Brazil

Employment taxes

• Income tax is progressive:
• 0% up to BRL 2,112/month
• Up to 27.5% on higher salaries
• Social security (INSS) contributions range from 7.5% to 14%, depending on your income.
• These are automatically withheld from your salary.
• You also get a 13th-month salary (yep, an extra paycheck at the end of the year).

Leave policy

• Vacation: 30 paid days per year (after 12 months), plus a vacation bonus (⅓ of your salary).
• Sick leave: Covered by the employer for the first 15 days, then by social security.
• Maternity leave: 120 days paid (extendable to 180 days in some cases).
• Paternity leave: 5 days (can extend to 20 days if company joins the “Empresa Cidadã” program).
• Parental leave: No separate policy, covered by maternity and paternity terms.

Employment termination

• Terminations can be with or without cause.
• Severance pay varies but often includes unused vacation, salary balance, and a fine over FGTS (a government-mandated severance fund).
• Notice period: 30 days (plus 3 days for every year worked, max 90 days).

Hiring and contracts

Most people are hired under the CLT contract (Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho) - Brazil’s main labor law.

• Must be in Portuguese
• Includes probation (up to 90 days)
• Covers benefits, paid leave, and termination rights
• Remote work is allowed and can be formalized in the contract
• All contracts should clearly state working hours, job role, salary, and benefits.

Payroll and salary payments

• Paid monthly, typically by the 5th business day of the month.
• National minimum wage: BRL 1,412/month (€240 as of mid-2025).
• Salaries must be paid in Brazilian reais (BRL), through a local bank.

Benefits

Mandatory:

• INSS (social security)
• FGTS: 8% of salary set aside monthly by the employer
• 13th salary
• Paid leave (vacation, sick days, parental)

Common Optional Perks:

• Health insurance (private, supplemental)
• Meal and transportation vouchers
• Gym subsidies
• Life insurance
• Flexible hours or hybrid work

Monthly living cost (Brasília Edition)

Living in Brazil’s capital is more affordable than most major global cities.

• Rent (1BR in city center): BRL 2,500–3,000
• Utilities: BRL 400–600
• Internet: BRL 100
• Groceries: BRL 700–1,000
• Dining out (2 people): BRL 150
• Transport pass: BRL 150–200
• Expect to spend around BRL 5,000–7,000/month for a moderate lifestyle.
• Overall, Brasília is generally cheaper than Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo, especially when it comes to rent and dining.

How to get a local ID number (CPF)

You’ll need a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) - the Brazilian tax ID.

For employees and remote workers:

• Get it from a Receita Federal office (you’ll need your passport, visa, and proof of residence).
• Can also apply at Brazilian consulates abroad.
• Employers often assist with this.

You’ll need your CPF for: opening a bank account, renting a place, signing contracts, and shopping online.

Social Security Registration

If you work under a CLT contract, your employer registers you automatically.

• Contributions go to INSS
• Covers retirement, sick leave, disability, and parental leave

Banking in Brazil

To get paid, you’ll need a local bank account.

Popular banks:

• Itaú
• Bradesco
• Banco do Brasil
• Nubank (great for digital accounts)
• Inter (fully digital, no fees)

To open an account:

• Bring your CPF, ID/passport, proof of residence, and visa.

Housing and rentals

Renting in Brazil is pretty straightforward:

• Most leases: 30 months (but can leave earlier with penalty or flexibility clauses).
• You may need a fiador (guarantor) or pay a deposit.
• Tenant rights are strong, landlords can’t just kick you out without due process.
• Expect to sign contracts in Portuguese.

Healthcare system

Brazil has free public healthcare (SUS), but many people also use private insurance (often provided by employers).

• Public care is accessible but wait times can be long.
• Private plans vary, from basic to top-tier coverage.
• Pharmacies are everywhere and open late.

Driving and public transport

• Public transport: buses, subways, trains, affordable and widely used in big cities.
• Uber and 99 are popular ride-hailing apps.
• Foreigners can drive with an international permit (or national license + official translation) for up to 180 days.
• After that, you’ll need a Brazilian driver’s license (CNH).

Emergency and important contacts

• General emergency: 190 (police), 192 (ambulance), 193 (fire)
• Tourist police (DEATUR): available in major cities
• Hospital emergency: public hospitals operate 24/7

Work permit and visa requirements

For all foreign nationals:

You’ll need a work visa (VITEM V) to work in Brazil legally.

• Usually requires a job offer and employer sponsorship.
• Processing time: 2–4 weeks
• Remote workers: no official “digital nomad visa” yet, but many enter on tourist visas (check rules, overstaying comes with fines).

Work culture and business norms

Brazilian business is personal, warm, and slightly informal, relationships matter.

• Greet with a firm handshake and eye contact (maybe even a cheek kiss depending on region).
• Hierarchies are respected, but collaboration is welcome.
• Be on time, but expect others to be a little flexible.
• Communication can be indirect, reading between the lines is key.