Moving from Brazil to the UK

Moving from Brazil to the UK: A Complete Relocation Guide

The Brazilian community in the United Kingdom is the single largest Latin American nationality represented in the country. This community includes Brazilian-born immigrants and their British-born dependents.

Some of the top reasons for relocating to the UK include better employment opportunities, a high standard of living, world-class education, and enhanced security.

If you are considering migrating to the UK from Brazil, you must do so under the appropriate visa pathway and follow the application process strictly. Besides the visa application process, it is essential to prepare to adapt to a new way of life in the UK. As part of your relocation process, it is essential to understand transportation, housing, and employment in the UK, as well as how to access community support once you are in the country.

Visa Options for Brazilians Moving to the UK

Here are some visa options for Brazilians relocating to the UK.

Work Visa

The Skilled Worker and Health and Care Worker visas are the two most common UK Work visas. The Skilled Worker visa allows you to live and work in the UK for up to five years. The Health and Care Worker visa enables you to work in the UK as an eligible health or social care worker. They both provide a pathway to applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR).

Other long-term work visa options include the Minister of Religion, Scale-Up Worker visa, and International Sportsperson visa.

Study Visas

The UK Student visa lets you study in the UK if you get admission from an eligible educational institution. You can apply for this visa if you are at least 16 years old and have the financial capability to sponsor your education and sustain yourself in the UK. After graduating, you may be eligible to apply for a Graduate visa and/or switch to other long-term work visas.

Family Visas

The UK Family visa allows you to enter the UK to live with a British or settled family member for more than six months. You can apply as a spouse, child, fiancé, proposed civil partner, parent, child, or an eligible relative. Each of these pathways has different eligibility requirements.

Business Visas

You can set up a business in the UK with a business visa, provided your business meets the eligibility requirements. Some common visas for business owners and entrepreneurs include the Innovator Founder and the Global Talent visas.

The Innovator Founder visa allows you to establish and run an innovative, viable, and scalable business in the UK. You must have a business pland and obtain an endorsement from an approved UK endorsing body to qualify for the visa. 

If you have been recognised as a leader or potential leader in your industry, you can apply for the Global Talent visa and enter the UK to be an employee, self-employed, or a director of a company. You may also apply for the Global Talent visa without a leader or potential leader endorsement if you have won an eligible prize in your industry.

How to Apply for a UK Visa from Brazil

Here is a step-by-step process for applying for a UK visa from Brazil.

1. Choose a suitable visa type.
2. Visit the Home Office website and complete the online application form.
3. Pay the required fees using your credit or debit card or any other available payment method.
4. Book an appointment at the nearest visa application centre (VAC).
5. Submit scanned copies of your documents on the Home Office website. You can also decide to submit them at the VAC centre when you attend your appointment.
6. Track your application and await a decision

Documents Required for a UK Visa Application for Brazilians

The documents required for a UK visa application must be in English or Welsh. If they are in other languages, they must be translated. The required documents include the following:

General Documents (Required for Most UK Visa Types)

• Valid passport
• Completed visa application form
• Financial documents such as bank statements, payslips, and tax documents
• Criminal record certificate (If applicable)

Work Visas

• Certificate of sponsorship
• A letter from the employer or other proof of employment
• Degrees, diplomas, professional certifications, or other evidence of qualifications
• Evidence of relationship (If you have dependents)
• Depending on your country of origin and type of work visa, you may require an English proficiency test certificate at level B1 or above.

Student Visa

• Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS)
• Academic Technology Approval Scheme (if applicable)
• Academic certificates or records
• Proof of parental or guardian relationship for applicants under 18
• Written consent for under-18 applicants
• Birth certificate for under-18 applicants
• English proficiency test certificate at at least level B1 for below degree students and level B2 for degree students, unless exempt

Family Visas

• Birth certificate, marriage certificate, adoption certificate, or other proof of relationship to a UK sponsor 
• Tenancy agreement or other accommodation proof
• Proof of the UK sponsor’s nationality or their indefinite leave to remain status with a passport or evisa copy.
• English proficiency test certificate at level A1 or above, unless you are exempted.

Investor/Business Visas

• Bank statements or other proof of investment funds
• Evidence of a UK bank account
• Business plan 
• Investment portfolio report
• Evidence of employment and business history

Planning Your Move: Costs and Logistics

Here is a breakdown of the logistics and costs of relocating from Brazil to the UK.

Flight: A one-way economy ticket to London from Brazil starts from £650. Airline and flight class can result in increased costs. These costs fluctuate; it is crucial to always check updated prices with your airline.

Visa Application Fees: Visa fees vary depending on the route. For example, the Skilled Worker visa application fee is £769  if you’re staying up to three years in the UK and £1,519 if you are staying longer. The Student visa application fee is £524.

Shipping belongings: Shipping costs vary depending on the carrier and mode of transport. However, expect to pay a minimum of £70 to ship a 10kg load from Brazil to the UK via air courier. Sea freight is more economical for larger shipments but significantly slower.

Finding a Place to Live in the UK

You can search for rental properties in the UK from Brazil using sites like Rightmove, Zoopla, and OpenRent. According to the ONS, the average monthly rent in the UK is £1,344.London is one of the UK’s most expensive cities. Its average private rental monthly rent is £2,252. Conduct adequate research for your location to get an accurate estimate. 

Landlords in England are required to perform a right-to-rent check, particularly if your stay is above 3 months, to determine your eligibility for tenancy. You will be required to provide your landlord with your share-code and date of birth to verify your right-to-rent status on the UK government website.  

Setting Up Your Finances in the UK

Research top UK banks and create an account to manage your finances. You may need the following documents to create an account:

• Passport or driving license
• Tenancy agreement or other proof of address
• Employment and income details
• Tax information

Once your account is set up, you can use international money transfer services such as Wise, Western Union, and Remitly to send money from your Brazilian account to your UK account.

It’s essential to understand your credit score and plan to build financial credibility in the UK. Also, learn about your tax and other financial obligations and ensure you comply with them.

Accessing Healthcare as a Brazilian in the UK

You must pay a mandatory Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) when migrating from Brazil to the UK unless you are exempt. The IHS costs £776 annually for Student visa holders, under-18 applicants, and immigrants under the Youth Mobility Scheme and £1035 annually for other immigration types. 

With the surcharge, you will be able to access certain National Health Service (NHS) services, such as GP and nurse consultations, free of charge in public health centres. However, you may need to pay for prescriptions, dental, and optical care services. You can explore private UK health insurance options to meet your medical needs.

Employment Opportunities for Brazilians in the UK

Before or after arriving in the UK, you can use top recruiting platforms like Indeed, LinkedIn, Lista Brazil, and UK Visa Jobs for job openings in the country.

Learn how to optimise your CV to meet UK recruiting requirements. This includes using the proper formatting and ensuring clarity and conciseness. Cover all integral sections, such as contact details, work history, education history, and references.

If offered a job, prepare adequately for the interview. Be punctual and ask questions confidently and coherently.

Education Opportunities for Brazilians in the UK

The UK has some of the world’s best educational institutions, ensuring world-class education for Brazilian migrants. It is imperative to understand the financial realities of studying in the country. The main costs include annual tuition fees, which range from £10,000 to £40,000. Also, you should consider accommodation, educational materials, transportation, and feeding costs.

You can apply for eligible scholarships, such as Chevening, which is an official international scholarship open to Brazilians. Institutions such as the University of London, the University of Nottingham, and the University of Edinburgh offer undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships to Brazilian students.

Language Requirements and English Proficiency

Many UK immigration pathways require you to submit English proficiency test results. Eligible tests include:

• IELTS for UKVI
• PTE Academic UKVI
• Trinity College London’s ISE and GESE exams
• LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

The required score varies depending on the pathway. For instance, the minimum score on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale for some common UK visas are:

You can enrol in English classes or use the test providers’ recommended resources to prepare for the tests. Taking English language classes can also help you sharpen your proficiency.

Understanding Life in the UK as a Brazilian Immigrant

People in the UK are generally friendly, but they tend to be more reserved than Brazilians. It is advisable to respect personal space, queue patiently, and maintain decorum in public.

Additionally, British people like sports and have a vibrant pub culture. They also like outdoor activities and the theatre.

You can adapt to the UK culture and be an active part of the community by participating in local events, volunteering, joining clubs, or attending local classes. You can also build personal and professional relationships at work, school, and in your community.

Weather and Climate: Preparing for Life in the UK

The UK weather is unpredictable, and it is integral to be prepared for all conditions. This contrasts with Brazil’s weather, where rainfall is heavy during the rainy season and mostly absent during the dry season.

The UK has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. It is advisable to wear layered clothes during spring and autumn due to the fluctuating temperatures. Heavy clothes are suited for autumn, while spring requires lighter ones.

Transportation and Getting Around

You can travel in the UK using buses, trains, bicycles, taxis, trams, and the London Underground (the Tube). In London, the most cost-effective way to get around is with an Oyster card or a contactless bank card. Both work across buses, trams, and the Tube, with daily caps that limit how much you’ll spend, no matter how many journeys you make. 

For example, travel in Zones 1–2 caps at £8.90 per day, Zones 1–3 at £10.50, Zones 1–4 at £12.80, Zones 1–5 at £15.30, and Zones 1–6 at £16.30. On buses, a single journey costs £3, while the daily cap for unlimited bus and tram travel across London is £5.25.

Beyond London, coaches and trains are popular for intercity travel. Megabus, National Express, and FlixBus offer affordable long-distance bus services between major cities in the UK. For example, you can take a coach from London to Manchester or Birmingham for as little as £10–£20 if booked in advance. 

Trains are faster but generally more expensive; however, platforms like Trainline and National Rail can help you find cheaper tickets, including split fares that reduce costs. A train journey from London to Edinburgh takes around 4.5 hours, while London to Manchester can be just over 2 hours, with advance bookings often starting from £25–£30

If you want to drive, you can do so for up to 12 months after arriving in the UK with your Brazilian licence. Afterwards, you must obtain a UK driving license from the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) to continue to drive. 

Community and Support Networks for Brazilians in the UK

The UK has organisations that provide language, legal, education, employment, and even housing support for Brazilian immigrants. They include:

• IRMO (Indoamerican Refugee and Migrant Organisation)
• Portuguese Community Centre London
• InterNations

Consider migrating to cities like London, Birmingham, and Brighton. These cities have a sizable Latin American population. You can find in-person clubs, associations, and religious organisations that can facilitate community integration.

Join social media groups and online forums; Brasileiros em Londres (Facebook) and r/brasil (Reddit) have sizable members who can offer practical help and advice.

In addition to these networks, our relocation services can help you settle in smoothly in the UK. At IAS, we provide orientation support, connect you with local communities, and guide you toward the right resources for housing, employment, and education. 

Bringing Pets to the UK from Brazil

If you intend to relocate with your pets to the UK, you must transport them using approved routes and means of transportation. All pets must be vaccinated against rabies, microchipped, and have a formal travel document. The UK immigration authorities will quarantine your pet or reject its entry into the UK if you fail to adhere to the regulations.

Safety and Emergency Services in the UK

The UK’s national emergency numbers are 999 and 112. Use them only when you need urgent and life-threatening police, ambulance, fire brigade, or coast guard services. Call 111 in urgent but non-life-threatening situations.

While the UK is generally safe, it is advisable to be security-conscious at all times. Be aware of your surroundings and avoid walking alone at night. Plan your routes properly and keep valuables out of sight in public.

How IAS Can Help You Move from Brazil to the UK

At IAS, we offer immigration services tailored to help you achieve your relocation goals. Our expertise encompasses all UK visas, including work, business, family, and citizenship. If you choose IAS, we will assign a proficient and experienced lawyer to you who will evaluate your situation and guide you through every stage of your relocation journey.

We will help you determine the right immigration pathway, organise your supporting documents, fill out application forms, and follow up with your application submission. If the Home Office refuses your application, we can appeal or file an administrative review on your behalf.

We also offer relocation services designed to help you adapt quickly to life in the UK. This includes guidance on housing, employment, community support, and help with relocating your belongings, pets, and family members to join you. We have dedicated account managers and relocation assistants who can help with everything from orientation to community integration, ensuring your move is seamless from start to finish.

To get started on your UK visa application or to learn more about our immigration services, call us at +44 (0)333 414 9244. We are available to help you in person, on the phone, or online.