Brazil: residency, citizenship and cost of living
Paths checked against sources: 2026-10
Path to citizenship
Time on temporary residence does not count towards the 4 years for citizenship: the count starts from indefinite residence.
- • 4 years of indefinite residence, Portuguese, no criminal record
- • 1 year with a Brazilian spouse or child
- • 1 year for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries
Citizenship application processing, years: 0.5–1.5.
Check your own pathMonthly budget
Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026. Deposits, furniture and the move itself are not included.
| City | Single | Family 2+2 |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo | R$5,650≈ €926 | R$13,200≈ €2,160 |
| Rio de Janeiro | R$5,400≈ €885 | R$12,700≈ €2,080 |
| Florianópolis | R$5,450≈ €894 | R$12,800≈ €2,110 |
Country scores (out of 100)
- Safety19
- Earning potential50
- Healthcare64
- Path to citizenship58
- Schools and education30
- Environment66
- Warm, sunny climate95
Frequently asked questions
How do you get citizenship in Brazil, and how long does it take?
4 years of indefinite residence, Portuguese, no criminal record; 1 year with a Brazilian spouse or child; 1 year for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries. Processing takes 0.5–1.5 years. The questionnaire shows the timeline for your situation.
How do you get residency in Brazil?
The main routes we cover: Mercosur temporary residence; Temporary residence (work); Residence through family with a Brazilian citizen. The questionnaire shows which fit you and where they lead next.
How much does it cost to live in Brazil per month?
Per month, one person / family of four: São Paulo ≈ R$5,650 / R$13,200; Rio de Janeiro ≈ R$5,400 / R$12,700; Florianópolis ≈ R$5,450 / R$12,800. Average lifestyle, employed; data as of 10.2026.
How much is rent in Brazil?
A home for one person, from modest to comfortable: São Paulo R$2,290–R$3,610; Rio de Janeiro R$2,160–R$3,390; Florianópolis R$2,150–R$3,380.
How up to date is this data?
Paths to citizenship checked against sources: 10.2026; budget as of 10.2026. Sources are listed on this page; rules change, so check official sites before deciding.
Sources
This is not legal advice. Rules change — check official sources before deciding.