Top 10 Places for Brazilian Expats 

Emigrating from your home country is quite an important moment in life, like picking a spot on a rotating globe and deciding to plant your roots there. 

The most welcoming countries for immigrants are the ones that make it easy to start afresh. They’ve got policies that ensure a smooth and regulated path to work permits, or even options for permanent residency. Add in a friendly atmosphere, and you’ve got the perfect place to call home! 

For many Brazilians the journey of emigrating from their country was motivated by work or economic opportunity, the chance to join their family, or to study abroad. Back in the mid-1980s, Brazil faced tough times with hyperinflation shaking things up as the military dictatorship came to an end. That’s when many Brazilians decided it was time to pack their bags and chase new opportunities abroad. 

Fast forward to today, and the Brazilian diaspora is thriving like never before, with nearly 5 million Brazilians calling countries around the world their new home. According to the annual report of the Brazilian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the United States is the go-to destination for Brazilian expats, with over 2 million Brazilians living here. The Brazilian community in the U.S. has grown by 50% in the last decade, and from 2023 to 2025, it’s set to grow even more!  

Here’s a list showing the top 10 places that Brazilians choose to start their new life abroad. 

• New York, New York 

• Boston, Massachusetts 

• Miami, Florida 

• Lisbon, Portugal 

• London, United Kingdom 

• Orlando, Florida 

• Nagoya, Japan 

• Atlanta, Georgia 

• Los Angeles, California 

• Houston, Texas 

It’s hard to miss—seven out of the top 10 destinations are in the U.S., showing the country’s strong appeal to the Brazilian expat community. In search of a better life, Brazilians have built strong communities in places like New York and Boston. Meanwhile, in Europe, they were drawn by Portugal’s welcoming policies and shared language. No matter where they land, Brazilians bring a touch of samba and sunshine anywhere they go. 

So, whether you’re looking for new career opportunities, embarking on a business venture, or starting a new life abroad, this article aims to guide Brazilians by exploring the top 10 places that offer the perfect sense of community, growth, and opportunity for Brazilian expats. 

New York, New York State 

The buzzing economy and cultural richness of New York make it a top destination for immigrants from all over the world. Its multicultural appeal creates a place where you can be a part of a melting pot while still holding on to your roots. Amid so many different cultures, it’s easy to feel right at home.  

With approximately 500,000 calling New York home, the city has a significant Brazilian community that has grown into a unique slice of Brazil right in the heart of Manhattan – Little Brazil – nestled in a single block on 46th Street between Fifth and Sixth Avenues. Little Brazil has grown into a spot offering a taste of home with many Brazilian shops and restaurants serving authentic Brazilian cuisine, such as Brazilian-style steakhouses and seafood restaurants. 

New York boasts many Brazilian establishments, lively cultural events, and samba-filled parties that bring forth the Brazilian spirit. From Manhattan’s Little Brazil to Brazilian neighborhoods in Queens and beyond, it’s no surprise that many Brazilians are drawn to this vibrant city rich with culture and opportunity. 

Boston, Massachusetts 

The second-largest Brazilian population in the U.S. is in the Bay State. According to Instituto Diáspora Brasil, the Greater Boston area is home to approximately 200,000 Brazilian expats, particularly in neighborhoods like East Boston, Somerville, and Framingham. 

The Brazilian community in Massachusetts is a diverse mix of talent. From highly professional individuals to medium-skilled workers to those in low-skill occupations, Brazilians make a substantial impact across various industries including real estate, civil construction, law, accounting, restaurants, and personal services. But here’s the real twist—Brazilian expats are killing the entrepreneurship game in Massachusetts, with over 24,488 medium-sized and growing companies, the majority of these businesses being concentrated in Boston.  

This signals a significant lucrative opportunity for Brazilians looking to expand their business ventures to the U.S. With a thriving Brazilian entrepreneurial segment in Boston, it’s clear that there’s a strong market ready for new ideas and investments, all adding their unique flair to the local business scene! 

Miami, Florida 

Brazilians who once visited Miami and Orlando for the shopping and theme parks are now coming to stay. The proximity to their homeland and all the opportunities Florida has to offer are driving immigration to Florida. 

About 60% of Brazilians in Florida are living in Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach counties. These areas are buzzing with Brazilian energy, and you can truly taste it in the local food scene! From açaí bowls to feijoada, the Brazilian community has added some flavor to the culture here. 

The main characteristic of Brazilian expats in Florida is that the Brazilian crowd in Florida is young, vibrant, and super driven, with an average age of just 39. Many of them have impressive education levels compared to other immigrants and even locals. 

Miami has the highest concentration of Brazilians in the country, making it one of the top hotspots where the Brazilian community truly thrives. It’s like a little Brazilian hub right in the heart of the Sunshine State! 

Beyond economic prosperity, Miami offers an appealing lifestyle making it feel like home for many Brazilian expats. The city’s lively atmosphere and familiar Latin influence give it a taste of Brazil, making it the perfect spot for those seeking a better quality of life while feeling the familiar warmth of home. For one, the warm, sunny weather makes it feel like a little slice of Brazil, minus the rainstorms.  

Business-wise, it’s a breeze to keep things rolling with new offices and ventures popping up everywhere due to Miami’s rising real estate market, even including Brazilian banks and firms. And let’s not forget the lifestyle – Miami’s vibrant culture and warm and welcoming people make it a place that’s hard to find anywhere else. 

It’s safe to say that Miami has become the ultimate home away from home for Brazilians. 

Lisbon, Portugal 

Lisbon has become a top spot for Brazilians looking to start afresh in Europe. With its familiar language, culture, and welcoming vibe, it’s easy for Brazilians to settle in. 

Right now, around 320,000 Brazilian expats call Lisbon home, and that number will keep growing. Plus, the new Interministerial Ordinance makes it even easier for Brazilians to get temporary visas and residence permits. This has been made possible thanks to the Agreement on Mobility within the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), which includes member states where Portuguese is the official language, including Brazil. 

The most common issue when immigrating to another country is the language barrier. Not being fluent can make everything from ordering food to chatting with neighbors feel overwhelming. However, for Brazilians in Portugal, that’s not the case. Since both nations speak Portuguese, it makes settling in a breeze—whether it’s starting a business, studying, or just going about everyday life, like having a coffee at a café or attending a business meeting. It’s a smooth transition from day one! 

Many Brazilian expats have settled in Lisbon, taking advantage of its thriving job market, especially in sectors like tourism, tech, and design. The warm, community-focused atmosphere of Lisbon fosters strong connections, making it an easy place for Brazilians to truly settle in. 

London, United Kingdom 

London’s reputation as a cultural and economic powerhouse attracts many Brazilian expats. 

The city offers career opportunities in finance, arts, and technology while boasting a lively Brazilian community. From samba nights in Soho to the Brazilian Film Festival, London offers a taste of home for those seeking new horizons. 

Plus, the English-speaking environment gives Brazilians added global exposure, making it easier to connect and thrive on the international stage compared to other European cities. 

According to a survey by Statista, the main reason why Brazilians head to the United Kingdom is for a better quality of life. Other reasons include a lack of opportunities back home, reuniting with a partner, seeking a cultural experience, studying, and moving a business. 

It’s all about finding new opportunities and making life a bit brighter! 

Orlando, Florida 

As mentioned above, Orlando is right up there with Miami as one of Florida’s favorite hotspots for Brazilian expats. 

With its endless sunshine, affordable cost of living, and thriving job market in industries like tourism, tech, and healthcare, it’s no wonder Brazilians immigrate to Orlando. Also, families can enjoy quality schools and bilingual options for their children. 

The Brazilian community in Orlando has grown so much that businesses like supermarkets, restaurants, and specialty stores have sprung up to meet their needs. This vibrant presence is especially noticeable on International Drive, where you’ll find a lively mix of Brazilian bakeries, restaurants, and markets offering a taste of home. 

It’s easy to see why Orlando has become a home for so many Brazilians. The city offers the perfect mix of practical benefits and cultural familiarity, making it an ideal destination for those looking to build a new life without losing touch with their roots. 

From career opportunities to a strong sense of community, Orlando continues to welcome Brazilian expats with open arms. 

Nagoya, Japan 

Japan might not be the first place that comes to mind when thinking of Brazilian expats. However, it has become a unique destination for many. Even so, Nagoya, one of the largest cities in Japan, counts around 120,830 Brazilian immigrants. 

In fact, according to Statista, in 2023, Brazilians were in the top five foreign nations immigrating to Japan. Unsurprisingly, a large portion are Nikkeijin—descendants of Japanese emigrants who have returned to their ancestral homeland. 

This unique connection dates back to the early 20th century when many Japanese emigrated to Brazil in search of better opportunities. Fast forward decades later, their descendants are now finding their way back to Japan. 

These opportunities have created a strong and thriving Brazilian community, especially in cities like Nagoya, which is a hub for Brazilian culture in Japan. 

Despite challenges like language barriers and cultural differences, the Brazilian-Japanese expat community continues to flourish. For many, it’s a chance to reconnect with their roots while embracing the opportunities and lifestyle Japan offers. 

Atlanta, Georgia 

Brazilian expats have truly made a mark in Atlanta, with a community of over 120,000 individuals of Brazilian descent. 

They enrich the cultural tapestry of the city with their unique traditions and festivals. For instance, numerous Brazilian-owned establishments specialize in Brazilian-style pastries, dishes, and sweets. 

According to Soul Brasil, a significant portion of the Brazilian population in Atlanta lives in areas like Marietta, part of the greater metro area, creating tight-knit communities that still hold on to their cultural roots. Their tradition of celebrating festivals is kept alive in Atlanta as well. Events like “Festa Junina” bring traditional Brazilian music, dance, and food to the forefront. It’s a party that’s as much for the locals as it is for the expats, bringing everyone together to enjoy the festive spirit. 

All of this makes the Brazilian expat community in Atlanta not just a part of the city, but a true asset, enriching the diversity and spirit of the area. 

Los Angeles, California 

With its dynamic job market, vibrant culture, and unbeatable weather, Los Angeles takes the crown as one of the most sought-after destinations for people looking to start anew and pursue their dreams. 

Today, Los Angeles County is home to nearly 3.5 million immigrants, over a third of the county’s total population, according to the American Community Survey (ACS). Among them, you’ll find around 120,000 Brazilian expats, contributing to the city’s diverse, vibrant community. 

And speaking of diversity, the California Latino Legislative Caucus estimated that California’s Latino population is almost 16 million, making up more than 40% of the state’s population. By 2060, according to predictions, Latinos will represent 48%. It’s clear that California is becoming even more of a melting pot, and Brazilians are right in the heart of this exciting transformation! 

Brazilians move to California for a variety of reasons, even though the state is known for its high cost of living. One of the main factors is that California is considered a “sanctuary state,” offering protection and support for immigrants. This welcoming environment has made it especially appealing to Brazilian expats living in other states. 

Aside from its immigration-friendly policies, Los Angeles is hard to resist with its laid-back vibe and lifestyle. It’s a place that offers both a warm welcome and a chance to enjoy life in one of the most beautiful regions in the U.S. 

Houston, Texas 

Houston is quickly becoming a go-to spot for Brazilian expats, with around 110,000 Brazilians now calling the city home. The main motivation to move there is that Houston offers big opportunities in energy, manufacturing, tech, and beyond. 

For many immigrants, it’s all about chasing the American Dream and finding new ways to thrive. Also, Houston’s connection to Brazil is strong, with trade between the two hitting record highs in 2022. Brazil is one of Houston’s top international partners, and this partnership is only getting stronger. 

A report by Greater Houston Partnership indicates that a lot of Brazilian companies, including Oxiteno, Petrobras, and Novonor, have already made their mark in Houston, and they’re not alone. Seven Brazilian firms have 12 subsidiaries in the city, while 44 Houston companies have a whopping 119 subsidiaries back in Brazil. 

It’s clear that Houston’s role as a global business hub is only going to get bigger, and Brazilian expats are right at the heart of it. Whether it’s jumping into exciting career opportunities or supporting these ever-expanding international ties, it’s no wonder so many Brazilians are flocking to Houston for a fresh start and a brighter future! 

The Options Are There – Are You Ready to Make the First Move? 

Each of these top 10 places offers something exceptional, from lucrative opportunities to vibrant cultural scenes.  

When choosing a new place to call home, Brazilian expats consider a variety of factors for picking a spot that ticks all their boxes. 

Considering the 10 presented cities, they all share a lively cultural vibe, where there’s always something happening—whether it’s music, food, or festivals. And, of course, Brazilians want to land somewhere with a booming job market or entrepreneurial spirit, so they can continue to chase their dreams and build their careers. 

If you’re among the Brazilians who are thinking about taking their talents abroad, Joorney can help. Our U.S. immigration business plans can help you qualify for business immigration visas or support you in your search for financial backing for a business project. Thinking of moving to England or Japan, we’ve got you covered as well.

Contact us today to learn more about how Joorney can help make your dreams of relocation a reality.