How to Rent an Apartment in Brazil Before You Arrive

How to Rent an Apartment in Brazil Before You Arrive: 2026 Guide

Renting an apartment in Brazil before you arrive is possible, especially when you choose a furnished monthly rental with online document submission, a digital contract and payment methods available to foreign guests.

However, selecting a listing is not the same as having a confirmed home. Before boarding your flight, you should have the application approved, the contract signed, the initial payment confirmed and the property access instructions documented.

This guide explains how to organize the entire rental process from abroad without relying on an informal promise or transferring money to an unverified advertiser.

TL;DR

To rent an apartment in Brazil before arriving:

1. 1.Confirm your destination and exact dates.
2. 2.Choose a rental model suitable for the length of your stay.
3. 3.Search using your actual move-in date and duration.
4. 4.Verify the company, property and payment channel.
5. 5.Prepare your passport and financial documents.
6. 6.Check whether a CPF will be required.
7. 7.Compare the complete initial and monthly costs.
8. 8.Submit the reservation for analysis.
9. 9.Read and sign the contract online.
10. 10.Pay only through the official channel.
11. 11.Confirm that the reservation and payment were approved.
12. 12.Save the address and check-in instructions before travelling.

Shortstay offers furnished apartments for stays of 1 to 12 months and allows foreign guests to complete the verification, contract and payment process online.

For foreigners who do not reside in Brazil, the company currently requests a passport and a detailed bank history covering the last six months. A CPF is required by Shortstay for foreign guests staying more than 90 days.

Verdict: Recommended for foreigners, international students and relocated professionals who want their housing arranged before travelling.

Paying an unidentified advertiser without a contract or arriving with only a booking request under review is not recommended.

Can a foreigner rent an apartment before arriving in Brazil?

Yes, provided the landlord or rental company has a process that can be completed remotely.

Depending on the rental model, the process may include:

• Online property search
• Digital document submission
• Identity verification
• Financial analysis
• Electronic contract signature
• Online payment
• Digital check-in instructions
• Remote communication with the support team

Traditional rentals are not always designed for applicants who are still abroad. Some agencies may require an in-person visit, Brazilian financial records or a local guarantor.

A furnished monthly rental designed for foreign applicants can be more practical for an initial stay of a few months.

Being able to apply remotely does not mean that approval is automatic. The applicant must still satisfy the documentary, financial and contractual conditions.

Step 1 — Confirm your destination and dates

Before comparing apartments, define:

• City
• Expected arrival date
• Desired move-in date
• Length of stay
• Number of residents
• Workplace, university or main destination
• Need for parking
• Need for a pet-friendly property
• Possibility of extending the stay
• Maximum total monthly budget

Do not search only by city name. In large Brazilian cities, the time needed to reach a university or workplace can vary considerably between neighborhoods.

Check the route at a time similar to your expected daily commute. A less expensive apartment may become a poor choice if it creates high transportation costs or an impractical journey.

Availability and prices depend on the exact property, dates and rental period. Search using your real information instead of relying on an approximate monthly price.

Step 2 — Choose a rental model that matches your stay

Foreign applicants generally encounter four main options.

Traditional residential lease

A conventional residential lease may make sense for someone planning to settle in Brazil for a longer period.

Possible challenges include:

• Unfurnished properties
• Longer contractual commitments
• Brazilian income documentation
• Rental guarantees
• Utility setup
• In-person procedures
• Furniture and appliance purchases

Worth considering for a long-term resident who already understands the city and has the documents required by the agency.

Tourist rental

A tourist platform may be convenient for a short visit. For several months, compare the full price, cancellation conditions, service fees and whether the accommodation is appropriate for daily life.

Worth considering for an initial trip or a stay shorter than one month.

Aparthotel

An aparthotel may provide reception and hotel-style services. Cleaning, laundry, breakfast and parking may be included, optional or charged separately.

Worth considering when hotel services justify the total cost.

Furnished monthly apartment

A furnished monthly apartment can provide a kitchen, furniture and a residential routine without requiring the guest to set up a permanent home.

Recommended for students, professionals and foreigners staying for one or several months.

Step 3 — Search with exact dates

The same apartment may have different availability or prices depending on:

• Move-in date
• Length of stay
• Number of guests
• Selected plan
• Parking
• Optional services
• Discounts associated with a longer period

Enter the dates before comparing apartments.

Do not assume that a unit shown online will remain available while you organize documents. At Shortstay, completing the initial form does not guarantee the rental. The company states that priority goes to the applicant who submits all required documentation first.

Save two or three suitable properties in case your first choice becomes unavailable.

Step 4 — Verify the company and the property

Before uploading documents or paying, verify:

• The legal or commercial identity of the company
• The official website
• The relationship between the advertiser and the property
• The exact apartment or unit
• The building address
• The rental period
• The official support channel
• The payment recipient
• The cancellation policy
• Whether a contract will be provided

If you are dealing directly with a property owner, request evidence that the person owns the property or is authorized to represent the owner.

Do not rely only on messages, photographs or a social media profile.

A legitimate rental process should explain:

• Who is contracting with you
• Which property you are renting
• How much you must pay
• When your stay begins and ends
• How cancellation works
• How access will be released

Step 5 — Prepare the documents before choosing a unit

Foreign applicants should organize their documents before requesting a last-minute move-in.

Foreigners without Brazilian residence

Shortstay currently requests:

• A clear and legible passport copy
• A detailed bank history covering the last six months

Additional documents may be requested if necessary to complete the analysis.

See the official guide to documents required from foreign applicants.

Foreigners with a CRNM

Foreign residents with a CRNM must submit the front and back of the document and one of the accepted forms of proof of income.

Shortstay accepts:

• Payslips from the last three months
• Income tax return accompanied by the last three bank statements
• Pro-labore documents from the last three months accompanied by the last three bank statements

For this applicant category, the documented income must equal at least twice the monthly value of the property.

International students

International students should prepare:

• Passport
• CRNM, if they already reside in Brazil
• Student ID or proof of enrollment
• Detailed bank history covering the last six months

A university letter confirming the student’s affiliation and guaranteeing the coverage of expenses may complement the financial documentation.

Eligible students may also be able to use financial documentation from their parents or legal guardians.

Step 6 — Check whether you need a CPF

The CPF is Brazil’s individual taxpayer identification number. It is frequently used in contracts, banking and other administrative procedures.

The exact moment when it is required depends on the rental process and the duration of the stay.

Shortstay states that foreign guests intending to remain in Brazil for more than 90 days need a CPF to complete the reservation.

If your stay exceeds this period, start the CPF procedure before waiting for the final days before your flight.

See the Shortstay guide for applicants who do not have a CPF yet.

Use official Brazilian government or consular channels. Do not pay an unofficial intermediary that promises guaranteed or instant issuance.

Step 7 — Calculate the complete cost

The amount highlighted in a listing may not represent everything needed before moving in.

Compare:

Shortstay states that its monthly amount includes property tax, condominium fees, electricity, gas and Wi-Fi. Nevertheless, the specific listing, price breakdown and contract should be treated as the final references because services, consumption rules and property conditions may differ.

Do not consider a refundable security deposit a definitive expense, but include it in the amount you must have available before moving in.

Step 8 — Choose the applicable plan

Shortstay currently offers two plan structures.

Shortstay+

Shortstay+ uses a fixed, nonrefundable monthly fee rather than blocking a security deposit.

Certain services and protections are included, but damage caused by misuse may still be charged separately.

Standard

The Standard plan requires a security deposit.

Applicable move-out expenses may be deducted, including:

• Cleaning
• Damage
• Missing items
• Consumption above contractual limits
• Inspection adjustments

The remaining balance is returned after the stay and the closing of the accounts, according to the contractual conditions.

Compare the complete cost and cash needed at the beginning. Do not choose a plan based only on which option looks less expensive in the first price displayed.

Step 9 — Submit the reservation for analysis

At Shortstay, requesting a reservation begins a process rather than producing immediate confirmation.

According to the company, the main stages are:

1. 1.Reservation and document review
2. 2.Contract preparation
3. 3.Online signature
4. 4.Initial payment
5. 5.Key handover on the agreed date

You can track the stages in the Shortstay app. See the official explanation of what happens after requesting a reservation.

A reservation request, a conversation with support or an initiated payment does not independently guarantee access to the apartment.

Wait for the formal confirmation of every required stage.

Step 10 — Read the contract before signing

Before signing from abroad, confirm that the contract identifies:

• Reservation holder
• Contracting company or property owner
• Complete property address
• Exact unit
• Move-in date
• Move-out date
• Monthly amount
• Entry fee
• Security deposit or selected plan
• Included services
• Consumption rules
• Additional guests
• Cancellation conditions
• Early termination conditions
• Renewal rules
• Responsibility for damage
• Pet rules
• Check-in conditions

If something promised during the conversation does not appear in the contract, ask for clarification before signing or paying.

Keep a copy of the signed contract in a location you can access while travelling.

Step 11 — Pay from abroad

A foreign guest may not have a Brazilian bank account or immediate access to PIX.

Shortstay states that it can enable credit card payment for a foreign guest after the contract has been signed.

The process is:

1. 1.Complete the reservation and verification.
2. 2.Sign the contract online.
3. 3.Wait for Shortstay to enable the available card option.
4. 4.Pay through the link provided.
5. 5.Wait for the system to approve the payment and confirm the reservation.

The complete instructions are available in the guide explaining how foreign guests can pay.

Before paying, check:

• Available card limit
• Transaction currency
• Bank conversion rate
• International transaction fee
• Property address
• Rental period
• Total amount
• Identity of the payment recipient
• Security of the payment page

Do not transfer money using a payment link received from an unrelated person or an unofficial account.

Payment attempted is not the same as payment approved. Wait for formal confirmation.

Step 12 — Understand cancellation before committing

International plans can change because of:

• Visa issues
• University changes
• Employment decisions
• Flight cancellations
• Family circumstances
• Medical events
• Delays in immigration documents

Read the cancellation rules before allowing the apartment to be blocked for your stay.

At the time of publication, Shortstay states:

• Cancellation before contract generation is free.
• After the contract is generated but before check-in, the entry fee and a daily property-blocking charge apply.
• During the contract, the termination conditions written in the agreement apply.

The company currently lists the property-blocking charge as R$180 per day. Because fees and policies can change, verify the current amount in the official reservation cancellation rules and in your contract.

Do not sign a longer period only to obtain a different monthly price unless you are comfortable with the early termination conditions.

Step 13 — Confirm everything before booking your flight

Before travelling, confirm that you have:

• Approved reservation
• Valid identification submitted
• Additional guests registered
• Contract signed
• Initial payment approved
• CPF provided when required
• Complete address
• Unit number or identification
• Confirmed move-in date
• Confirmed check-in time
• Key or electronic access instructions
• Official support contact
• Building access instructions
• Parking authorization, when applicable
• Pet authorization, when applicable

Do not travel to the property based only on a listing address or an informal statement that “everything is ready.”

Property access may depend on document validation, payment confirmation, contract signature and condominium registration.

Shortstay’s check-in and access policy explains that an initiated request, pending payment or contract under review does not automatically authorize entry.

Step 14 — Plan the arrival day

International flights can arrive early in the morning, late at night or several hours after the scheduled time.

Before flying, ask:

• What is the permitted check-in time?
• Is early check-in available?
• What happens if the flight is delayed?
• Does the building have a staffed or remote concierge?
• Are keys collected in person?
• Does the unit use an electronic lock?
• Must every occupant be registered in advance?
• Are large luggage deliveries or moving boxes subject to building rules?

Do not assume that airport arrival time and apartment access time will be the same.

If the building requires advance registration, provide the requested guest and vehicle information before travelling.

How to identify rental scams from abroad

Renting without visiting the property requires additional care.

Warning signs include:

• Price far below comparable apartments
• Pressure to pay immediately
• Refusal to provide a contract
• Payment requested to an unrelated person
• Advertiser unable to prove a relationship with the property
• Different addresses in the listing and contract
• Documents sent only through disappearing messages
• Promise of approval without document analysis
• Request to use another person’s CPF
• Refusal to identify the exact apartment
• No written cancellation rules
• Payment page on an unrelated or misspelled domain

A negotiation through WhatsApp is not automatically fraudulent. The risk arises when messages are the only evidence and there is no verified identity, contract or official payment channel.

Before-you-fly checklist

Use this checklist before departing:

Housing

• Exact apartment selected
• Dates confirmed
• Rental duration confirmed
• Furniture and essential equipment checked
• Internet availability checked
• Parking checked
• Pet rules checked
• Total monthly cost calculated

Documents

• Passport uploaded
• Six months of bank history uploaded
• CRNM uploaded, when applicable
• CPF provided, when required
• Student enrollment document uploaded, when applicable
• Additional occupants registered

Contract and payment

• Application approved
• Contract reviewed
• Contract signed
• Entry fee identified
• Security deposit or plan identified
• Initial payment approved
• Cancellation conditions saved

Arrival

• Complete address saved offline
• Check-in time confirmed
• Access instructions received
• Key collection explained
• Building registration completed
• Official support contact saved

If one of the essential confirmation items is still pending, contact the company before travelling to the property.

Frequently asked questions

Can I rent an apartment in Brazil without visiting it first? Yes, when the company or owner supports remote verification, electronic contracts and online payment. Verify the exact property and the contracting party before paying.

Can I reserve with only a passport? Not necessarily. Shortstay asks nonresident foreigners for a passport and six months of detailed bank history. Additional documents may be requested.

Do I need a CPF before arriving? It depends on the rental and length of stay. Shortstay requires a CPF from foreign guests who intend to remain in Brazil for more than 90 days.

Can I rent without a Brazilian guarantor? Yes. Shortstay works without a personal guarantor, but documentary and financial analysis and the selected protection plan still apply.

Can I pay with a foreign credit card? Shortstay can enable an available credit card payment option for foreign guests after the contract is signed. Confirm the card limit and possible international bank fees.

Does submitting a reservation guarantee the apartment? No. Shortstay states that completing the form does not guarantee the rental. The documentation, contract and payment stages must be completed.

Should I buy my flight before the apartment is approved? Travel decisions are personal, but you should not treat a requested apartment as confirmed housing until approval, contract signature and payment confirmation are complete.

How early should I search? There is no single ideal number of days for every city and date. Start once your destination and dates are sufficiently reliable, and leave time for document analysis and possible requests for additional information.

Can an international student reserve from abroad? Yes. International students can submit a passport, proof of enrollment and financial documentation online. A qualifying university letter or parental income documentation may also be accepted under the applicable conditions.

What happens if my plans change after signing? The cancellation or termination conditions depend on the stage of the reservation. After contract generation, fees may apply. During the stay, the contract rules apply.

Final verdict

Renting an apartment in Brazil before arriving is practical when the entire process is documented and completed through verified channels.

With Shortstay, foreign applicants can search for a furnished apartment, upload documents, complete the analysis, sign the contract and pay online before travelling.

The safest sequence is:

1. 1.Confirm your dates.
2. 2.Select the apartment.
3. 3.Submit complete documents.
4. 4.Wait for approval.
5. 5.Review and sign the contract.
6. 6.Pay through the official channel.
7. 7.Wait for payment confirmation.
8. 8.Receive and save the check-in instructions.
9. 9.Travel only with the complete reservation information available.

Recommended: arrive with an approved reservation, signed contract, confirmed payment and documented access instructions.

Not recommended: travel based only on an online form, transfer money without verifying the recipient or assume that a pending reservation guarantees entry.

Related guides

• Documents Required to Rent in Brazil as a Foreigner
• How to Get a CPF in Brazil as a Foreigner
• How to Rent in Brazil Without a Guarantor
• Furnished Apartments in Brazil by the Month
• Your First 30 Days in Brazil