Doing business in Brazil.
Latin America's largest market — with its own rules, taxes and culture. We help U.S. and Guyanese companies get it right from the start.
Why Brazil, now.
Brazil combines a large domestic market with world-class agribusiness, energy and a fast-moving technology scene in São Paulo. For foreign companies, the opportunity is scale; the challenge is a complex legal and tax environment where details decide whether a business is profitable.
In the North, the state of Roraima borders Guyana: the BR-401 highway reaches Bonfim, where a bridge over the Takutu River connects to Lethem. As Guyana paves its road to the border, trade between Manaus, Boa Vista and Georgetown is gaining a practical land route.
Step by step.
Most foreign investors open a limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada, or Ltda.). The usual path looks like this:
- 01
Taxpayer IDs for the partners
Foreign individuals need a CPF; foreign companies need a CNPJ and a non-resident registration with the Central Bank before sending money.
- 02
A resident administrator
The company needs an administrator living in Brazil, and non-resident partners appoint a Brazil-resident legal representative.
- 03
Documents
Foreign documents need an apostille and a sworn translation into Portuguese.
- 04
Registration
Articles of association filed with the state commercial registry (Junta Comercial), then the company CNPJ and state and municipal registrations.
- 05
Foreign capital and bank
Foreign capital must be registered with the Central Bank (RDE-IED) within 30 days of entering Brazil — it is what allows profits to be sent abroad later. Opening the bank account can take several weeks.
What weighs most.
Tax regime
Companies with a partner living abroad cannot use the simplified Simples Nacional regime, so the choice is usually between Lucro Presumido and Lucro Real — a decision that changes the tax bill significantly.
Tax reform
Between 2026 and 2033, PIS, Cofins, IPI, ICMS and ISS are being replaced by two new taxes, CBS (federal) and IBS (states and municipalities). 2026 is a test year; CBS starts being charged in 2027. Pricing and systems should be planned for the transition.
Employment
Employees under the CLT receive a 13th salary, paid holidays with a bonus and FGTS deposits, so the real cost of a hire is well above the monthly salary.
Contracts and language
Official filings are in Portuguese, and relationships matter: introductions to the right partners and suppliers save months.
General information, checked in October 2026. Rules change — we confirm the current position with licensed professionals for every project.
Moving people to Brazil.
Most foreign executives settle in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro or the capital of the state where the operation is based. Daily life almost always requires a CPF — for a phone line, a lease or a bank account — so it should be one of the first steps.
Anywhere in the countryWe assist equally in every state and city in Brazil — from São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Brasília to the South, the Northeast and the North, including Manaus and Boa Vista.
- First step — the CPF: phone lines, leases, bank accounts and even online shopping ask for it, so we get it done first.
- Housing: leases usually require a guarantee — rental insurance, a deposit or a guarantor — and many families prefer condominiums with security and amenities.
- Schools: bilingual and international schools are widely available in large cities; the school year starts in February, so plan enrolment early.
- Health: there is a public system (SUS), and most expatriates use private health plans with access to excellent hospitals in the main cities.
- Money: Pix instant payments are used for almost everything; we help open the bank account and set up cards and apps.
- Getting around: foreign driving licences are valid only for a limited time — we guide the switch to a Brazilian licence or arrange a driver.
- Language and culture: some Portuguese goes a long way; we offer orientation and cultural briefings so the family feels at home faster.
One plan. One team.
We prepare your business plan with real Brazilian costs and taxes, coordinate company formation with licensed accountants and lawyers, introduce you to partners and clients, relocate your people, and launch your brand in Portuguese.
About Brazil.
Can a foreigner open a company in Brazil?
Yes. Foreign individuals and companies can own 100% of a Brazilian company — no local partner is required. What the law does require is a Brazilian tax ID for each foreign partner (CPF for individuals, CNPJ for companies), an administrator who lives in Brazil and a local legal representative for partners who live abroad.
Which type of company do foreign investors usually open?
Most choose a limited liability company (Ltda.): simpler to run and flexible on partners. Larger operations, or those planning to raise capital or list, may choose a corporation (S.A.). A branch of a foreign company is possible but needs government authorisation, so it is less common.
Can a foreign company sell to large Brazilian companies and the oil and gas sector?
Yes, but large buyers usually require a Brazilian company, local invoicing and supplier registration. In oil and gas, exploration contracts carry local content commitments, so operators value suppliers with a local presence — often built through a Brazilian subsidiary or a partnership.
How heavy are taxes, and what changes with the tax reform?
The tax system is complex, and the regime you choose makes a big difference — companies with a partner abroad cannot use Simples Nacional, so the choice is between Lucro Presumido and Lucro Real. From 2026 to 2033, five consumption taxes are being replaced by CBS and IBS. We model both regimes and the transition in your business plan before you decide.
How do profits go back to the parent company?
Through a bank foreign-exchange transaction, as long as the foreign capital was registered with the Central Bank when it entered Brazil. Getting that registration right from day one is what makes remittances simple later.
Why look at Northern Brazil?
The Manaus Free Trade Zone offers tax incentives for industry, and Roraima borders Guyana by road. As Guyana paves its highway to the border, companies in Manaus and Boa Vista gain a land route to a fast-growing English-speaking market — and Guyanese companies gain access to Brazil.
Where are the opportunities right now?
Agribusiness and food, the energy transition and renewables, infrastructure concessions, technology and fintech, healthcare and services for a large consumer market. Brazil is also a member of Mercosur, which can open doors to the rest of South America.
Let's talk about Brazil.
Tell us what you have in mind. We reply within two business days.