The largest country in South America, Brazil is extremely diverse with traditions and culture that transcend its borders. An emerging power in the global economy, Brazil is home to countless natural resources and untouched, protected natural habitats like the Amazon rainforest.
Whatever your reasons for relocating to Brazil, whether it's for employment, family or just a change of scenery, you'll need to be properly prepared when entering the country through customs. Here's what you need to know when preparing to move to Brazil from the United States:
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When you're traveling overseas for a move, the first thing you should pack is your passports, visas and other travel-related documents needed to get through customs clearance. Keep these documents with you at all times during the move, either on you or close by in a carry-on bag. Losing any of these documents will make your move a difficult and possibly delay your arrival at your destination.
You will need:
- Passport (original), Visa stamped
- Residence Visa
- Brazil ID card
- Inventory in Portuguese (two originals)
- Inventory must be itemized in detail; brand names, make, model and serial numbers of all electrical items must be noted
- Estimated value of the items in U.S. dollars should be displayed
- Must be legalized by the Brazilian Consulate for temporary visa holders
- Pets must be listed on the inventory
- Two separate inventories: first showing used items, second new items (items less than six (6) months old)
- Certificate of Residence issued by the Brazilian Consulate at origin for returning citizens
- Proof of revenue abroad
- Proof of residence abroad for over one year
- Airline ticket
- Work Contract and Customs Bond are required for Customers holding a temporary visa
- Goods must be re-exported upon expiration of the contract for holders of a temporary visa
- Termo de Responsibilidade (guarantee)
- Power of Attorney forms provided by the Destination Agent
- Letter authorizing Destination Agent to clear shipment
SHIPPING AND CUSTOMS REGULATIONS
You most likely won't be alone when you move to Brazil - you'll have an entire shipment of belongings coming with you. Whether you have your belongings shipped ahead of time or you bring them with you through customs, acquaint yourself with the shipping regulations existing in your destination country.
- Household goods and personal effects may be imported duty and tax free provided they have been owned and used for at least six months and are not for re-sale
- Only two shipments permitted, one air and one sea
- Shipments should arrive in Brazil no earlier than three months before or no later than six months after customer's arrival
- Shipments must be 100 percent inspected
- Clearance cannot begin until all documents are received
- Shipment must embark from the country of customer's residence
- Immigrants must register with the Brazilian Federal Police within 30 days of arrival
- It is strongly advised not to import any items that are new as they will be subject to high duties and fines
PROHIBITED ITEMS
Different countries have different laws regarding what you're allowed to bring into the country through customs. Do your research beforehand to avoid trouble at customs. Here are the items that are prohibited from being imported to Brazil:
- Illegal drugs
- Guns, explosives and ammunition
- Knives and deadly weapons
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Plant and plant products
- All species of birds
- Dairy products including milk, egg and cheese
- Fish and fish products
- Cigarettes or alcoholic beverages of Brazilian origin
- Counterfeit money and goods
- Hazardous materials
- Pornographic material
RESTRICTED ITEMS
While the items on this list may not be prohibited, there are some restrictions on the permitted quantity. Other items may be dutiable, meaning a tax will be placed on them upon arriving at customs. Familiarize yourself with the items that have been restricted before beginning your move:
- New articles sent as unaccompanied baggage will be subject to payment of duties of 50 percent of the value of the goods-- customer will have to present the invoice
- Items not corresponding to inventory are subject to very high duties/fines
- Duplicate items (such as electrical appliances) assessed very high duty
- Wedding trousseaux, inheritance items, new furniture, tins of food and alcohol are all subject to high customs duties
- Computers need special entry permit from SEI (list model, serial number and accessories)
- Alcohol and tobacco products
- Appliances and bicycles
- Photo, audio and video equipment
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
Thinking of bringing your car along with you when you move overseas? Not so fast. Some countries have strict regulations regarding how cars can be transported into the country and which cars are allowed for import. In Brazil, only foreign diplomats can import a motor vehicle. The following documents are required:
- Passport
- Bill of Lading
- REDA-E (Diplomatic-Free Entry Document - obtained from the embassy through the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Power of Attorney (from Embassy)
- Proof of Ownership
- Purchase Receipts
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Bringing your pets with you on your overseas move is a necessity; after all they are a part of the family. Check out the regulations for shipping your pet to Brazil:
- Cats and dogs require a Health and Vaccination Certificate from the point of origin
- Pets are subject to veterinarian examination at the port of entry
- Other animals are subject to consultation with the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture prior to departure from the country of origin and are also subject to inspection
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moves are unique in the amount of preparation and planning that is required to relocate from one country to another. In addition to securing the services of an international moving, packing your belongings and planning your moving budget, you must also consider the customs regulations in your destination country. These regulations often vary from country to country and are subject to change.
To help you prepare for your move and to ease you into your transition, we've provided you with a few helpful links to get you started on your move and to help you learn more about the complicated international moving process: