Expat Mortgage - Brazil
Brazil hosts British expats in oil and gas (Petrobras, Shell Brasil, BP Brasil), mining (Anglo American Brazil, Vale partnerships), financial services (São Paulo), and international trade.
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What happens next
- Fill in the form (2 minutes).
- We'll match you with the right specialist for your situation.
- A specialist independent broker will contact you to discuss your options.
UK mortgages from Brazil
BRL (Brazilian Real) income attracts a high haircut from UK lenders due to ongoing depreciation against sterling. USD income from international employers in Brazil provides significantly better mortgage access.
The options available
USD Income - The Primary Route
Oil and gas (Shell Brasil, BP Brasil, TotalEnergies Brasil), mining (Anglo American Brazil, Kinross Gold), and São Paulo financial services with USD packages. USD income dramatically improves UK mortgage access compared to BRL.
BRL Income - Significant Challenges
BRL income attracts a high haircut (20-25%) due to currency depreciation. Lender pool is smaller. The specialist broker assesses realistically and advises honestly on achievable loan amounts before any application.
Petrobras Connections
While Petrobras itself is a Brazilian state company, many UK expats work for international contractors, service companies, and partner organisations around Petrobras operations - often with USD-denominated contracts.
São Paulo Financial District
Itaú, Bradesco, BTG Pactual, and international banks (HSBC Brasil, Citibank Brasil). EUR or USD income from international financial firms in São Paulo better treated than BRL.
Private Banking for HNW Expats
For Brazil-based expats with significant UK or international assets, private banking (EFG, Investec, Barclays International) assesses the complete wealth profile. Sometimes the only viable route for higher-value applications from Brazil.
Country Acceptance Verification
Brazil is not a FATF grey-listed jurisdiction. The lender pool for Brazil-based applicants is smaller than for major expat hubs. The specialist we introduce you to verifies current lender positions before any application.
How We Help
USD vs BRL income - critical first step
Income currency determines the entire approach. USD earners have a viable specialist route; BRL earners face more limited options.
Lender verification
Specialist lenders accepting Brazil with current positions confirmed before application.
Documentation
Payslips (USD or BRL), Bradesco/Itaú/HSBC Brasil statements, employer letter in English, passport, Brazilian CPF and residency documentation.
Completion
Remote. BRT (UTC-3) timezone managed electronically.
Speak to our international mortgage specialists
Call 0204 6211776 · Introductions to specialist expat brokers · All expat locations
For current pricing, lender appetite and how income is assessed, see our guide to expat mortgage rates for Brazil residents.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get a UK mortgage while living in Brazil?
Possibly - income currency is the determining factor. USD income from oil, mining, or international financial employers is viable with specialist lenders. BRL income faces high haircuts and a smaller lender pool. Brazil is not a restricted jurisdiction but the specialist lender pool for Brazil-based applicants is smaller than for Gulf or Asian financial centre locations.
I work for Shell or BP Brasil - how does my income help?
Shell Brasil, BP Brasil, and TotalEnergies Brasil typically pay international staff in USD or USD-equivalent packages. USD income from these employers is treated as standard USD income by specialist UK expat lenders - 5-15% haircut. The Brazil location affects country acceptance (smaller lender pool) but not the income assessment.
What Brazilian bank statements do UK lenders accept?
Banco Bradesco, Itaú Unibanco, Banco Santander Brasil, Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, and international banks (HSBC Brasil, Citibank Brasil, Deutsche Bank Brasil) are accepted. Six months of statements showing salary credits.
Is Brazil on UK specialist expat lender country lists?
Brazil is not a FATF grey-listed or sanctioned jurisdiction. However, the specialist expat lender pool for Brazil-based applicants is smaller than for major financial centres, and some specialist lenders do not include Brazil on their standard acceptance lists. Your specialist broker verifies current positions before any application.
What is the SDLT on a UK BTL purchase from Brazil?
Non-resident purchasing a UK BTL: standard SDLT + 5% additional dwelling + 2% non-resident surcharge. On a £400,000 BTL: approximately £33,000 total SDLT. Budget alongside the 25-30% deposit in total cash requirements.