Looking for French Expats in Brazil?

Is Brazil a good move for French expats? These pros and cons come from the InterNations Expat Insider 2026 survey, in which thousands of expats around the world share what they like and don't like about life abroad each year. The points below reflect what French expats in Brazil wrote in their own words, backed up by survey percentages from all expats living there.

• People are warm and welcoming. 68% of expats in Brazil say making local friends is easy (vs. 39% globally), 84% feel welcome, and 77% rate locals as friendly.

• The nature and weather are spectacular. 95% rate the natural environment positively and 76% the climate and weather.

• The food and culture are a joy. 90% rate culinary variety positively and 81% culture and nightlife, with a lively social scene.

• Life feels relaxed and full. The French mention an easygoing quality of life and, in cities like São Paulo, everything at your fingertips.

• Safety is the biggest concern. Crime shapes daily life, and 53% of expats in Brazil rate personal safety positively — well below the global average of 81%.

• Corruption and inequality frustrate. Politics, corruption, and inequality dominate the complaints, and political stability rates just 42%.

• The language is essential. Only 23% find it easy to get by without Portuguese, against 48% globally.

• Getting around can be hard. Public transport rates 66% and getting around on foot or by bike just 44%.

For the French, Brazil offers warmth, stunning nature, great food, and a social life that comes easily. The trade-offs are safety, corruption, and the need for Portuguese. If the people and landscape matter more than convenience, it's a place many come to love.

Every year, we publish one of the biggest global surveys among expats — asking them about various aspects of their life, from work to leisure. Learn what motivated our French members to move abroad, what keeps them there, and what they struggle with or miss about home.

Of course, expat living in Brazil is not just about shipping your belongings and filing in some bureaucratic papers. Regular socializing with fellow French is an essential part of expat life and helps getting accustomed to the Brazilian way of life and mentality. InterNations helps you connect and meet up with other French in Brazil, residing in Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo and many other places throughout the country. Just take a look at our group of French in São Paulo or French in Rio de Janeiro.

If you ever wish to have a chat in your native language, discover where to shop for French food or discuss your favorite sports team's latest match, become a member of the Brazilian InterNations Community:

• Look up our top quality network to get to know open-minded expats from France in Brazil.
• Obtain and share insider tips in our Brazil Expat Forums – e.g. how to hire a babysitter fluent in your native tongue for your children or where to get foie gras in Rio de Janeiro.
• Search the InterNations Places database for Brazil to get information on institutions from your home country, including the French embassy.

From the strongly urbanized south-east to the Federal District, we’ll help you connect with supportive and friendly French expats in Brazil.

Moreover, please feel free to attend our regular expat events and activities in Brazil. Our get-togethers are very diverse and range from a cozy gathering to enjoy the traditional Brazilian feijoada, to big expat celebrations with hundreds of participants in Brasilia’s best locations. You can also participate in one of our expat trips to go and see Sampa's cosmopolitan Centro Histórico as well as other beautiful landmarks in Brazil.

Our meet-ups and activities are a great opportunity to mingle with expats from France and various other countries in a casual setting. Interested? Just sign up and you’ll soon be receiving a cordial Bonjour from our French living in Brazil!