Making Aliyah from Florianopolis and Finding a Home in Israel
Making Aliyah from Florianopolis and Finding a Home in Israel
People who live in Florianópolis often value nature, beaches, outdoor sport and a relaxed pace. When a family from the island decides to make aliyah, one of the main questions is how to keep some of that quality of life in Israel. The answer depends heavily on where and how you live in the first years. This guide covers preparation in Santa Catarina, choosing a place that protects your lifestyle, renting before buying, how technology jobs shape housing choices, when to buy, what to do about taxes and assets in Brazil, and why an exploratory trip before the move is worthwhile.
Preparation in Santa Catarina
Start your aliyah file with the Jewish Agency and gather apostilled documents. The local Jewish community can help with references and contacts in Israel. If you work in technology, update your CV in English and look at Israeli job platforms early, since your job will influence where you live.
Pack more than documents. Write down what the family truly needs in a home, such as a balcony or garden for the dog, storage for surfboards and bikes, or a corner for a home office. Those priorities will guide both the first rental and the later purchase.
Protecting your quality of life
If you are used to surfing at Joaquina, hiking to hidden beaches or kayaking in Lagoa da Conceição, look at Israeli places that offer similar outdoor life. Haifa and the Carmel have trails and beaches close together. The Sharon towns have parks and cycle paths. Northern towns near the Galilee and the Golan offer hiking and nature, while Tel Aviv has a lively beach culture.
Haifa and the Carmel for sea and forest
The Sharon for parks and family life
The Galilee for hiking and open space
Rent before you buy
Renting for the first year or two lets the family discover which neighbourhood truly fits. It also gives time to learn Hebrew, settle work and understand costs. Many families discover that their first choice was not the right one, and renting makes that easy to correct.
Israeli rentals are often unfurnished and may come without appliances such as a fridge or washing machine, so expect to equip the first flat. Many newcomers buy second hand items through community groups, which is also a pleasant way to meet neighbours.
Work, technology and housing
For tech professionals, the location of the job often decides the city. Tel Aviv, Herzliya, Ra'anana, Haifa and Beersheba all have technology employers. Hybrid work is common, which gives some families more freedom to live further from the office in a quieter place.
When to buy
Buy when employment, schooling and language are stable and you know the area well. An Israeli mortgage advisor, lawyer and tax advisor will guide the process. New immigrants may have particular conditions on purchase tax, but these must be confirmed for your specific situation.
Israeli banks look at local income history when approving a mortgage, so a tech worker who has only just started a job in Israel may need to wait a while before an application is well received.
Tax exit and assets in Brazil
Before leaving, discuss with a Brazilian accountant the formal exit declaration and how to handle property, investments and business interests in Florianópolis. Income from these assets may continue to be taxed in Brazil. An Israeli tax advisor can explain how Israel treats that income for new residents.
An exploratory trip is worth it
Visiting Israel before aliyah, even for a short trip, lets you see neighbourhoods, schools and workplaces in person. Walk the areas at different times of day, test commutes and speak with families who live there. That trip often saves months of uncertainty after the move.
Frequently asked questions
Where can we keep an outdoor lifestyle
Haifa and the Carmel, the Sharon towns and northern communities near the Galilee all offer good access to nature.
Should tech workers live near their office
At first it helps, but hybrid work allows some families to choose quieter areas once jobs are settled.
Do we need a Brazilian accountant after aliyah
Yes, especially if you keep assets or income in Brazil. The exit declaration also needs professional guidance.
Is an exploratory trip really necessary
It is not required, but it greatly improves housing decisions and reduces surprises.
Elkayam Group
From a family background that goes back to the forties, Elkayam Group has grown over three generations into Kobi Elkayam Real Estate Ltd, based on Rival Street 37 in Tel Aviv. We are involved in development, urban renewal, pinui-binui and TAMA 38 projects and in combination and complex transactions, and with the help of partners and backing companies we can give guarantees. Our team uses Hebrew, English and French and introduces families from the island to advisors who know newcomers well.
Preparing aliyah from Florianópolis. Let us help you find a neighbourhood that fits your lifestyle.
+972-53-658-4252 · support@kobielkayamrealestateltd.com · Rival St 37, Tel Aviv