Buying a Mobile Home in Brazil: Complete Guide for 2026
In the Green Village catalogue, every mobile home is priced in reais, with international transport, insurance and import taxes already included. Green Village exports only new units to Brazil, classified as prefabricated buildings, and imports through its own Brazilian company — the customer does not need their own import licence. Green Village handles export, international transport and customs clearance end-to-end.
Brazil is an emerging market with enormous potential for European mobile homes. With a continental territory, a favourable climate for most of the year, and a growing culture of rural tourism, glamping and country estates ("chacaras"), demand for quality mobile dwellings is accelerating rapidly. Common Brazilian terms include "casa móvel", "trailer residencial", "casa pré-fabricada" and "casa container".
Whether you are looking for a second home on a country estate, a tourist rental unit (Airbnb), a glamping venture, or simply an affordable alternative to the traditional property market, European mobile homes offer construction quality, thermal insulation and design far superior to what is available locally. In the Green Village catalogue, each model's price in reais already includes international transport, insurance and import taxes. This guide explains the entire process — from Brazilian legislation to transport, including choosing a region and understanding revenue potential.
The Brazilian market: a giant in growth
Brazil has more than 200 million inhabitants (IBGE 2022 Census) and a housing deficit of millions of units. At the same time, rural tourism and glamping are on the rise. European mobile homes fill a critical gap: they offer construction quality, design and durability far above local prefabricated housing options.
The regions with the highest potential are the Sao Paulo interior (especially Jundiai, Campinas and Sorocaba, where Green Village has a showroom), the Santa Catarina coast (Florianopolis, Balneario Camboriu), Rio Grande do Sul (Serra Gaucha, Vale dos Vinhedos), Minas Gerais (countryside and spa circuit), the Bahia coast (Trancoso, Itacare, Praia do Forte), and Goias (agro-tourism and country estates). The market for gated country estate communities is particularly receptive to quality mobile homes.
So far, only a few European mobile homes have reached Brazil. Green Village has opened a showroom in Jundiai (SP) and confirms the classification of each unit before it is ordered.
Brazilian legislation: classification, permits and municipal rules
Brazilian legislation for mobile homes depends fundamentally on the unit's classification. A mobile home on wheels (with chassis and axles) is classified as a vehicle or towable equipment — in this case, it does not require a building permit to be installed on a plot. The plot simply needs to have authorised use for the intended purpose (residential, tourism or leisure).
When the mobile home is fixed on permanent foundations (concrete footings, slab or piles), it is considered a building and requires a construction permit ("alvara de construção") issued by the local municipal authority ("prefeitura"). Rules vary significantly between municipalities — it is essential to consult the master plan and land use legislation of the municipality where you intend to install the unit.
For importation, Green Village imports through its own Brazilian company (Green Village Mobile Homes Ltda, CNPJ 63.948.245/0001-65) and handles customs clearance — the customer does not need their own import licence. Green Village exports only new units to Brazil, classified as prefabricated buildings, and confirms each unit's classification before placing the order. The EU-Mercosur agreement, applied by Brazil since 1 May 2026, reduces the import duty in equal annual cuts, except for wooden prefabricated buildings.
- Mobile home on wheels: classified as vehicle/equipment — no building permit required.
- Mobile home on foundations: requires a building permit from the local municipality.
- Green Village exports only new units to Brazil, classified as prefabricated buildings.
- Green Village imports through its own Brazilian company and handles customs clearance — the customer does not need their own import licence.
- Each unit's classification is confirmed before placing the order.
- EU-Mercosur agreement (category 10): equal annual duty cuts since 1 May 2026; wooden prefabricated buildings excluded.
Costs: purchase, importation, transport and installation
The total cost of a European mobile home in Brazil includes four main components: the unit price in Europe, international transport, import duties and taxes, and delivery and installation at the final destination. Understanding each component is essential for realistic budget planning.
In the Green Village catalogue, each model has a price in reais that already includes the unit, transport insured at 100% of the unit's value, from collection to installation on site, installation (positioning on the plot) and import taxes and fees (import duty, IPI, PIS/COFINS-Importação, ICMS, AFRMM and the Siscomex fee). Local clearance charges, delivery to the plot and the ICMS adjustment for the destination state are confirmed in the written quote. Green Village exports only new units to Brazil, classified as prefabricated buildings, and each unit's classification is confirmed before the order is placed.
Import duties are the most significant component beyond the unit price. For NCM classification 9406.90.20 (prefabricated buildings with an iron or steel structure), the import duty is 20% under the general rule or 12.73% in 2026 with an EU certificate of origin (EU-Mercosur agreement, category 10, new units only); other materials (NCM 9406.90.90 / 9406.10.90) pay 16.2%; wooden prefabricated buildings are excluded from the preference. In addition to the import duty, IPI (0% on prefabricated buildings), PIS-Importação (2.1%), COFINS-Importação (9.65%), ICMS by state (tax-inclusive, e.g. SP 18%) and AFRMM (8% on the international freight) apply. Rates follow the TEC/Siscomex schedule in force (Resolução Gecex No. 852/2026) and are confirmed at clearance.
| Cost component | Indicative value |
|---|---|
| Unit price delivered to Brazil | Shown in reais in the catalogue (incl. transport, insurance, installation and import taxes) |
| International transport (Europe-Brazil) | included in the delivered price |
| Import duty | 20% (NCM 9406.90.20, iron/steel) · 12.73% EU origin 2026 · 16.2% other materials |
| ICMS (state tax, varies) | Destination state's rate |
| IPI + PIS + COFINS | IPI 0% on prefabricated buildings; PIS/COFINS-Importação on the customs value |
| Local clearance charges | confirmed in the written quote |
| Delivery to the final address | confirmed in the written quote |
| Transport insurance | included in the delivered price |
How to choose the ideal location in Brazil
Choosing the right location is decisive for the project's success — whether for personal use or investment. Brazil offers a diversity of options that no other country can match: from country estates in the Sao Paulo interior to beachfront properties in the Northeast.
For residential use or a second home, gated country estate communities and private subdivisions are the most popular option. They offer security, infrastructure (water, electricity, internet) and an established community. The Jundiai and Campinas region (SP) is particularly attractive due to its proximity to Sao Paulo, international airports and full services. Green Village has a showroom in Jundiai, at the heart of this region.
For tourist investment (glamping, Airbnb, guesthouses), the coastal regions of Santa Catarina, Bahia and Rio de Janeiro are natural choices. The spa circuit in Minas Gerais, the Serra Gaucha and the agro-tourism regions in Goias are alternatives with more affordable land costs and growing demand. Always check municipal legislation for short-term rentals and tourism — each municipality has its own rules.
Mandatory visit: never invest in land without a personal visit. Green Village arranges accompanied visits to the Jundiai showroom (Sao Paulo) and can advise on the regions best suited to your project, budget and objectives.
Transport: how your mobile home reaches Brazil
From Europe to Brazil, transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, and is included in the delivered price, in a cargo format suited to the unit's dimensions.
The logistics are handled by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's own logistics company, which manages the delivery and customs clearance door to door.
Green Village coordinates the logistics end-to-end, from collecting the unit in Europe to delivery at the final destination in Brazil. Green Village imports through its own Brazilian company (Green Village Mobile Homes Ltda, CNPJ 63.948.245/0001-65) and handles customs clearance — the customer does not need their own import licence. A detailed quote is provided before any commitment — check each model's price in reais in the catalogue.
Living and investing in Brazil: climate, market and opportunities
Brazil's climate is one of the biggest attractions for mobile home owners. Most of the territory enjoys mild to warm temperatures year-round, eliminating the need for heavy thermal insulation and allowing continuous use. In the south (Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Parana), winters can be cooler, with temperatures near 0 degrees C in the Serra Gaucha, but nothing comparable to European winters.
European mobile homes arrive in Brazil with a quality, finish and insulation level far superior to the local market. Double glazing, insulated walls, fully equipped kitchens and bathrooms, and long-lasting materials are clear differentiators versus Brazilian prefabricated homes. This premium positioning can support higher nightly rates for holiday lets.
The glamping segment is booming in Brazil. Entrepreneurs are investing in themed parks, eco-resorts and premium nature experiences that use mobile homes as accommodation. Return on investment in this segment can be significant, especially in regions with high tourist demand and limited quality accommodation supply.
The most relevant insurance types are home insurance for the installed unit (covering fire, theft, natural damage) and transport insurance, covering the unit at 100% of its value from collection to installation in Brazil. Green Village advises on the best insurance options in both countries.
Investment: returns, tourist rental and appreciation
Brazil offers unique investment opportunities for European mobile homes, especially in the tourism and short-term rental segment. Revenue depends on location, seasonality (December to February, long bank-holiday weekends and school holidays) and occupancy — run the numbers against comparable listings in your area.
The market for country estates and gated communities is growing strongly, especially since the pandemic, when millions of Brazilians began valuing outdoor spaces and second homes outside major cities. A European mobile home on a well-located country estate can appreciate in local currency, even while depreciating in absolute terms, thanks to land appreciation and scarcity of quality supply.
The Brazilian tax regime for short-term rental income (under 90 days) is relatively straightforward: income is declared as rental income on the individual income tax return (IRPF), with progressive rates. For larger operations, it may pay to set up a company — confirm the tax treatment with an accountant.
Important note: the EUR/BRL exchange rate is a significant factor. A devaluation of the real against the euro makes importation more expensive, but also increases the perceived value of the European mobile home in the local market. Currency planning is an essential part of the import project.
Green Village in Brazil: Jundiai showroom
Green Village has a physical presence in Brazil through its showroom in Jundiai, in the state of Sao Paulo — about 60 km from the capital and with direct access to the country's main motorways. At the showroom you can discuss import projects and receive personalised advice on unit selection, logistics and location; book your visit by phone or WhatsApp (+55 11 94207 0673).
Jundiai was chosen for its strategic position: it sits at the heart of the Sao Paulo region known for its country estates and rural gated communities, near Viracopos international airport (Campinas). The Jundiai team speaks Portuguese and can guide you through the entire process.
Green Village is a European company registered for export (EORI PT518231585) and handles customs clearance itself. We coordinate the entire logistics chain — from unit selection in Europe to delivery and installation on the client's land in Brazil. To schedule a visit to the Jundiai showroom, contact us via the website form or by telephone.
How to Buy a European Mobile Home for Brazil
- Research and define your project. Set your total budget (unit + importation + transport), preferred region and usage type (residence, holidays, glamping, investment). Browse the Green Village catalogue to compare models and prices. Ask the Jundiai team for a quote.
- Visit and choose. Visit the Green Village showroom in Jundiai (SP) or request a virtual tour. Choose the unit that best suits your project. Define the destination plot and check applicable municipal legislation.
- Budget and financing. Decide on payment method (own funds or financing). Reserve the unit with a deposit. Green Village imports through its own Brazilian company — you do not need your own import licence.
- Transport and customs clearance. Green Village coordinates the delivery, transport insurance and customs clearance, through to the final destination.
- Installation and activation. The unit is placed on the plot, levelled and connected to water, electricity and sewage networks. Final inspection, key handover and insurance activation. Welcome to your new European mobile home in Brazil.
In summary
- Brazil is an emerging market with enormous potential for European mobile homes.
- Legal classification depends on installation type: on wheels (no permit) or on foundations (permit required).
- Import duty is 20% (NCM 9406.90.20) or 12.73% with an EU certificate of origin in 2026, with progressive reduction under the EU-Mercosur agreement since May 2026 (wooden prefabricated buildings excluded).
- From Europe to Brazil, transport is organised by Mobile Home Logistic, Green Village's logistics division, and is included in the delivered price.
- The catalogue price in reais already includes international transport, insurance and import taxes.
- Green Village has a showroom in Jundiai (SP) — book your visit by phone or WhatsApp.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a building permit to install a mobile home in Brazil?
It depends. If the unit retains wheels and chassis (vehicle/equipment classification), no permit is needed. If fixed on permanent foundations, it is considered a building and requires a permit from the local municipality.
What are the import taxes for a mobile home in Brazil?
Green Village exports only new units to Brazil, classified as prefabricated buildings. For NCM classification 9406.90.20 (iron/steel), the import duty is 20% or 12.73% in 2026 with an EU certificate of origin (EU-Mercosur agreement, category 10); other materials pay 16.2%. ICMS (at the destination state's rate), IPI (0% on prefabricated buildings), PIS and COFINS apply on top. Classification of each unit is confirmed case by case.
How long does transporting a mobile home from Europe to Brazil take?
The timeframe depends on the origin and availability of the unit and on customs clearance; the delivery date is confirmed in writing in the quote.
Do I need special registration to import a mobile home to Brazil?
No, not when you buy through Green Village: we import through our own Brazilian company (Green Village Mobile Homes Ltda, CNPJ 63.948.245/0001-65) and handle customs clearance — you do not need your own import licence.
Can I use a mobile home for tourist rental (Airbnb) in Brazil?
Yes, and it is one of the most profitable uses. Check municipal legislation for short-term rentals.
Does Green Village have a physical presence in Brazil?
Yes. Green Village has a showroom in Jundiai, Sao Paulo — book your visit by phone or WhatsApp (+55 11 94207 0673). The team accompanies the entire import, transport and installation process.