Doing Business in Brazil

Complex Tax System 

Brazil's tax system is known for its complexity, with multiple federal, state, and local taxes. The complexities of Brazil’s tax system, including multiple cascading taxes and disputes among states, create challenges for companies operating and exporting in Brazil, even for those with experience. 

Regulatory Environment 

Navigating Brazil's regulatory framework can be a daunting task. Businesses must comply with a large number of regulations, which can vary significantly between states. Always contact professionals who are knowledgeable about the country's regulatory framework. 

Labor Laws 

Brazil has stringent labor laws that can be challenging for foreign companies to navigate. These laws often favor employees and can lead to high costs and legal complexities. 

Staffing & Talent Solutions 

Companies start by defining job roles and requirements. They use various channels like job portals, social media, and staffing agencies to advertise positions. The most common type of employment contract in Brazil is governed by the CLT, which provides comprehensive labor rights, including benefits like paid vacations, health insurance, and severance pay. 

Infrastructure  

While Brazil has made progress, infrastructure challenges like transportation and logistics remain significant in certain cities. It is essential to have local expertise when establishing a headquarters in the area to effectively plan your strategy. 

Opportunities of Doing Business in Brazil

Brazil offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses across various sectors. Here are some of the most promising areas: 

Renewable Energy 

Brazil is a global leader in renewable energy, particularly in hydropower. There are also significant opportunities in solar and wind energy, driven by the country's commitment to increasing its renewable energy capacity. 

Agriculture  

As one of the world's largest producers of coffee, soybeans, sugarcane, and beef, Brazil's agricultural sector offers vast opportunities for investment and innovation.  

Technology and Innovation 

Brazil's tech sector is growing rapidly with opportunities in software development, fintech, and e-commerce. The country's large and young population is driving demand for digital solutions. 

Digital economy 

Brazil’s key sectors in the digital economy include artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, the Internet of Things (IoT), edge computing, cloud services, and digital government, particularly in developing a trusted and inclusive digital public infrastructure (DPI). 

Brazil Trade Benefits 

Brazil has the largest consumer market in South America, providing a significant opportunity for businesses looking to expand their customer base. 

Brazil has a diversified economy with strong agriculture, mining, manufacturing and services sectors. It is also rich in natural resources, making it a key player in global trade in these products. 

Why Start a Business in Brazil? 

Brazilian Economy

• Population: Approximately 212 million inhabitants 

• Currency: The official currency is the Brazilian Real (BRL), symbolized as R$. 

• Language: The official language is Portuguese, spoken by nearly the entire population. 
• GDP per capita: The GDP per capita is projected to be around $9,462 USD4.
• Brazilian Political System: The President is elected through popular vote for a four-year term and has the opportunity to be re-elected for a second consecutive term. In Brazil, the President serves as both the head of state and the head of government. Currently, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva holds the office of President. Brazil is divided into 26 states and one federal district, each with its own government and the National Congress of Brazil is a bicameral legislature, consisting of the Federal Senate and the Chamber of Deputies. The Federal Senate has 81 members, while the Chamber of Deputies has 513 members. 

• International Tax Treaties: Brazil has signed numerous tax treaties to avoid double taxation and facilitate international business. Some of the countries with which Brazil has tax treaties include: Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Chile, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, United Kingdom and United States (reciprocity of tax treatment).

Brazil's GDP growth has shown resilience and positive momentum. For 2024, the GDP growth projection has been revised upwards to 3.2%, reflecting better-than-expected performance in the first half of the years. However, growth is expected to moderate to 2.2% in 2025 due to anticipated reductions in fiscal stimulus and global economic conditions. 

Inflation in Brazil has been a significant concern. The annual inflation rate for 2024 ended at 4.83%, exceeding the government's target limit of 3%. 

Business Environment in Brazil 

Brazil's business environment is characterized by a complex tax system and regulatory challenges. The recent tax reform, approved in December 2023, aims to simplify the tax structure by introducing a dual Value-Added Tax (VAT) system. Additionally, new transfer pricing regulations have been enacted to reduce double taxation on multinational firms. 

International Investment Laws 

Brazil's primary law regulating foreign investment is the Foreign Direct Investment Law. This law governs the inflow and outflow of foreign capital and ensures that foreign investors receive the same treatment as domestic investors. 

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) plays a crucial role in attracting foreign investments by providing support and information to potential investors. Brazil offers various tax incentives to foreign investors, including reductions in import duties and tax exemptions for specific sectors. 

 

Free Trade Agreements 

Brazil is currently involved in various trade agreements. One of them is the Mercosur-EU agreement, which is still awaiting ratification. Additionally, Brazil has an FTA with Egypt that has been in effect since 2017, and recently concluded a free trade agreement with Singapore in 2023. Brazil is also engaged in ongoing negotiations with countries such as Canada, South Korea, and India. Although there is no comprehensive FTA with the USA, Brazil and the USA collaborate through the Agreement on Trade and Economic Cooperation (ATEC) to strengthen their trade and investment relations.

Visas for Foreign Investors in Brazil

Foreign investors looking to establish themselves in Brazil can apply for the Investor Visa, also known as the VIPER (Visa Permanente para Investidores). This visa allows foreign nationals to gain permanent residency by making a qualifying investment in Brazil. 

 

 

Brazil Business Culture & Practical Tips

If you have a better understanding of Brazilian business culture, you can greatly improve your success when operating in Brazil. Here are some essentials and practical tips: 

Building Relationships 

In Brazil, business is highly relationship-oriented. Establishing trust and rapport is crucial. Initial meetings often focus more on personal connections than on discussing business matters. 

 

Brazilian Business Etiquette 

Greeting: Handshakes are common; for women, a light kiss on the cheek (or two) might occur after familiarity is established. 

Formality: Brazilians value a mix of formality and warmth. Usually, people are called by their first name without “Mr.” and “Ms.” even at their first meetings or round tables. 

 

Punctuality & Scheduling 

Punctuality: Being on time is polite but meetings may not always start on time. Allow for flexibility. 

Business Hours: Most offices operate from 9 AM to 6 PM with a break for lunch. 

 

Brazil Local Insights 

Holidays and Festivities: Be mindful of major holidays, like Carnaval, which can affect business operations. Visit on a day off: Parque do Povo, Sao Paulo Zoo, Ipiranga Museum, Art Gallery, a Soccer game (Morumbi or Allianza Park stadiums are close to downtown), Farol Santander Building, Terraço Italia, Unique Hotel rooftop, or Lunch at Pinheiros or Vila Madalena neighborhood for more alternative options. 

Information about Museums: You can check the TripAdvisor website to see all of them. Diverse Food Scene: Brazil hosts one of the largest Japanese descent communities outside Japan. Also, fusion cuisine and Brazilian barbecue are very popular as well. 

Weather: São Paulo has a subtropical climate, and although average temperatures are around 20 degrees Celsius (68°F) most of the year, in the winter months (July, August and September) they can reach 15 degrees Celsius. 

 

Transportation in Brazil 

São Paulo is notorious for its traffic. Plan your commute carefully and allow extra time. 

Ride-Sharing: Apps like Uber are popular among business travelers. It is advisable to choose a driver who has completed a decent number of trips and has a high rating. "Uber Black" is often the best option since it typically features well-maintained vehicles. 

Public Transport: For beginners, using buses, metros, or trains is not recommended. These modes of transport can be complicated for newcomers, and there is a higher risk of encountering pickpockets. 

 

Legal and Financial Considerations 

Bureaucracy in Brazil is known for its complex tax and legal systems, making it advisable to consult local experts or accountants. 

Exchange Rates: Currency exchange rates can fluctuate, so you should pay attention to them if you plan to budget in foreign currency. Using a prepaid card is recommended as a good option to avoid carrying banknotes; however, if you need physical banknotes, most shopping malls have exchange offices where you can safely access cash. 

Ways of Communication 

Directness: Brazilians are expressive and may use gestures while speaking. Discussions can be lively but are rarely confrontational. 

Emails: Maintain a professional yet friendly tone in emails. For quick communication, phone calls and WhatsApp are often preferred. 

 

Accommodations in Brazil 

These are some hotels near the financial district: Itaim Bibi, Vila Olimpia, Moema, Vila Nova Conceição, Jardins, and Jardin Paulistano are some of the best regions to stay for business meetings since most of the corporate headquarters are located around Faria Lima.

 

Where to Have a Business Lunch? 

Figueira Rubaiyat (steakhouse, Maní (Brazilian modern food), Due Couchi - Italian food (Shopping Cidade Jardim), Fazenda Churrascada, Myk (Greek Food), Banzeiro (Brazilian/Amazon region modern cuisine), Imakay (Asian cuisine), Nakka (Japanese), Fogo de Chão (steakhouse) , Barbacoa (steakhouse

If you are looking for an informal meeting with a relaxed drink, we recommend visiting Skye, Banana Café, Moeda (in the basement of Farol Santander), Terraço Itália, Tatu Bola, Boteco São Paulo, Subastor, Seen, Dhomus, Coco Bambu, Vaca Veia, and Candem House. 

 

Embassy & Consulate Information 

There are 71 diplomatic missions based in the city of Sao Paulo. You can see at https://embassies.net/brazil/sao-paulo