Thinking of living, retiring or investing in Brazil — but unsure if it’s the right move?

From breathtaking beaches and rich culture to a welcoming climate and laid-back lifestyle, Brazil has a lot to offer. Yet, it’s also a country surrounded by myths that can create hesitation, especially for those considering a move or property purchase from abroad.

Let’s clear the air.

In this post, we’re breaking down the biggest misconceptions about Brazil and showing what life is really like on the ground — especially when it comes to remote work, cost of living, and the real estate market.

Myth vs. Reality: What People Get Wrong About Brazil

Here are some of the most common myths that foreigners hear (and repeat) about Brazil:

“Brazil is dangerous everywhere.”
“Brazil is too chaotic for remote work or retirement.”
“Foreigners can’t buy property in Brazil.”
“Brazil isn’t actually cheap anymore.”
“Property prices are sky-high in Brazil.”

While each of these statements contains a grain of truth, they don’t tell the full story. Brazil is a vast, diverse country — and the truth depends a lot on where you go and how you plan to live.

Let’s break them down.

Myth #1: “Brazil is dangerous everywhere”

Yes, Brazil has urban violence in some areas — especially in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. But this is far from the full picture.

There are countless towns, coastal villages and rural communities in Brazil where safety is not a major concern and the pace of life is relaxed. Places like Paraty, Praia do Rosa, São Miguel do Gostoso, and parts of Bahia offer calm, peaceful living with a growing community of digital nomads and retirees who love it here.

Just like in any large country, safety depends on location, lifestyle, and common-sense precautions.

Myth #2: “Brazil is too chaotic for remote work or retirement”

Brazil’s digital infrastructure has grown significantly over the past few years. In most medium to large towns, high-speed fiber optic internet is now available — even in many coastal or rural areas. Coworking spaces are expanding, especially in cities like Florianópolis, Pipa, and Salvador.

Retirees also benefit from Brazil’s laid-back lifestyle, beautiful year-round weather, and strong expat communities in popular areas. Private healthcare is high-quality and affordable compared to many countries — a huge draw for retirees.

With some research and local support, living or working remotely from Brazil is not only possible — it can be an upgrade in quality of life.

Myth #3: “Foreigners can’t buy property in Brazil”

False. Foreigners can absolutely buy real estate in Brazil. Check out our FAQ about it here.

In fact, Brazil has no restrictions on foreign buyers for most property types. You don’t need a visa or residency to invest — just a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física), which is a tax registration number easily obtained with a local partner or lawyer.

You can buy in your name or through a local company. There are some restrictions on purchasing rural/agricultural land near borders, but this doesn’t apply to most beachfront or residential properties.

Foreign buyers are increasingly taking advantage of the Golden Visa program, too, which grants residency for investments of 1 million BRL or more (approx. 200K USD).

Myth #4: “Brazil isn’t cheap anymore”

Brazil can be both affordable and expensive — it depends where and how you live.

Big cities like São Paulo and Rio can be pricey, especially in upscale neighborhoods. But smaller towns, beach villages, and inland cities offer a much lower cost of living compared to the U.S., Canada, or Europe.

In places like Natal, João Pessoa, Itacaré, and even parts of Florianópolis, you can live comfortably on a modest monthly budget. Rent, fresh food, domestic help, and health services remain very affordable.

Pro tip: Brazil offers incredible value if you’re earning in dollars or euros.

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Myth #5: “Property prices are sky-high in Brazil”

Again it depends where you’re looking.

While there are luxury homes that rival U.S. or European prices, Brazil still offers incredible beachfront real estate and countryside estates for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere.

For example, you can still find:

In other words, you can still buy an oceanfront home in Brazil for less than a one-bedroom apartment in Miami.

‍Final Thoughts: Brazil May Surprise You

The truth is, Brazil is not perfect — no place is. But it’s far more livable, investable and welcoming than many give it credit for.

If you're curious about what life here could look like or are ready to explore real estate investment opportunities, we're here to help.

💬 Have questions? Want help finding the right property?
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