Moving to Brazil
Paraná is home to one of the largest communities of Polish descent anywhere in the world, and São Paulo draws specialists from Europe into industry and finance. Whatever your reason for going, Brazilian customs clearance is known for being meticulous and slow. Moving to Brazil therefore calls for patience and carefully prepared paperwork. In Wrocław we pack and load the container, and on the Brazilian side clearance and delivery are handled by a partner from the FEDEMAC network.
Ports in Brazil
| Region | Port | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| São Paulo and Campinas | Santos | the largest port in South America, approx. 80 km from São Paulo |
| Curitiba and Paraná | Paranaguá | closest to the Polish diaspora communities |
| Santa Catarina: Joinville, Florianópolis | Itajaí, Navegantes | convenient for the south of the country |
| Rio de Janeiro | Rio de Janeiro | delivery within the city |
A container from Wrocław sails from Hamburg, Bremerhaven or Antwerp across the Atlantic. The voyage usually takes three to five weeks. Clearance is the least predictable part – it can take anything from a few days to several weeks, especially if the authorities send the load for a physical inspection.
Unaccompanied baggage and documents
The belongings of someone relocating to Brazil are cleared as unaccompanied baggage. The tax and customs authority, Receita Federal, requires an electronic baggage declaration, and your belongings must arrive within a set period before or after you do. The relief covers used personal and household effects; new items and multiple appliances of the same kind may be subject to duty.
- a passport with a Brazilian entry stamp,
- a visa and an RNM foreign national document, or proof that you have applied for one,
- a Brazilian CPF tax number,
- an inventory describing the boxes, translated into Portuguese if the partner asks for it,
- a power of attorney for the customs agent.
What to watch out for when packing
New electronics
Laptops and phones still in their boxes will be treated by customs as commercial goods. Any equipment in the container should be visibly used.
Duplicates
Two identical appliances, such as two televisions or several identical laptops, may be subject to duty. It is better to send just one.
Food and plants
Agricultural inspections stop food, seeds and soil. Clean your bikes, walking boots and garden furniture.
Climate and delivery
Brazil's coast is humid for most of the year, while in the south, in Curitiba, winters can be cool and rainy. We pack furniture and books with moisture absorbers, because the container may sit in port for several weeks awaiting clearance. In São Paulo, deliveries to high-rise buildings must be registered with the building management, and lorry traffic in the centre is restricted at peak times. Our partner plans the delivery around these rules.
If you don't yet know how long you will stay, you can ship some of your belongings and keep the rest in our storage facility. You can check the volume with our calculator.
Brazil – frequently asked questions
Why does clearance in Brazil take so long?
The authorities check documents in great detail and often send shipments for physical inspection. Complete paperwork and an accurate inventory are the best way to shorten this stage.
Can I ship my belongings before my RNM is issued?
The container can sail, but clearance usually requires you to be in the country with your residence documents. We plan the shipment around when you will receive them.
How long does a move to Curitiba take?
Most often seven to twelve weeks from packing to delivery, with clearance in Paranaguá being the most variable part.
Will I pay duty on used furniture?
Used furniture and household contents usually enter with relief as unaccompanied baggage. Charges mainly apply to new items and duplicates.
A move to Brazil without delays in port
We will prepare the inventory and documents for Brazilian customs clearance. Free quote.
Free quote