Why Are So Many Foreigners Choosing Santa Catarina to Live in Brazil?

Santa Catarina has been gaining increasing attention among foreigners who wish to live, invest, start a business, or build a new life in Brazil.

Located in the southern region of the country, the state combines several factors that are often decisive when choosing where to relocate: quality of life, economic development, job opportunities, infrastructure, nature, innovation, and investment opportunities.

But what makes Santa Catarina so attractive to foreigners?

1. Quality of Life and Close Contact with Nature

One of Santa Catarina’s greatest advantages is the possibility of combining urban life with nature.

The state offers beaches, mountains, lagoons, green areas, and cities with very different lifestyles. Florianópolis, for example, combines the infrastructure of a state capital with beaches and residential neighborhoods located close to the sea.

Other destinations such as Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, Joinville, Blumenau, Garopaba, Bombinhas, and Itapema also attract people looking for developed cities without giving up leisure, tourism, and contact with nature.

For many foreigners, this represents the opportunity to establish residence in Brazil while maintaining a more balanced lifestyle.

2. A Strong and Diversified Economy

Santa Catarina also stands out for its economic performance.

According to estimates from the Santa Catarina State Planning Department – SEPLAN, the state’s Gross Domestic Product grew by an estimated 3.9% in 2025, while Brazil’s economic growth was estimated at approximately 2.3%. Santa Catarina’s GDP was estimated at approximately BRL 604.1 billion.

Source: SEPLAN/SC — www.seplan.sc.gov.br/estimativa-do-pib-catarinense-aponta-crescimento-de-39-em-2025/

This economic performance is especially relevant for foreigners who intend not only to live in the state, but also to open companies, develop professional activities, or make investments.

Santa Catarina has a diversified economy with strong participation from industry, services, commerce, agribusiness, tourism, construction, and technology.

3. Industrial Growth Above the Brazilian Average

Santa Catarina’s industrial performance is another important factor.

In 2025, industrial production in the state grew by 3.2%, while the Brazilian average increased by only 0.6%, according to IBGE data published by the Government of Santa Catarina.

Source: SICOS/SC, based on IBGE data — www.sicos.sc.gov.br/industria-de-santa-catarina-cresce-32-em-2025-cinco-vezes-a-media-nacional/

Some of the state’s important industrial sectors include metal products, machinery and equipment, electrical materials, and food products.

For foreign investors and entrepreneurs, a diversified industrial economy can create opportunities for new businesses, partnerships, and commercial relationships.

4. Santa Catarina Is a Technology and Innovation Hub

Another important advantage is the technology sector.

Greater Florianópolis has a strong presence of technology companies, innovation centers, startups, and digital businesses.

The Santa Catarina Investor Guide, published by InvestSC, highlights the state’s innovation environment and presents information about strategic economic sectors and investment opportunities.

Source: InvestSC – Santa Catarina Investor Guide — www.invest.sc.gov.br/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/GuiaInvestidor_SC.pdf

This environment can be particularly attractive to foreign technology professionals, entrepreneurs, startups, and digital nomads who are considering establishing residence in Brazil.

5. A Dynamic Real Estate Market Along the Coast

Santa Catarina’s coastline has a highly dynamic real estate market.

Cities such as Florianópolis, Balneário Camboriú, Itajaí, Itapema, Bombinhas, and Garopaba offer properties for both residential purposes and investment.

Many foreigners who arrive in the state look for properties for permanent residence, vacation use, rental income, or portfolio diversification.

In certain cases, real estate investment made by a foreign national may also be considered as part of a strategy to obtain residency authorization in Brazil, provided that the legal requirements established by Brazilian immigration regulations are met.

For this reason, foreign investors should evaluate not only the property itself, but also the legal, documentary, and immigration aspects involved in the transaction.

6. A State Connected to International Trade

Santa Catarina also has a strong presence in international trade.

In 2025, the state reached approximately USD 12.19 billion in exports, representing the highest annual value recorded in the historical series mentioned by the Government of Santa Catarina. This represented an increase of 4.4% compared to 2024.

Source: SICOS/SC — www.sicos.sc.gov.br/exportacoes-de-santa-catarina-crescem-44-em-2025-e-atingem-maior-valor-da-historia/

Some of the main products in Santa Catarina’s export portfolio include poultry, pork, soybeans, electric motors and generators, and industrial components.

The United States remained the main destination for Santa Catarina exports in 2025, accounting for 12.1% of the total, while China ranked second, with 9.9%.

Source: SEPLAN/SC — www.seplan.sc.gov.br/santa-catarina-registra-recorde-historico-nas-exportacoes-em-2025-2/

Argentina, Chile, and Saudi Arabia also showed significant growth in purchases from Santa Catarina.

This international presence can be especially attractive to foreign entrepreneurs who want to use Santa Catarina as a base for business activities in Brazil and abroad.

7. The Service Sector Is Also Growing

In addition to industry, Santa Catarina’s service sector has also shown positive performance.

According to IBGE data published by the Government of Santa Catarina, the volume of services in the state grew by 3.2% in 2025, exceeding the Brazilian average of 2.8%.

Source: SICOS/SC, based on IBGE data — www.sicos.sc.gov.br/setor-de-servicos-de-santa-catarina-cresce-32-em-2025-e-supera-media-nacional-no-periodo/

This result reinforces the diversity of Santa Catarina’s economy and demonstrates opportunities in areas such as technology, professional services, tourism, healthcare, education, commerce, and business activities.

8. Florianópolis Stands Out Among Foreign Residents

Within Santa Catarina, Florianópolis has several characteristics that make it especially attractive to foreigners who wish to live in Brazil.

The state capital combines beaches, nature, gastronomy, tourism, universities, technology companies, entrepreneurship, and a wide range of residential neighborhoods.

Areas such as Campeche, Novo Campeche, Lagoa da Conceição, Jurerê, and Cacupé offer very different profiles and can meet the needs of families looking for permanent residence as well as foreigners interested in high-end properties or investment opportunities.

The growth of the technology sector also contributes to making Florianópolis an attractive destination for remote workers, entrepreneurs, and digital nomads.

9. Santa Catarina Offers Opportunities for Different Profiles of Foreigners

Santa Catarina can be attractive to many different types of foreign residents and investors, including:

• entrepreneurs interested in opening or investing in Brazilian companies;

• real estate investors;

• technology professionals;

• digital nomads;

• retirees who wish to live in Brazil;

• families seeking permanent residence;

• foreigners with family ties in Brazil;

• investors interested in portfolio diversification.

Each situation, however, requires an individual immigration assessment.

10. What Are the Main Residency Options in Brazil?

Brazilian law provides several visa and residency authorization options for foreigners.

Depending on the individual’s profile and objectives, possible pathways may include:

• business investment;

• real estate investment;

• employment;

• family reunification;

• retirement income or pension transfer;

• digital nomad status;

• research, teaching, or academic activities;

• other possibilities provided under Brazilian immigration law.

The appropriate option depends on factors such as nationality, source of funds, investment amount, professional activity, family ties in Brazil, and long-term goals.

Why Can Santa Catarina Be a Good Choice for Living in Brazil?

Santa Catarina’s attractiveness is not based on just one factor.

The state manages to combine:

nature + economic development + innovation + business opportunities + real estate + quality of life.

For foreigners who are considering making Brazil their new home, evaluating not only the visa category, but also where to live, where to invest, and how to structure their move legally can make a significant difference.

VisaInvest Brazil: Immigration Planning for Foreigners Who Want to Live and Invest in Brazil

VisaInvest Brazil assists foreigners who wish to live, invest, or do business in Brazil.

Our work includes analyzing the most appropriate immigration pathway, providing document guidance, assisting with immigration regularization, and planning the client’s relocation and establishment in Brazil.

For foreigners interested specifically in Santa Catarina, it is also possible to develop a strategy that considers immigration, business, and investment objectives together.