OPEN A COMPANY IN BRAZIL

Q: Why must foreign capital be registered with the Central Bank of Brazil?

The RDE-IED registration is what legally allows a Brazilian company to remit profits abroad and repatriate the invested capital later. Skipping it is one of the most costly mistakes foreign founders make.

We deliver your Brazilian company turnkey: structure, incorporation, Central Bank registration, bank account and taxes, so bureaucracy never delays your project and your capital never gets trapped in the country.

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SERVICES

Legal structuring: choice of entity (Ltda., S.A., subsidiary), shareholder agreements and governance;
Company formation: articles of association, Board of Trade (Junta Comercial) registration and federal tax ID (CNPJ);
Registration of foreign capital with the Brazilian Central Bank (RDE-IED), securing future profit remittances and capital repatriation;
Assistance with Brazilian corporate bank account opening;
Tax setup: regime selection, municipal and state registrations and licenses;
Application for the investor or administrator residence permit, when your investment qualifies;
Ongoing support: contracts, employment law and compliance as your business grows.

Starting a business in Brazil as a foreigner

Most problems foreign founders face in Brazil are not about opening the company, but about what happens after: a missed registration, the wrong entity type or the wrong tax regime can trap your own capital inside the country. Here is what you need to know before you start.

In most sectors, foreigners (individuals or companies) can own 100% of a Brazilian company, even without living in Brazil. Non-resident shareholders need a Brazilian tax number and a legal representative residing in Brazil, a role our firm structures for you;

The most costly mistake is skipping the mandatory Central Bank registration of foreign capital (RDE-IED): without it, your company cannot legally remit profits abroad or repatriate the capital you invested. We register it correctly from day one;

Investing at least BRL 500,000 in your Brazilian company with a job-creation plan, or BRL 150,000 for innovation, research or technology projects, entitles you to an investor residence permit. Administrators of a subsidiary qualify when the group invests at least BRL 600,000 (CNIg Normative Resolution No. 36/2018);

The entire incorporation can be done remotely through powers of attorney: with complete documentation, your company is typically incorporated in 2 to 4 weeks (articles of association, Junta Comercial and CNPJ). You do not need to be in Brazil.

Iure Pontes Vieira

ATTORNEY IN CHARGE OF THE REAL ESTATE AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT PRACTICE

Long experience in Brazil and abroad. Attorney in Brazil. He holds a PhD and a Master II in Law and a specialization degree (D.S.U.), all from Université Panthéon-Assas, Paris II.

He also holds a Law degree from the University of Fortaleza (Unifor) and an Accounting degree from the State University of Ceará (UECE).

We are referenced by French Tech São Paulo, the Chambers of Commerce of France in Brazil and the Chamber of Commerce of Brazil in France.

TESTIMONIALS

"Iure et ses équipes m’accompagnent depuis presque 10 ans depuis de mon installation au Brésil. J’ai eu recours au cabinet de Iure pour de nombreux sujets : visa, apport de capital, fiscalité, ressources humaines, sociétés… et il a toujours su trouver les solutions à mes problématiques. Iure est un excellent conseil et un excellent partenaire, il est dynamique et à l’écoute et fait surtout preuve d’une grande patience. Il parle en plus un français parfait !

Je recommande vivement Iure et le cabinet Pontes Vieira."

"Je tiens à féliciter le cabinet Pontes Vieira & Advogados, qui m'accompagne dans ma vie professionnelle au Brésil depuis 2016. Avec une parfaite maîtrise des problématiques fiscales brésiliennes et françaises, ainsi que des problématiques d'immigration. J'ai des affaires au Brésil, en Afrique et en France et j'ai donc régulièrement besoin de conseils avisés, car la législation et les accords bilatéraux entre ces trois pays sont assez spécifiques."

"The law firm of Iure Pontes Vieira is always very helpful and professional . Iure knows how to answer to every legal fields from immigration to taxes. I highly recommend his firm and legal services."

"Je recommande vivement les services du cabinet Pontes Vieira. Ils m´ont accompagné lors de l'obtention du visa adapté à ma situation personnelle."

Frequently Asked Questions about Opening a Company in Brazil

Can a foreigner own 100% of a Brazilian company?

Yes. In most sectors, foreigners (individuals or companies) can own 100% of a Brazilian company, even as non-residents. A legal representative residing in Brazil is required for non-resident shareholders.

Do I need to live in Brazil to open a company there?

No. The entire incorporation can be done remotely through powers of attorney. Only the legal representative of non-resident shareholders must reside in Brazil.

How long does it take to open a company in Brazil?

With complete documentation, incorporation typically takes 2 to 4 weeks (articles of association, Junta Comercial and CNPJ). Bank account opening and specific licenses may add a few more weeks depending on the activity.

What is the minimum investment for a Brazilian investor visa?

BRL 500,000 invested in a Brazilian company with a job-creation plan, reduced to BRL 150,000 for innovation, research or technology projects (CNIg Normative Resolution No. 36/2018). Administrators qualify when the group invests at least BRL 600,000 in the Brazilian subsidiary.

What is the best company type for foreigners in Brazil?

For most foreign investors, the limited liability company (Sociedade Limitada, Ltda.) is the best option: low cost, flexible governance and no minimum capital in most sectors. The S.A. suits larger structures or companies planning to raise capital.

Why must foreign capital be registered with the Central Bank?

The RDE-IED registration is what legally allows your company to remit profits abroad and repatriate the invested capital later. Skipping it is one of the most costly mistakes foreign founders make.