Moving to Europe from Brazil is a process that starts with narrowing down the countries that provide the most attractive regimes for expats and foreigners, or for foreign entrepreneurs who wish to start a business. Our immigration lawyer in the Netherlands can help immigrants from Brazil interested in moving to this country.
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Which European countries are among the most attractive options for Brazilians looking to relocate?
Many European countries are part of the EU, which provides a common framework of regulations, mobility, and legal standards. Portugal and Spain are often two of the most accessible countries in Europe to Brazilians. Those who choose to move here will most often do so by obtaining a work permit and becoming employees.
Nevertheless, other locations in the EU can prove to be inspiring for those looking to relocate permanently. The Netherlands is one example of a country that is hospitable to expats. Here, immigrants from Brazil can find suitable options for higher education as well as a good health system.
Moreover, the country is very well connected to other EU countries, making it very easy to access important capitals like Paris, Brussels, or London.
When deciding to immigrate to the Netherlands, it is advisable to reach out to an expert in the local legislation, such as our team of lawyers who specialize in immigration matters. By doing so, moving from Brazil to the Netherlands can become much simpler with clear guidance and local aid once you arrive in the Dutch city of your choice.
What are the conditions for moving to the Netherlands?
For stays of more than 90 days, you will need a residence permit and, in many cases, also a Provisional Residence Permit (MVV), depending on your nationality and the purpose of your stay. The MVV and residence permit are usually applied for together, and the sponsor in the Netherlands submits the application.
A Brazilian can obtain a residence permit in the Netherlands for the following purposes:
- Employment: to work in the Netherlands, in many cases, a combined work and residence permit, the Combined Residence and Work Permit (GVVA), or an employer-sponsored residence permit is required. The employer must be a sponsor recognized by the Immigration and Naturalization Service (IND).
- Employment as a highly skilled migrant: the highly skilled migrant permit is intended for people employed by a recognized IND sponsor and requires meeting minimum salary thresholds established annually.
- Study: international students must be accepted by a recognized educational institution in the Netherlands, and the university or educational institution usually submits the residence permit application on their behalf.
- Investment: the Netherlands has eliminated the special residence permit scheme for foreign investors as of April 17, 2024. For entrepreneurs, there are still options such as the start-up or self-employed person permit.
- Family: a residence permit for family reunification can be applied for by partners, spouses, children, or other eligible family members who join a person legally residing in the Netherlands.
One of our Netherlands immigration specialists can give you more details about these permits and the application procedure for each one of them. Below, we only discuss the main requirements for obtaining a work permit.
What are the requirements for obtaining a Dutch work visa?
When moving from Brazil to the Netherlands for employment purposes, the applicant must first find a job in the Netherlands. Depending on the purpose of the stay and the applicant’s situation, the application for the MVV and residence permit is submitted either by the sponsor in the Netherlands or by the applicant. The IND reviews the file and can issue a decision within up to 90 days.
Once the contract is agreed, the steps that follow are:
- The residence permit application: the employer is the one who applies for the residence permit for their future foreign employee.
- The application verification: The Immigration and Naturalization Department (IND) verifies the application.
- The decision: the IND issues a decision within 90 days of the application submission.
- Travel to the Netherlands: the applicant can pick up their long-stay visa from the embassy and can then travel to the country.
- Collect the residence permit: the IND prepares the residence permit, and this can be collected once the applicant receives a letter.
People who intend to immigrate to the Netherlands for more than 4 months must register with the municipality to obtain a BSN (burgerservicenummer).
The Netherlands can be your European country of choice when looking to move from Brazil. Our team can help you throughout the transition period. If you want to move to a certain Dutch city, our immigration lawyers in Amsterdam can help you.
What rights do Brazilians have after obtaining a residence permit in the Netherlands?
Brazilians who obtain a valid residence permit in the Netherlands can legally reside in the country and, depending on the type of permit, may have the right to work, study, or be self-employed. The exact rights are stated on the residence permit and depend on the purpose for which it was issued.
After registering with the municipality, residents receive a BSN (burgerservicenummer), which is required for work, healthcare, taxes, and opening a bank account. People living in the Netherlands must also take out Dutch health insurance if they are covered by the national health system.
What are the main challenges Brazilians face when relocating to Europe?
One of the main challenges for Brazilians moving to Europe is adapting to local administrative systems, especially in terms of residence registration, access to healthcare, taxes, and employment regulations.
In many European countries, long-term movers must complete several formalities upon arrival, including registering with local authorities and obtaining mandatory health insurance.
Another important aspect is the cost of living, which can vary significantly from one European country to another and even between cities.
Why is Portugal a good destination for Brazilians?
Portugal is one of the most accessible European countries for Brazilians to immigrate to due to the common language and historical ties between the two countries.
Brazilians have access to several residency options in Portugal, including for work, study, or self-employment. There are also special agreements between Portugal and Brazil that allow Brazilian citizens to apply for the “Status of Equality of Rights and Obligations”, providing access to certain civil rights in Portugal.
Why is Spain an attractive destination for Brazilians relocating to Europe?
For Brazilians who want to live in Spain for a period longer than 90 days, it is necessary to apply for a national visa and then a residence permit, depending on the reason for relocation. The most popular premises are those for studies, self-employment, work, digital nomads, and family reunification.
Another major advantage for Brazilians is that, as part of the Ibero-American states, they can benefit from the reduction of the period in which Spanish citizenship can be obtained through legal residency.
If you are interested in moving to Europe from Brazil, you should contact us for detailed information about the residence permit requirements, as well as the applicable conditions and steps to follow once you arrive in the country.