, any real estate investment qualifies so long as it surpasses the minimum requirements.

Yes, so long as you maintain the required level of investment, and at the time of renewal the new investment is fully registered in your name.

Yes, so long as the combined total is above the minimum required, and after you have reached this value.

Yes – this could remove the need for annual renewals and visits, so long as the investment surpasses the minimum requirements at the time of application.

It is important to recognise that a visa is a privilege, not a right, and that under certain circumstances it can be taken away – for example, following conviction for serious crime, or failure to meet or maintain the minimum requirements for a visa.

Certainly, if you want to invest in a business in Brazil (a complicated and expensive process), or are over 60 and want to retire. The big advantage of the new Golden Visa is that you can invest in your future home, and there are no age restrictions.

Yes, legal fees, transfer costs, notary charges, taxes, etc are typically charged on top. Allow around 10% for these, plus any extra if you plan on updating or improving your investment.