Moving to Florianópolis: Your Ultimate Guide to Living the Dream in Floripa

Chris
Jan 21
7 min read

Updated: May 12

Florianópolis, or "Floripa" as the locals call it, is more than just a beautiful island. It's a state of mind, a place where stunning natural beauty meets a thriving economy and a welcoming community. With its 42 beaches, lush rainforests, and a growing reputation as a hub for technology and entrepreneurship, Floripa offers an unparalleled quality of life. This guide will provide you with the essential information you need to make your move to Florianópolis as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Why Choose Florianópolis?
Before You Move: Visas and Paperwork
Finding Your Perfect Home: Accommodation
The Cost of Living in Florianópolis
Choosing Your Neighborhood
Setting Up Your Life: Banking, Healthcare, and More
Getting Around: Transportation
Embracing the Culture: Language and Lifestyle
Making Connections: Building Your Community
Enjoying the Island: Things to Do and See
Additional Resources for Your Move

1. Why Choose Florianópolis?

Florianópolis offers a unique combination of factors that make it an attractive destination for expats and newcomers:

Stunning Natural Beauty: With 42 beaches ranging from calm, family-friendly shores to world-class surfing spots, you'll have endless opportunities to enjoy the sun and the sea. The island is also home to lush rainforests, lagoons, and hiking trails, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
Thriving Economy: Florianópolis has a growing economy, particularly in the technology sector. It's often called the "Silicon Valley of Brazil," attracting entrepreneurs and digital nomads from around the world.
Excellent Quality of Life: The city boasts a relaxed pace of life, a vibrant culture, and a strong sense of community. You'll find a good balance between work and leisure, with plenty of opportunities to socialize and enjoy your free time.
Cultural Richness: Florianópolis has a rich history and a unique culture influenced by Portuguese colonization, indigenous traditions, and African heritage. You'll experience this in the local cuisine, music, and festivals.
Friendly Locals: Brazilians are known for their warmth and hospitality, and the manezinhos (locals of Floripa) are no exception. You'll find them to be welcoming and eager to help you settle in.

2. Before You Move: Visas and Paperwork

Navigating the visa process is one of the first and most crucial steps in moving to Florianópolis. Brazil offers several types of visas, and the one you'll need depends on your reason for relocating:

Tourist Visa: For short stays (up to 90 days), a tourist visa may be sufficient. However, this visa does not allow you to work or reside permanently in Brazil.
Work Visa: If you plan to work in Florianópolis, you'll need a work visa. This usually requires a job offer from a Brazilian company.
Student Visa: If you're coming to study, you'll need a student visa from a recognized educational institution.
Retirement Visa: Retirees with a sufficient pension may be eligible for a retirement visa.
Permanent Visa: This is for those intending to reside in Brazil permanently, and the requirements vary.

Disclaimer: Visa regulations can change, and this information is intended as a general overview. It is essential to consult the nearest Brazilian consulate or embassy for the most up-to-date and detailed information on visa requirements and application procedures. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific situation.

In addition to your visa, you'll need to obtain a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas), which is a Brazilian tax identification number. You'll need this for various transactions, such as opening a bank account, signing a lease, and paying bills.

3. Finding Your Perfect Home: Accommodation

Finding the right place to live is crucial for settling into any new city. In Florianópolis, you'll find a variety of accommodation options:

Apartments (Apartamentos): Apartments are the most common type of housing in Florianópolis, ranging from small studios to spacious multi-bedroom units.
Houses (Casas): Houses are more common in the suburbs and can offer more space and privacy, often with a yard or garden.
Condominiums (Condomínios): Condominiums offer shared amenities such as swimming pools, gyms, and 24-hour security.

Tips for Finding Accommodation:

Online Portals: Use Brazilian real estate websites such as Zap Imóveis (www.zapimoveis.com.br) and VivaReal (www.vivareal.com.br) to search for properties.
Real Estate Agents (Corretores de Imóveis): Consider working with a local real estate agent who can help you find suitable options and navigate the rental or purchase process.
Temporary Accommodation: Consider staying in temporary accommodation (such as an Airbnb) while you search for a long-term place to live.
Lease Agreements: Lease agreements in Brazil typically require a guarantor (fiador) or a deposit. Be sure to understand the terms of the agreement before signing.

Get more insights in our blog post about renting and buying property in Floripa.

4. The Cost of Living in Florianópolis

The cost of living in Florianópolis can vary depending on your lifestyle and where you choose to live. Here's a general breakdown of expenses:

Accommodation: Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in a good area can range from R$1,500 to R$3,000 per month. Buying property is also an option, with prices varying widely depending on the location and size.
Food: Groceries are relatively affordable, especially if you shop at local markets. Eating out can range from budget-friendly lanchonetes (snack bars) to more expensive restaurants. Expect to spend around R$800 to R$1,500 per month on food.
Transportation: Public transportation is efficient and affordable, with bus fares around R$4. Ride-sharing services like Uber are also readily available. If you plan to drive, factor in the cost of a car, insurance, and fuel.
Utilities: Expect to pay around R$200 to R$400 per month for utilities, including electricity, water, and internet.
Healthcare: Brazil has a public healthcare system (SUS), which is free for residents. However, many expats opt for private health insurance, which can cost between R$200 and R$800 per month, depending on the plan.
Education: Public schools are free, but the quality can vary. Private schools offer higher standards but come with tuition fees that can range from R$1,000 to R$5,000 per month.
Social Activities: Budget around R$500 to R$1,000 per month for entertainment, dining out, and leisure activities.

Overall, a single person can live comfortably in Florianópolis with a monthly budget of R$4,000 to R$8,000. Families will need to budget accordingly, depending on the number of members and their lifestyle.

5. Choosing Your Neighborhood

Florianópolis is made up of several distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and vibe. Here are a few popular choices for expats and newcomers:

Lagoa da Conceição: This vibrant area is centered around a beautiful lagoon and offers a mix of residential areas, restaurants, bars, and shops. It's popular with young people, artists, and those who enjoy an active lifestyle.
Centro: The city center is the historical and commercial heart of Florianópolis. You'll find many government buildings, museums, shops, and restaurants here. It's a good option for those who want to be close to the action.
Beira-Mar Norte: This upscale area is located along the waterfront and offers stunning views of the bay. It's home to high-end apartments, shopping malls, and restaurants.
Jurerê Internacional: This trendy and affluent neighborhood is known for its beautiful beach, luxury homes, and lively nightlife.
Campeche: Located in the south of the island, Campeche has become increasingly popular in recent years, especially among surfers and those seeking a more laid-back beach lifestyle.

When choosing a neighborhood, consider factors such as your proximity to work, lifestyle preferences (beach vs. city), budget, and access to amenities.

Check out our detailed overview of the different locations around the island.

6. Setting Up Your Life: Banking, Healthcare, and More

Once you've found a place to live, you'll need to take care of some essential tasks:

Banking: To open a bank account in Brazil, you'll typically need your CPF, ID (such as your passport), and proof of residence. Major Brazilian banks include Banco do Brasil, Itaú, Bradesco, and Caixa Econômica Federal.
Healthcare: Brazil has a public healthcare system (SUS), which provides free care to residents. However, many people also opt for private health insurance to access a wider range of services and shorter waiting times.
Internet and Phone: You'll need to set up internet service and get a local SIM card for your phone. Major providers include Claro, Vivo, and TIM.

7. Getting Around: Transportation

Florianópolis offers several transportation options:

Public Transportation: The bus system is the primary mode of public transportation and covers most of the island. It's affordable but can be crowded during peak hours.
Ride-Sharing: Uber and other ride-sharing services are readily available and offer a convenient way to get around.
Car: Having a car can be useful for exploring the island, especially if you plan to live outside the city center. However, traffic can be heavy, and parking can be challenging in some areas.
Bicycle: Florianópolis is becoming increasingly bike-friendly, with dedicated bike paths in some areas.

Read all about it in our overview of transportation options around the island.

8. Embracing the Culture: Language and Lifestyle

To truly immerse yourself in the Florianópolis way of life, it's essential to embrace the local culture and learn the language:

Language: Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. While you may find some English spoken in tourist areas, learning Portuguese will significantly enhance your experience and help you connect with locals. Consider taking a language course or using language learning apps.
Lifestyle: The lifestyle in Florianópolis is generally relaxed and laid-back. People value spending time with family and friends, enjoying the outdoors, and savoring good food and drink.

9. Making Connections: Building Your Community

Building a social network is crucial for feeling at home in a new city. Here are some ways to connect with people in Florianópolis:

Expat Groups: Connect with other expats through online groups and social media.
Meetups: Attend meetups and events related to your interests.
Language Exchange: Participate in language exchange programs to practice Portuguese and meet locals.
Sports and Activities: Join a sports team, a gym, or a dance class to meet people with similar interests.
Volunteer: Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and meet new people.

10. Enjoying the Island: Things to Do and See

Florianópolis offers a wide range of activities and attractions:

Beaches: Explore the diverse beaches, from the calm waters of Canasvieiras to the surf breaks of Joaquina.
Lagoa da Conceição: Enjoy the lagoon's scenic beauty, water sports, and vibrant nightlife.
Hiking: Hike through the lush rainforests and discover hidden waterfalls.
Historical Sites: Visit historical landmarks such as the Hercílio Luz Bridge and the São José da Ponta Grossa Fortress.
Festivals: Experience the local culture at festivals such as Carnaval and Festa do Divino Espírito Santo.
Food Scene: Savor the fresh seafood, traditional Brazilian dishes, and international cuisine.