Brazil
What is it like Working in Brazil?
While Brazil maintains an economic pulse, there seems to always be time for leisure. Brazilians certainly value a work-life balance, and sometimes it tips in favor of life. That said, there is always space for the entrepreneurial spirit in Brazil. Cities like Sāo Paolo are notoriously energetic and boasts a rapidly emerging tech-scene, but finding the right launching-pad in Brazil can be challenging.
Brazilian Workday
The Brazilian workday traditionally runs Monday through Friday from 8am to 6pm, with an hour of unpaid break. The average work week is 40 hours and by law cannot exceed 44 hours per week.
The workplace culture in Brazil is generalized as being a relaxed yet sophisticated environment. Brazilians are often classified to be friendly and collaborative team players who exercise a great deal of patience. Businesses in Brazil are hierarchical and final decisions are typically made at the top which may prolong any deals being made. Although the culture is laid back, Brazilians are very fashionable and have an eye for detail, so consider your appearance.
Healthcare
Healthcare is not dependent on employment, it is offered to all citizens and legal residents of Brazil at no cost by the government through the Unified Health System (Sistema Único de Saúde, or SUS). However, many foreigners prefer private hospitals due to the long wait times in the public facilities. This considered, you may want to find employment which offers a private health insurance package, otherwise you are able to purchase a plan at your own expense.
Annual Leave and Holiday
The Brazilian labor law prescribes a generous annual leave package of thirty paid days is accumulated yearly. Annual leave can be taken all at once or divided into two parts. Additionally, Brazil observes eight national holidays annually, including Christmas and New Year’s day for non-essential employees.
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How to Find a Job in Brazil
A top destination with its extensive beaches, lush tropical rain forest and vibrant culture, it’s no wonder people want to set roots in Brazil. As Brazil grows globally into a new superpower, employment opportunities increase. Multinational, American companies, and call centers are progressively expanding to Brazil, further stimulating the Brazilian economy and job market for locals and foreigners alike.
Acquiring work is likely the first step of your big move. Relocate is a source to help familiarize you about Brazil and provide support for your relocation process. Below is some important information to know about working in Brazil.
Job Opportunities in Brazil
Internships
Internships are abundant in Brazil's thriving cities of São Paolo, Rio de Janeiro and Porto Alegre. Whether paid, volunteer or providing a living stipend, internships can be found throughout sectors of marketing, business, IT, web development and communication. They are a great way to experience Brazil - without the complicated visa process - while gaining valuable experience.
Check with your university to see if they support specific internship programs in Brazil.
Tourism Industry
Brazil is a top tourist destination - correspondingly, the tourism industry always needs English speakers. If working in hospitality is your area of expertise, your odds of finding employment are high.
Teach English in Brazil
Teaching English provides a perennial opportunity for employment in Brazil. In and around Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are areas of high demand as business professionals are seeking to improve their English language skills to further career opportunities.
Income varies based on location and venue - whether at a school or university or offering private lessons at an hourly rate. You can charge a higher hourly fee for specialty subjects, such as medical or legal English.
In order to teach in Brazil, you must have two years of teaching experience at the appropriate level, a bachelor's degree in a relevant field, and if you’re teaching in a private school, a Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) qualification. If you have childcare or early education experience, you may consider working as a nanny for a Brazilian family to expose their children to English.
Important Considerations for Working in Brazil
If you are looking for work in Brazil, it is necessary to consider some important realities. The following tips, acquired from those who have been through it, may help serve as a good foundational base.
Portuguese is the official language of Brazil. Your chances of securing local employment without Portuguese language proficiency are low. If you work for a multinational company or American company then language skills may not be required, but you still would benefit greatly to know some basics.
If you have your heart set on Brazil but lack proficiency in Portuguese start learning now! Enroll in Portuguese classes or seek work through an international organization that offers Portuguese language as part of their employee compensation package. Internships are a great way to learn the language and culture, plus gain valuable work experience in the Brazilian market. Certification from an official language course is not necessary to work in Brazil, nonetheless, using online resources can be a great way to improve your Portuguese.
Securing employment before you move to Brazil is key. You must obtain a residence permit and work visa to lawfully engage in paid employment in Brazil. The prospective employer will apply for a work visa on your behalf. They begin this process by submitting copies of your employment contract, CV, required work documents, and a certified copy of your passport to the Brazilian Ministry for Labour and Employment. Once the application is approved in Brazil, you will apply for a work visa through your local Brazilian consulate.
A temporary work visa expires after two years. The work visa can be renewed for an additional two years, after which your company needs to apply for a permanent visa on your behalf if you intend to remain in Brazil on a long-term basis. When you are on a temporary work visa, you cannot change employers without permission.
Within 30 days of your arrival in Brazil, you will need to collect a number of documents from the federal police, including an ID card and a taxpayer ID. The taxpayer ID is required to open a bank account. Apply for your Brazilian visa as early as possible, processing time tends to take two to three months or longer.
Out of the fifteen short-term visas for Brazil, the following seven permit paid employment:
- Work
- Academic
- Humanitarian
- Study (restrictions apply)
- Working holiday
- Family reunification
- International agreement (possible only for citizens of certain countries)
Also learn more about Starting a Business in Brazil
It is possible to obtain a Brazilian visa for officers, directors, administrators, and managers whose duties meet the management requirements. Brazilian law requires that the Brazilian company invest at least R$600,000 per foreign national employee, or R$150,000 plus the creation of ten new jobs within two years after approving a foreign national executive visa. Once granted this type of visa, the foreign national manager may live and work in Brazil for an unlimited period with a valid employment contract.
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