🇧🇷 Brazil Arrival Week Checklist

Your essential first week tasks when moving to Brazil

Activate international phone plan

Set up an international phone plan or purchase a Brazilian SIM card upon arrival. Consider eSIM options for convenience.

utilities

💡 Claro, Vivo, and TIM are the main carriers. eSIM can be purchased online before arrival.

Register with Federal Police (within 90 days)

All foreign nationals with temporary visas must register with the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival to obtain a Registro Nacional Migratório (RNM).

legal

💡 Schedule your appointment online as soon as possible - slots fill up quickly.

Official Resources:

Federal Police - Immigration Portal

Open local bank account

Open a Brazilian bank account. Digital banks like Nubank, Inter, or C6 Bank accept foreigners with temporary visas.

banking

💡 Nubank is popular among expats for its easy English app and no fees.

Official Resources:

Nubank

Apply for CPF (tax ID)

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is Brazil's tax identification number, required for banking, phone contracts, and many services.

legal

💡 You can apply online or at a Receita Federal office. Some post offices (Correios) also process CPF applications.

Official Resources:

Receita Federal - CPF

Explore neighborhood and locate essentials

Familiarize yourself with your neighborhood. Locate the nearest pharmacy, supermarket, hospital, police station, and coworking spaces.

lifestyle

💡 Use Google Maps to save important locations. Ask locals for recommendations!

Register with INM upon arrival

Complete immigration registration at INM office

legal

Required

Get Mexican SIM card or phone plan

Purchase local SIM or set up phone service

utilities

Register with Federal Police (SINCRE) within 90 days

This is legally required for all VITEM XIV holders. Within 90 days of arrival, register in person at the nearest Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office. You will receive your CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) — Brazil's foreigner ID card, which is essential for most administrative tasks.

visa

Required

💡 Schedule your appointment on agendamento.dpf.gov.br as soon as you land — slots fill up fast. Bring originals of your passport, visa, and proof of address.

Official Resources:

Federal Police - Foreigner Registration

Get a Brazilian SIM card

Purchase a local SIM card from Claro, Vivo, or TIM at the airport or a nearby carrier store. Register the SIM with your passport (legally required in Brazil). Having a local number is essential for two-factor authentication, WhatsApp-based business, and accessing local apps like iFood, 99Taxi, and bank apps.

utilities

💡 Vivo has the best national coverage. Get a postpaid plan if you plan to stay long-term — better speeds and priority network access.

Find a long-term rental apartment

Begin your apartment search in earnest. Many landlords require a Brazilian guarantor (fiador) or 3–6 months deposit upfront from foreigners. Working with a real estate agent (corretor) familiar with expats can help navigate this. Consider neighborhoods with good safety ratings and expat communities.

housing

20h

💡 QuintoAndar and VivaReal are the best platforms. Some landlords accept Airbnb for 3-month terms while you get organized — useful until you have a CPF.

This checklist is for general guidance. Requirements may vary based on your specific situation. Always consult official sources and consider professional assistance for legal matters.