From Kirchheim to Brazil: Kathrin and Thommy pay a high price!

From Kirchheim to Brazil: Kathrin and Thommy pay a high price!

Kathrin and Thommy took the big step and gave up their restaurant “Zur Brücke” in Kirchheim unter Teck to start a new life in Brazil. The dream of owning their own restaurant and the desire for the sea led them to the South American country. However, the preparations were anything but easy, as Kathrin describes in her report. Challenges arose even before the move: a delayed residence permit, a broken first car and a new restaurant that was in an unacceptable condition. These experiences proved to be emotionally stressful and took a toll on the family.

The decision for Brazil was not easy. Kathrin and Thommy had originally considered Thailand, but rejected the idea due to unfavorable business laws. Spain was also out of the question because the costs there were too high and the regions were overcrowded. Ultimately the choice fell on Brazil, but the difficulties proved to be a mixed success, especially for her daughter Jessi, who was 12 at the time. The new language and the lack of friends made the transition so difficult that she returned to Germany alone in 2014.

The challenges for emigrants in Brazil

In general, Germans in Brazil have both opportunities and challenges. Brazil is very popular with emigrants due to its joy of life, positive culture and impressive nature. The cost of living is lower in many regions than in Germany, and the climate is pleasant. But these positive aspects often go hand in hand with challenges. The immigration bureaucracy proves complex and the language barriers are noticeable since Portuguese is the official language. Security problems in large cities and different infrastructures require careful choice of place to live. Health risks from tropical diseases should not be neglected either. According to auswandern-info.com, a total of 11,225 Germans left Brazil from 2014 to 2023, while 15,832 returned.

The education system is particularly important for families with children. In Brazil there are both public and private schools, with the latter often offering a higher standard. International schools in larger cities allow teaching in multiple languages. Good child care is also available, and many families use domestic help or nannies. When choosing a place to live, care should be taken to choose safe areas to ensure the safety of the family.

Those looking for professional opportunities

Another aspect is that Brazil needs qualified specialists. Engineers, IT specialists and scientists have good opportunities for attractive positions in international companies. However, language skills are also crucial here in order to progress in the professional environment. The work culture is more focused on personal relationships, which is an adjustment for many Germans. The local economy is growing in many sectors, which opens up additional professional opportunities.

Overall, emigrating to Brazil requires extensive planning and preparation. The opportunities the country offers - from a relaxed lifestyle to affordable real estate - are enticing, but the challenges should not be underestimated. A detailed business plan is advisable to apply for a self-employed visa, while artists can benefit from the vibrant art scenes in cities such as São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, such as perspektiveausland.com and auswandern-info.com emphasize.