Hostels also are popular, both with foreign backpackers and with Brazilians, who like the social atmosphere.

Brazil is also going green, so eco-tours are increasingly popular

Language schools are a natural business for foreigners. Brazil has traditionally lagged behind other countries in English ability, but today Brazilians recognize that having English greatly increases their opportunities.

There are already many language schools peppering the landscape, but many, frankly, aren’t very good. There is definitely room for results-oriented schools, and any school operated by a native English speaker instantly has credibility.

Classes centered on conversation and on business English are quite popular, as are multi-day immersion courses. Note that Spanish and French are also popular second languages here, which present other revenue opportunities.

Yes, there are business opportunities in Brazil, even in today’s economic muddle. However, you should know your market well, and be very conservative when creating your business plan. In particular, allow for unanticipated delays and expenses.

We’d also suggest going with a type of business proven to be popular here. While Brazilians have seized onto technology with relish (even housemaids have smartphones), in most other ways they are slow to try new things. So, no matter how good a chimichanga you whip up, a Mexican restaurant is likely to fail here.

We wouldn’t advise opening a business in Brazil just to get residency, at least not until you’ve explored other options—including whether you truly need residency.