Expert: Sandra - 9/5/2009

Question
i have a friend in Brazil and i"m very fond of her . What i would like to know is what paper work will i need to get in the country . And if i would like to, may i stay there. Do you think that i could get a job there. Ive been in construction all my life .Is the cost of living as bad as it is in Florida ? I am trying to learn portuguese .I really want to have a new life in a place that i feel safe in .I believe that brazil is a beautiful place and i will find peace and love there .Thanks Robert

Answer
Robert—
Yes, Brazil is a beautiful place, where many folks think they will find paradise. The reality is usually quite different for foreigners.
You need a tourist visa “to get in the country”. Contact the Brazilian Consulate that has jurisdiction over where you live for details on their procedures. Ask for a 5 year multiple entry visa, which you must use for the first time within 90 days of issue. On entry, you will probably receive a 90 day stay, which can be renewed for another 90 days at the Policia Federal. You can stay this 180 days maximum per year on a tourist visa. For a longer stay, you would have to marry, get an investor’s visa or retirement visa, father a Brazilian child, or explore other options.
I do not think you could find a job easily in Brazil. And construction pays quite badly, the way of building is very different, and the laws about construction not similar and plagued with corruption. The bureaucracy can be very frustrating.
Many things are somewhat cheaper in Brazil, but most electronics, cars and such are many times more expensive., You cannot realistically expect to have anywhere near a similar lifestyle as in the U.S as far as material goods are concerned.
Also, Brazil is not safe in comparison to the U.S. And the more you have, the more at risk you can be.
I would suggest that before you allow yourself to dream, you visit several times for an extended stay to see how you adapt.  Also, as your relationship deepens (which I wish happens for you)  consider bringing your friend to live in the U.S. as your spouse and vacationing in Brazil.  Best of luck.