How to open a Company in Brazil

Comprehensive guidance on opening a company in Brazil, including business structure selection, legal requirements, and complete registration procedures for successful business establishment.

Complete guide on how to open and start a business in Brazil

Choose Your Business Structure

Select the most appropriate business structure based on your business size, revenue projections, number of partners, and liability preferences.

MEI (Microempreendedor Individual)

For individual entrepreneurs with revenue up to R$ 81,000/year

Key Features:

  • Free registration
  • Simplified taxation
  • One employee allowed
  • Monthly tax: R$ 71-76

Ideal for:

Freelancers, consultants, small service providers

ME (Microempresa)

Small businesses with revenue up to R$ 360,000/year

Key Features:

  • Low registration costs
  • Simplified taxation option
  • Multiple employees
  • Accounting required

Ideal for:

Small retail, services, manufacturing

LTDA (Sociedade Limitada)

Limited liability company with 2+ partners

Key Features:

  • Limited liability protection
  • Flexible management
  • Capital requirements
  • Full accounting

Ideal for:

Medium businesses, partnerships, investment projects

SA (Sociedade Anônima)

Corporation suitable for large businesses

Key Features:

  • Public or private options
  • Share-based ownership
  • Board of directors
  • Complex governance

Ideal for:

Large enterprises, public companies, investors

Company Opening Process

Follow these essential steps to properly open your company in Brazil and ensure full legal compliance from the start.

1
Define your business structure and partners
2
Choose and reserve your company name
3
Prepare articles of incorporation
4
Register with Commercial Registry (Junta Comercial)
5
Obtain CNPJ (Brazilian tax ID)
6
Register with state and municipal tax authorities
7
Obtain business licenses and permits
8
Open business bank account
9
Set up accounting and bookkeeping
10
Begin operations and tax compliance

Required Documents

Ensure you have all necessary documentation prepared before starting the registration process.

Valid CPF and RG for all partners
Proof of residence for all partners
Defined business activities (CNAE codes)
Business address (physical location)
Articles of incorporation document
Capital contribution definition
Tax regime selection
Industry-specific permits (if applicable)

Timeline & Investment Overview

Understanding the time and financial investment required

MEI Registration

24 hours
Processing time
FREE
Registration cost

Small Company (ME)

15-30 days
Processing time
R$ 500-1,500
Initial investment

Limited Company (LTDA)

30-45 days
Processing time
R$ 1,500-5,000
Initial investment

Related Services

Complete your business setup with our additional services

Steps to Formalize a Company

Detailed step-by-step process for complete company formalization.

How to obtain a CNPJ

Expert assistance with Brazilian tax ID registration process.

Business Permits & Licenses

Navigate the complex permit and licensing requirements.

Ready to Open Your Company in Brazil?

Our experts will guide you through the entire company opening process.