Opening a business in Brazil in 2026 requires a few important steps, which can be completed with the help of our local lawyers. Discover how we can help you below.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Types of companies which can be started by foreigners |
Limited Liability Corporation |
|
Minimum share capital for LTD Company |
No minimum share capital required |
|
Minimum number of shareholders for Limited Company |
2 |
| Time frame for the incorporation |
60 – 90 days |
| Corporate tax rate | 34% |
| Dividend tax rate |
20% |
| VAT Rate |
18% |
| No. of double taxation treaties (approx.) | 32 |
| Do you supply a Registered Address/Virtual Office? | Yes |
| Local Director Required | No |
| Annual Meeting Required | Yes |
| Redomiciliation Permitted | Yes |
| Electronic Signature | Electronic signatures are legally recognized in Brazil. |
| Is Accounting/Annual Return Required? | Yes |
| Foreign-Ownership Allowed | Yes |
| Any tax exemption available? (offshore income, dividend income, etc.) | Yes |
| Any tax incentives (if applicable) | Yes |
| Business incorporation services (YES/NO) | Yes, our lawyers in Brazil can assist with the creation of a company. |
|
Applicable law |
The Brazilian Company Law. |
|
Local bank account required (YES/NO) |
Yes, a local bank account is required. |
| Local legal address required (YES/NO) | Yes, this is a main requirement to open a business in Brazil. |
| Special requirements for foreign investors (YES/NO) |
Residence permits are required for those moving to Brazil. |
| Registration documents |
– ID/passport of the shareholder(s), – ID/passport of the director, – incorporation papers, – proof of registered address in Brazil. |
| Possibility to hire local staff (YES/NO) |
Yes. |
| Legal entities available for foreign companies |
– subsidiaries, – branches, – liaison offices. |
| Possibility to register a company remotely (YES/NO) |
Yes, it is possible to register a Brazilian company remotely. |
| Full foreign ownership allowed (YES/NO) | Yes. |
| Approval requirements for foreign investors (YES/NO) |
No, Brazil is open in terms of foreign investments. |
| Restricted activities for foreigners (if any) |
Yes, foreign companies cannot operate in sectors like healthcare (certain exemption apply), postal services, nuclear energy. |
| Licensing requirements (if any) |
Yes, certain industry-based permits may be required. |
| Legal services related to opening a Brazilian company |
Documents drafting, registration representation with the local authorities, bank account opening. |
Table of Contents
Is full foreign company ownership available in Brazil?
Yes, you can be the sole owner of a business in Brazil even if you are a foreign citizen.
IMPORTANT! Should you want to relocate to Brazil, you must also respect the applicable immigration formalities.
What types of companies can I open in Brazil?
Limited liability companies, joint-stock companies, or sole proprietorships are among the preferred and adopted business structures for nationals and foreigners in Brazil.
What is the minimum capital to register a business in Brazil?
There is no minimum amount imposed under the law; however, it needs to meet the requirements of running a Brazilian business (our lawyers can advise on this subject).
Here is also an infographic on this subject:
What are the management requirements for a company in Brazil?
A company must have at least one director who does not need to be a Brazilian resident.
What are the steps to open a business in Brazil in 2026?
The following:
- choose a suitable business form (guidance can be offered by our Brazilian lawyers);
- draft the incorporation papers in accordance with the selected entity;
- open a bank account;
- file the registration dossier with the Trade Register;
- apply for a tax identification code, the so-called CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) with the Federal Revenue Service;
- apply for the necessary business permits, if applicable.
IMPORTANT! Foreign shareholders and directors who are natural persons must first obtain Brazilian tax identification numbers.
What are the documents to prepare when I open a business in Brazil?
You need:
- your valid ID/passport;
- the tax identification code if you are a foreign citizen;
- proof of residency;
- proof of a registered address for the Brazilian business;
- Articles of Association.
Can I open a business in Brazil remotely?
Yes, you can. However, you need to know the following:
- you must appoint a local agent and give him/her a power of attorney (one of our lawyers can represent you);
- the capital you inject into the company must be registered with the Brazilian National Bank through the Electronic Declaratory Registry of Foreign Direct Investment.
How long does it take to register a business in Brazil?
Approximately a month, provided all documents are correctly drafted.
Here is also our video on how to open a company in Brazil:
Why should I open a company in Brazil in 2026?
Brazil is thought to be one of the countries with the fastest growth, following its position in the rankings as “B” in BRIC, an acronym and representative that stands for Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Numerous reports support the growth of the IT industry in Brazil, the main reason being the mobile market and the development of software. According to predictions by experts, Brazil has one of the biggest populations of internet users on mobile devices, which is expected to increase shortly.
If you want to open a company in Brazil, our lawyers can provide you with information regarding different economic sectors where you can make potential investments.
In addition to this, our Brazilian lawyers can also help you to apply for residency in this country.
You are welcome to contact our lawyers if you are planning to open a company in Brazil. They can provide complete legal assistance throughout the entire procedure.