Dreaming of an endless summer lifestyle?
Brazil has quietly become one of the most desirable destinations for part-time residents, especially retirees, surfers and kitesurfers looking for warm weather, affordable living, vibrant culture, and breathtaking nature year-round.
Whether you want to spend winters in the tropics, escape the cold of the North Hemisphere, or divide your life between two dream locations, Brazil offers the perfect balance of lifestyle, cost, and opportunity.
This guide explains everything you need to know about part-time living in Brazil:
• Why people are choosing Brazil
• Best towns for seasonal living
• Visa options
• Buying vs. renting
• Airbnb rental potential
• And why living “between two summers” is becoming the new trend
Why Brazil Is Perfect for Part-Time Living
Many international buyers say the same thing:
“Brazil gives me the quality of life I can’t afford at home.”
Here’s why part-time living here is booming:
1. Endless Summer Lifestyle
Brazil’s tropical and subtropical regions offer warm weather 8–12 months of the year.
If you time your stays right, you can skip winter completely.
Blog: Winter in Brazil
2. World-Class Surfing & Kitesurfing
Brazil’s coastline stretches 7,500 km, filled with surf breaks and windy beaches perfect for:
• Surfing in Florianópolis, Rio, Itacaré
• Kitesurfing in Ceará, Pipa, Preá/Jericoacoara
Athletes, digital nomads, and retirees who love the ocean can enjoy daily outdoor sports without the cold.
3. Lower Cost of Living
Compared to the US, Europe, or Australia, Brazil offers:
• Affordable beachfront living
• Excellent services
• High-quality dining
• Private healthcare at accessible prices
Retirees especially benefit from favorable exchange rates.
4. Real Estate Freedom + Airbnb Income
Foreigners can buy property in Brazil without restrictions (with a few rural exceptions).
Many part-time residents rent their home on Airbnb when abroad, creating:
• A passive income stream
• A way to cover annual maintenance
• Higher ROI in tourist hotspots
5. Large International Communities
Pipa, Floripa, Trancoso and Ceará now attract expats from:
• USA
• Canada
• Germany
• France
• Portugal
• Argentina
You’ll find cafés, gyms, wellness studios and international-friendly communities everywhere.
Best Places in Brazil for Part-Time Living
Brazil’s coastal towns each offer something unique. These are the top choices depending on lifestyle:
1. Florianópolis (Santa Catarina) – For Retirees, remote workers & Surfers
Best for:
• High quality of life
• Safety
• Surfing & hiking
• International community
Florianópolis, Brazil’s famous “Magic Island,” combines beautiful beaches with modern city structure. Perfect for retirees who want:
• Top healthcare
• Good infrastructure
• Clean beaches
• Strong foreign community
• Mild climate year-round
Sports: World-class surfing at Joaquina, Mole, and Campeche.
Why it’s ideal: You can live in Floripa during Brazil’s summer (Dec–Mar) and return again in July–Aug when it’s still mild.
2. Pipa (Rio Grande do Norte) – For Digital Nomads, Surfers & Seasonal Living
Best for:
• laid-back lifestyle
• Strong Airbnb returns
• Tropical weather all year
• Jungle-meets-beach scenery
Pipa is a paradise for people who want nature, surf, and a warm community. Monkeys, dolphins, and rainforest views create a true “winter escape” environment.
Perfect for part-time residents who want:
• A slower pace
• A walkable town
• Rental income when away
• Daily surf and kitesurfing
3. Ceará (Preá, Jericoacoara, Icaraí de Amontada) – The Kitesurf Capital
Best for:
• Kitesurfers
• Europeans escaping winter
• Remote workers
• Investors wanting high ROI
This region offers the best wind in the world, blowing from July to January. Europeans and Americans often spend:
• August–November in Ceará
• December–March back home
• Then return again April–July to Brazil’s Northeast
It’s the perfect “endless kitesurfing cycle.”
Strong Airbnb returns, consistent tourism, and beautiful boutique villas make Ceará one of the most profitable regions for seasonal owners.
4. Itacaré (Bahia) – For Surfers & Nature Lovers
Best for:
• Retirees wanting charm
• Young families
• Surfers
• Boutique hotel investors
Itacaré has rainforest-covered cliffs, hidden beaches, and a slower pace of life. Ideal for those who enjoy a highly active lifestyle:
• Surfing
• Trail running
• Kayaking
• Waterfalls
• Yoga & wellness
5. Rio de Janeiro – For Culture, Convenience & International Living
Best for:
• Part-time retirees
• Professionals who want a city + beach mix
• People who want a clear path to rental income
Neighborhoods like Ipanema, Leblon and São Conrado offer:
• Spectacular city beaches
• Walkable neighborhoods
• International residents
• Great dining
• Excellent rental demand
Many buyers spend summers in the US/EU and winters living by the beach in Rio.
Visa Options for Part-Time Living in Brazil
Good news: Brazil offers several visas that fit the part-time lifestyle perfectly.
1. Tourist Visa (For Short-Term Stays)
Stay: Up to 180 days per year
Ideal for:
• Seasonal residents
• Surfers/kitesurfers coming twice a year
• Trial period before buying property
Many part-time owners simply rotate their visits with this visa.
2. Retirement Visa (Pensionado Visa)
Perfect for retirees with:
• Proof of pension (around USD $1,500/month)
• Clean background check
Allows long-term residence and access to Brazil’s healthcare system.
3. Digital Nomad Visa
Great for surfers and remote workers who want to stay 1–2 years at a time while working for companies abroad.
Requirements include:
• Income of ~USD $1,500/month
• Health insurance
4. Brazil Golden Visa (Investment Visa)
Best for buyers who want flexibility.
Invest about USD $200k in real estate and you get:
• Residency for the whole family
• Ability to live part or full time
• Unlimited travel in and out
• No minimum-stay requirement
You can buy your beach house and come whenever you want.
Airbnb & Renting When You’re Not in Brazil
Part-time living becomes even more attractive when your home can pay for itself.
Best towns for Airbnb ROI:
Property types that perform best:
• Villas near the beach
• Condos with amenities
• Boutique bungalows
• Homes with pools
• Kitesurf-friendly accommodations
Owners often cover:
• HOA fees
• Taxes
• Maintenance
• Part of the mortgage
just with seasonal rentals.
Why Part-Time Living in Brazil Is Becoming a Global Trend
Whether you’re a retiree escaping harsh winters or a surfer chasing the perfect wave, part-time living in Brazil gives you:
• A sunnier, healthier life
• Financial advantages
• Lower cost of living
• A supportive expat community
• Access to nature and sports
• A second home in paradise
Most importantly, you get the freedom to live between two summers, choosing the best months of each country you love.
Thinking About Buying a Home for Part-Time Living?
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Instead of browsing endlessly, let us shortlist properties for you. Click here to fill out our short form and we’ll guide you every step of the way.
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Related Guides for Foreign Buyers
Looking to dive deeper into the process? Here are key resources: