Al
@abthree
American and Brazilian citizen
Forum posts
6387
Contacts
32
About me
American and Brazilian
Speaks English, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, some Spanish
Registration: 28 December 2017
Activity
CRNM / Digital Nomad Visa by ds0007
Questions to those who have a Brazil digital nomad visa:How long is the CRNM valid for? If your digital nomad visa expires is the CRNM no longer valid?Can you use the CRNM to open bank accounts, etc?If the digital nomad visa expires, do they close ...
03/23/26 @*HernameisRio* Note the Frequently Asked Questions section at the end of this article. It confirms what I've said above (and my own experience), that US taxpayers (Brits and Germans, as well) enjoy a substantial savings on taxes because ... Read More
CRNM / Digital Nomad Visa by ds0007
Questions to those who have a Brazil digital nomad visa:How long is the CRNM valid for? If your digital nomad visa expires is the CRNM no longer valid?Can you use the CRNM to open bank accounts, etc?If the digital nomad visa expires, do they close ...
03/22/26 Thanks @abthree. Unfortunately no one has a great resource for me, so year is why im reaching out here for help. I also have heard the US does Not have a tax treaty with Brazil so I think that makes my tax situation worse... do3s anyone ... Read More
CRNM / Digital Nomad Visa by ds0007
Questions to those who have a Brazil digital nomad visa:How long is the CRNM valid for? If your digital nomad visa expires is the CRNM no longer valid?Can you use the CRNM to open bank accounts, etc?If the digital nomad visa expires, do they close ...
03/20/26 @*HernameisRio*. If you've been in Brazil for 183 days in the same tax year, you may have some Brazilian tax liability. As long as you've been paying taxes on all your earnings in your home country, though, your Brazilian taxes may be ... Read More
Renouncing US Citizenship: State Department Reduces Fee 80%
03/19/26 We have sometimes had questions from US Citizen expats about renouncing their US citizenship, so I'm posting reliable information on this new development ... Read More
Social Security benefits x US bank account x retirement in Brazil? by Ivair Gontijo
It seems that getting direct deposit of social security benefits into a US checking account, while living permanently in Brazil, is allowed by SSA. Then one can pay for most everything in Brazil with a US credit card and avoid the complexity and ...
03/19/26 If your move and travels take you to BH after this coming June, please get in touch as we could get together for a chat.All the best to you and your husband and good luck to us all! - @Ivair Gontijo That's a definite, Ivair -- we're moving ... Read More
Should you get a CRMN Card on a tourist visa? by emeraldoor
In Brazil on a tourist visa, recently extended for a second 90 days. No one told us we should apply for a CRMN (National Migration Registration Card), and information is unclear. -Do you need to apply for a CRMN card while here on a tourist visa, or ...
03/18/26 Welcome, @emeraldoor. You can't get a CRNM -- the acronym follows the order of the Portuguese name, "Carteira de Registro Nacional Migrat贸rio" -- on a tourist visa. The CRNM is the equivalent of a national identity card for ... Read More
New members of the Brazil forum, introduce yourselves here - 2026 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Brazil forum? Don't know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on your ...
03/18/26 @Maggs400, @emeraldoor. Welcome! Read More
Social Security benefits x US bank account x retirement in Brazil? by Ivair Gontijo
It seems that getting direct deposit of social security benefits into a US checking account, while living permanently in Brazil, is allowed by SSA. Then one can pay for most everything in Brazil with a US credit card and avoid the complexity and ...
03/18/26 @Ivair Gontijo. How exciting! Congratulations on your new apartment -- all the best with it.With respect to transferring large sums, or even sums that aren't so large but are outside your usual pattern, I've found that nothing beats ... Read More
Social Security benefits x US bank account x retirement in Brazil? by Ivair Gontijo
It seems that getting direct deposit of social security benefits into a US checking account, while living permanently in Brazil, is allowed by SSA. Then one can pay for most everything in Brazil with a US credit card and avoid the complexity and ...
03/17/26 @Ivair Gontijo. I've always had my Social Security benefits deposited in my US account, with almost zero problems on either the Brazil or the US side. I don't need the whole thing for living expenses, so I transfer most of it to my ... Read More
Overstayed, prior to new VISA rules for US citizens and Fines by KSM1976
i would love some help on my somewhat tricky situation. I overstayed in late 2024 to early 2025 for a total of 110 days. I left March 5th 2025.I was given a document that stated my fine and to my surprise it was only R$1100...yes only 1100 not ...
03/17/26 @KSM1976 -- Welcome back -- so glad that it worked out for you! Read More
Bringing animals ( dogs and cats) to Brazil by kawakasbah
Hi guys..anyone out there has had experience bringing dogs or cats to Brazil? What are the rules and what to expect? thanks
03/13/26 found a pretty solid breakdown with the full timeline and checklist that saved me a bunch of time: https://airpaws.travel/countries/brazil-pet-travel seems to be up to date but still double check the details with your vet. hope it helps! - ... Read More
Cost of living in Brazil in 2025 by Cheryl
Hello everyone, Every year, we invite you to share your experiences with the cost of living in in Brazil, especially in the region or city you live in. Your insights will greatly help members planning their move to Brazil or already living ...
03/13/26 @ArthurLandson.聽 Welcome! I've always (going on nine years) transferred only enough to my Brazilian bank account from my US bank account to comfortably cover our living expenses every month:聽 I'm not interested in building up BRL ... Read More
Social Security Form SSA-7162 by nicholsharvey
Has social security recipient ever had to mail form SSA-7162 to the FBU.LISBON? How long did it take to Mail from Rio De Janeiro Brazil to Lisbon Portugal via correio service. It's been 10 days since I mailed it with tracking included and it has not ...
03/11/26 @mberigan. The last one I returned was dated "Jul. 31, 2025" in the upper right hand corner, to the left of the page number and the expression "OMB No. 0960-0049". I received it on August 12, 2025, so I assume that the July date was the ... Read More
Banking and transferring money from the U.S. by onthabay
Hello, My name is Rick. I live in a small town in the state of SP. I am married to a Brazilian, and I retired last year and we moved here. I have been trying to open a bank account in my name, showed them my CPF # and my permanent residencey card, ...
03/09/26 @onthebay.聽 Welcome back, Rick.聽 It's good to see that you're settling in well.If you have your CRNM, the bank where your wife already has an account should be willing to open an account for you, too.聽 Have they given you a ... Read More
Renewing your USA passport by NewBrazil
If you choose not to renew your USA passport. You have permanent residency in Brazil. If you only wanted to travel and live in Brazil do you need a passport. If when you renew your passport do they require Tax information for both Brazil and USA. ...
03/09/26 @NewBrazil. Congrats -- glad it worked out for you. Thanks for documenting the process, I'm sure that others will find it helpful. Read More