Expert: Edison - 8/20/2009

Question
hi, i visited rio in july and have since been planning to return to live for a while.

i am planning to go back around february time so i can get a bit of money together to start up.

my biggest worry is finding a job that will give me a reasonable income. i am a qualified carpenter in the uk with 9 years experience and have also been managing small building refurbishment sites over the past few years. i know the building industry is not very well paid in brazil so im kind of ruling this out. i have been considering getting qualified in personal training before i come to brazilas it is something i enjoy. i was wondering how easy it would be to find a job in that area and weather it is paid well or not. i also know very little portuguese but have a close freind in rio who can help and i feel i can pick it up fairly quick.

just wanted to know your thoughts and opinion.

thankyou for your time

justin

Answer
Hello Justin,

I am not expert on visa issues; however, you would need a working or business permission to work in Brazil. I don't believe that would make a lot of money as  personal trainer. I would try to join a company (as partner) that works on building refurbishment.

For working visa information, please contact the Brazilian consulate in London:
http://www.consbraslondres.com/index.php?pagina=7

Also, the following sites of expatriates living in Brazil can provide a lot of good tips for you:
http://www.transitionsabroad.com/listings/living/living_abroad/living_in_brazil
http://www.expat-blog.com/en/directory/south-america/brazil/
http://www.expatriates.com/classifieds/brazil/

Here are some good sites for job searching:
http://www.anyworkanywhere.com/jcg_br.html
http://www.the-backpacking-site.com/countries/brazil-working.html
http://www.consbrasmontreal.org/english/estrageiros.aspx
http://www.catho.com.br
http://www.manager.com.br
http://www.peopleconsulting.com.br

Good luck!

Edison