Why expats choose Florianópolis for childbirth

Marielen Formentão
Oct 12
4 min read

A gentle birth surrounded by ocean, warmth, and care

Florianópolis has quietly become one of Brazil’s favorite destinations for international families seeking a gentle, safe, and humanized birth experience. Surrounded by beaches and lush hills, the island offers the perfect mix of modern healthcare and heartfelt community support — making it an ideal place to welcome a new life.

For many, it’s not only about having a baby abroad. It’s about giving birth in a place where nature, culture, and compassion meet.

Legal and citizenship advantages of giving birth in Brazil

Brazil grants automatic citizenship (jus soli) to any baby born on its soil, regardless of the parents’ nationality. This constitutional right makes the country one of the most accessible destinations for families seeking both safety and opportunity.

For parents, this means more than a passport.

The parents of a Brazilian child can apply for permanent residency immediately and may pursue citizenship after one year of residence, provided they demonstrate integration — such as conversational Portuguese and genuine ties to the local community.

The Brazilian passport is ranked among the world’s strongest, offering visa-free access to over 150 countries, including the Schengen Area and much of Latin America.

However, experts note that residency approval also depends on demonstrating a sincere intention to live and integrate into Brazilian society.

Tip for expats: consult an immigration lawyer early in your pregnancy to clarify documentation requirements, translations, and application timelines.

Why Florianópolis has become the preferred destination

Over the past decade, Florianópolis has emerged as Brazil’s top destination for “birth mobility” — a term now preferred over “birth tourism.” Since 2015, the number of international births has grown steadily, particularly among Russian and European families.

In 2022, a record 121 babies were born to Russian parents in Florianópolis — more than in any other Brazilian city.
By early 2023, 38 additional babies had already been registered, compared to only 17 in the rest of Brazil combined.

Families describe the city as a “small, safe place with clean air, friendly people, and easy access to nature.”

The motivations are both practical and emotional: escaping harsh winters, enjoying fresh tropical fruits, connecting with the ocean, and experiencing a slower, more peaceful rhythm of life.

“The experience was wonderful,” says Anastasia Knyazeva, a Russian mother who gave birth on the island. “It felt safe and human — very different from what I imagined before coming.”

After 2022, the trend accelerated, as families sought refuge from conflict and uncertainty in Eastern Europe. For many, Florianópolis represented not only safety, but renewal.

The natural childbirth experience

One of the strongest reasons expats choose Florianópolis is its humanized birth culture — centered on respect, emotional connection, and evidence-based care.

Unlike many systems in Europe or Asia, where birth can feel clinical or impersonal, midwives and obstetric nurses in Florianópolis prioritize a woman’s autonomy and experience throughout labor.

Tatiana Slavinskaia, who gave birth on the island, recalls: “The birth was very different here. My son stayed with me for an hour after delivery — it felt truly human.”

This reflects the local embrace of practices such as the “golden hour” — immediate skin-to-skin contact between mother and baby — as well as the encouragement of physiological, natural labor whenever possible.

Personalized care and professional expertise

Families can choose between home births, hospital births, or mixed care models that blend the comfort of home with hospital safety. Private hospitals offer state-of-the-art facilities while allowing personalized birth plans, including the choice of doctor and preferred birthing method.

Florianópolis has also become a hub for international professionals in natural childbirth, including the renowned Mexican midwife Naoli Vinaver, who teaches and practices on the island.

The island’s mild subtropical climate (averaging 25°C even in winter) and access to fresh, local food make pregnancy and postpartum life more comfortable — especially for families escaping extreme weather.

Here, birth is not just a medical event; it’s an emotional, transformative journey guided by skilled, compassionate professionals.

Logistics, costs, and practical steps

The average cost of giving birth in a private hospital in Brazil is around USD 5,000 — though this varies by city and facility. In Florianópolis, packages may include hospital fees, doctor’s services, and prenatal care.

Many international families also hire specialized agencies, often run by other expats, to simplify the process. These services typically include:

Visa and documentation assistance
Housing and hospital arrangements
Translation during medical visits
Birth registration and passport processing

Complete support packages generally cost between USD 5,000 and 7,000, covering both administrative and medical expenses.

Documentation and essential steps

Upon arrival in Brazil, it’s crucial to obtain a CPF (Brazilian Tax ID) — required for medical appointments, hospital records, and the baby’s birth certificate.

While English is not widely spoken, Florianópolis has a growing network of bilingual professionals, including midwives, doulas, and nurses accustomed to working with foreign families.

Hiring a local immigration lawyer can prevent common errors in documentation and expedite the residency process.

Tip: Plan ahead — book your prenatal care provider and preferred birth location as early as possible, especially during the summer months (December–March) when the island gets busy.

Beyond bureaucracy: the meaning of Birth in Florianópolis

Florianópolis offers more than legal or logistical advantages — it offers a different philosophy of birth.

Here, birth is seen as a natural, sacred, and empowering experience that deserves time, privacy, and emotional care.

From its gentle midwives to its ocean breeze, everything on the island seems to invite presence and peace.

“Choosing to give birth in Florianópolis is not just about the passport,” says a local midwife. “It’s about peace of mind, the human touch, and the beauty of starting life surrounded by nature.”

Considering birth support in Florianópolis?

If you’re exploring birth options in Brazil and want guidance from professionals experienced with international families, the Parteras Sin Fronteras team offers: