Employer of Record and Payroll Services in Brazil 
Mercans-owned legal entity 
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
We have our own legal entity to protect your business from risk and provide you and your employees with a distinctive experience.
Services available
- Employer of record
- Contractor management
- Global payroll
- In-country payroll
Mercans offers complete payroll, PEO and HR services in Brazil
Brazil is a leading regional economy with foreign direct investment of USD58 billion in 2021. It boasts a large pool of talented workers and a diversified economy with USD280.4 billion in exports in 2021. Key sectors to invest include agribusiness, infrastructure, oil and gas, renewable energy as well as venture capital and private equity.
Doing Business in Brazil
Foreign companies can deal with the Department of Registration of Business and other federal agencies for the relevant processes to set up a new business. The National Bank for Economic and Social Development (BNDES) is the federal development bank which also provides financial support to private companies with headquarters in Brazil (regardless of size) with projects that promote innovation, regional development and environmentally friendly activities.
Entity Registration and Incorporation Requirements
Setting up a new business or expanding an existing one in Brazil is straightforward. Choose how your company operates from a range of entity types that suit your individual circumstance.
Banking
Banking Hours: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm from Monday to Friday
Working Week
The standard working week is from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Labor Law
The central piece of legislation governing employment is the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). All workers, including foreigners, are required to hold a work permit in which terms of employment must be recorded.
Main Industries
Textiles, shoes, chemicals, cement, lumber, iron, oretin, steel, aircraft, motor vehicles
GDP Growth
1%
Dates & Numbers
dd/mm/yyyy
Official State Name
Federative Republic of Brazil
Population
213 million
Capital
Brasilia
Major Languages
Portuguese
Currency
Brazilian Real (BRL)
Internet Domain
.br
International Dialing Code
+55
22°C
Payroll
The minimum wage is set by the federal government and is reviewed and adjusted each year. Each category of worker has a professional minimum wage which cannot be lower than that set by the federal government.
It is acceptable to provide employees with online payslips
Payslip
Payroll reports must be kept for 5 years
Reports
Employees are entitled to paid annual leave of 30 days
Annual Leave
Employees are entitled to paid sick leave of 15 days
Sick Leave
Employees are entitled to 6 months of paid maternity leave and 5 days of paid paternity leave as applicable
Maternity & Paternity Leave
Employees must be provided with at least 90 days notice of termination of employment
Employee Termination
The 13th month salary is a mandatory payment made to employees at the end of the year.
13th month salary
1212 BRL per month
Minimum Wage
The payment for overtime is set at 1.5x the employee's ordinary rate of pay for a maximum of 3 hours overtime per day
Overtime
Employees paid monthly are entitled to contribute 8% of their salary to a government-run severance fund.
Severance Pay
Tax and Social Security
Taxation occurs at three levels of government, that is, federal, state and municipal. All legal entities are required to pay taxes regularly and file a yearly tax return. All companies are required to obtain a CNPJ (Corporate Taxpayer Identification Number). Social security is managed by the INSS (Instituto Nacional de Seguro Social).
Tax
Brazil has an ex-tariff regime which allows for a temporary reduction in current import duties for capital goods and computer and telecommunications goods. Companies can apply for an ex-tariff concession. Tax holidays may be offered to certain industries operating in specific areas.
Corporate Income Tax
Personal Income Tax
Sales Tax
VAT
Social Security
Social Security Contributions are collected to maintain the social security regime which includes paying for retirement, pensions due to death, illness or disability and other benefits. Contributions, withheld by the employer, are made by both the employer and employee.
Social Security Rate
Social Security Rate for Employers
Social Security Rate for Employees
Employment Law
No distinction is drawn between skilled and unskilled workers by law and all registered workers are entitled to benefits such as minimum wage, maximum working hours, overtime pay and paid leave.
Employment Agreement
While the execution of a written contract to govern the employment relationship is not required under Brazilian law, it is a common procedure adopted by companies to provide more certainty to the parties.
Working condition
Regular working hours are limited to eight hours per day. The worker’s regular work schedule can be increased by overtime work but this cannot exceed the legal limit of two hours per day. Collective bargaining may also provider for higher overtime pay.
Leaves
National legal paid holidays must be observed. There are also moveable religious holidays which are generally observed by most and for which most businesses stay closed. States and cities may also have their own locally-observed holidays.
Employment termination
Termination of employment may be done in two ways: with cause or without cause. Dismissals must be notified to the employee in writing and the employer must register the dismissal and inform the relevant authorities.
30 days
Minimum notice period for terminating an employee
13 days
Total number of public holidays
44
Working hours per week
5 days
Total number of days for Compassionate & Bereavement Leave
Immigration
Brazil has agreements with approximately 90 countries in terms of visa exemptions. Citizens of countries that are not exempt from visas may apply for a business/tourism visa at the Brazilian consulate in their country of origin. These visas, which are valid for up to five years, allow for a maximum stay of 90 days, which may be extended.
Residency permits
Residence permits include those granted on humanitarian grounds. Traditional residence visas are granted such as family reunion visas. Those who hold a temporary residence visa may be entitled to obtain a permanent residence visa. Non-Brazilians who intend to invest in activities that generate jobs and wealth may also apply for a temporary residence visa alongside those who receive job offers in Brazil.
Work Permit Validity
2 years
Required Documents
work permit application form
applicant and candidate forms
company statutes or contractual alterations that are registered with the Commercial Board or Public Civil Registry
a document proving the appointment of the legal representative of the applicant
Build the best team and hire top talent compliantly in Brazil. Get in touch with Brazil payroll outsourcing & PEO specialists for a free consultation!