Brazil
The expat community in Brazil is growing fast, and it’s easy to see why! With thriving industries like mining, manufacturing, and agriculture, Brazil offers abundant job opportunities for professionals moving from the USA.
Most expats begin their journey in São Paulo—a global hub for technology, finance, and services—offering a diverse culture and buzzing city life. The second-largest expat community is in Rio de Janeiro, famous for its beaches, festivals, and vibrant lifestyle.
If you’re relocating to Brazil, SDC International Shipping is here to make your move seamless. With expertise in household goods shipping, vehicle transportation, and customs assistance, we ensure a stress-free transition to your new home.
What Can You Ship When Moving to Brazil?
Brazil allows you to bring household goods and personal belongings, but there’s one key condition:
Items must have been in your possession for at least 6 months; otherwise, they are considered new and subject to high taxes.
Common Items You Can Ship
- Furniture
- Libraries and books
- Artwork and antiques
- Kitchen furniture and appliances
- Electronics (one per type: TVs, laptops, printers, etc.)
- Pianos and musical instruments
Shipping Vehicles to Brazil
Only new cars and motorcycles can be imported to Brazil, with the exception of vintage vehicles over 30 years old. Vehicles must also comply with Brazil’s emission standards.
When moving your belongings to Brazil, you’ll choose between two container options:
1. Full Container Load (FCL)
- A dedicated container for your shipment.
- Perfect for large moves with furniture, electronics, and vehicles.
- We deliver the container to your home and handle professional packing.
2. Less than Container Load (LCL)
- Cost-effective option for smaller shipments.
- Your items share space with other consignments.
- Regular weekly or bi-weekly sailings for convenience.
For high-value or fragile items, custom crating ensures additional protection during transit.
Airfreight or Ocean Freight? What’s Best for You?
Air Freight
- Fastest option for time-sensitive shipments.
- Added security for high-value items.
- Best for small shipments or urgent relocations.
Ocean Freight
- Most affordable option for large volumes.
- Ideal for Full Container Loads (FCL) and Less than Container Loads (LCL).
- Takes longer but offers excellent value for non-urgent shipments.
Tip: If time isn’t a concern, ocean freight offers the best cost savings.
Shipping Durations to Brazil
Ocean Freight
Transit times depend on the distance and ports. Key Brazilian ports include:
- Santos (largest port)
- Rio de Janeiro
- Fortaleza
- Paranagua
Speak with our shipping specialists for precise estimates.
Air Freight
Air freight deliveries typically take a few days, making it the best choice for time-sensitive shipments.
Moving a New Vehicle to Brazil
It’s true, under current regulations, individuals aside from diplomats are unable to bring their used automobiles with them when moving to Brazil. The country only permits the importation of new cars and motorcycles for personal use. In rare cases, vehicles that are over 30 years old may be imported, but this is not applicable for most of our clients. Additionally, all cars from the USA must comply with Brazil’s emission control standards.
However, if you have a brand new vehicle that you’d like to take with you to Brazil, we can assist you in arranging its transportation. We offer options such as shipping the vehicle in a container or utilizing RoRo vessels. Our services also cover necessary paperwork and the clearance of your vehicle through Customs, ensuring a smoother process for you.
Paperwork For Removal to Brazil
Moving to Brazil involves navigating complex bureaucratic processes. This guide provides the most current information for expatriates planning to relocate.
Essential Documentation Requirements
When importing household goods to Brazil, you must prepare the following documents:
- Identification and Legal Documents
- Fully notarized color copies of passport (all pages)
- Valid Brazilian visa or permanent residence permit
- Types include: Work Visa, Permanent Residence, Investor Visa, Family Reunion Visa
- Brazilian Tax Identification Number (CPF/Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)
- Proof of employment or sponsorship letter
- Shipping and Inventory Documentation
- Comprehensive inventory list of shipped items (required in Portuguese)
- Must include detailed descriptions, quantities, and estimated values
- Each item must be individually listed and valued
- Commercial invoice for shipped goods
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Proof of continuous residence abroad (minimum 12 months)
- Comprehensive inventory list of shipped items (required in Portuguese)
- Special Shipping Certifications
- ISPM 15 certified fumigation certificate for wooden items/packaging
- Customs declaration form (Declaração de Bagagem Acompanhada)
- Certificate of Origin for high-value items
- Health certificates for certain household goods
Key Considerations
Restricted and Prohibited Items
- Firearms require special permits
- Certain medications must be pre-approved
- Antiques and artworks need additional documentation
- Limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco are permitted
Recommended Preparation Steps
- Begin document preparation at least 3-4 months before relocation
- Use certified translation services for all non-Portuguese documents
- Maintain digital and physical copies of all paperwork
- Consult with Brazilian consulate for most current requirements
Customs Duty and Tax Implications
- Household goods may be exempt from import taxes if:
- Imported by permanent residents
- Items are for personal use
- Goods are not for commercial purposes
- Professional appraisal might be required for high-value shipments
Professional Assistance
While it’s possible to manage this process independently, most expatriates benefit from:
- International moving companies specializing in Brazil relocations
- Immigration lawyers familiar with current regulations
- Translation and document certification services
Important Contacts
- Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal)
- Brazilian Customs Authority (Receita Federal)
- Local Brazilian Consulate in your US state
Disclaimer
Immigration and customs regulations change frequently. Always verify the most current requirements with official sources before finalizing your move.
Recommended Verification Sources:
- Brazilian Embassy/Consulate websites
- Receita Federal do Brasil (Official Customs Website)
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Ministério das Relações Exteriores)
Final Checklist
- ✅ Valid passport
- ✅ Appropriate visa
- ✅ Comprehensive inventory
- ✅ Certified translations
- ✅ Shipping documentation
- ✅ Tax and identification numbers
- ✅ Health and fumigation certificates
Estimated Processing Time: 4-8 weeks for complete documentation review
Top Tips for Moving to Brazil
Here are some additional tips to make your move stress-free:
- Your CPF address and destination address must match.
- Voltage and adapters: Brazil uses both 120V and 220V power—be prepared.
- Vaccination: Check the CDC guidelines for recommended vaccines.
- Pet relocation: Research Brazil’s pet import regulations.
Explore More: Learn about customs regulations and tips for packing fragile items.
Why Choose SDC International Shipping
At SDC International Shipping, we specialize in international relocations to Brazil. With tailored services and expert guidance, we handle:
- Household goods shipping
- Vehicle transport
- Custom crating and packing
- Storage solutions
- Smooth customs clearance
Whether you’re moving a 3-bedroom home or shipping delicate artwork, we’ll develop a custom solution that fits your needs.
📞 Call (877) 339-0267 or request a free quote now.
Let’s Get Your Move to Brazil Started!
Moving to Brazil is an exciting new chapter, and SDC International Shipping is here to make the process simple and stress-free.
From professional packing to customs documentation and delivery, we handle it all—so you can focus on settling into your new home.
📄 Get your free moving quote today, and let’s start planning your move to Brazil!
