- Download our Moving to Brazil Guide (PDF)
Despite overall growth stagnating in the country in recent years, Brazil is still one of the biggest economies in South America. The country's latest policy changes have resulted in a solid foundation for it to remain competitive in the future, despite rising global inflation and a reduced GDP growth outlook in the short-term.
As part of these changes, the state has especially focused on technological advancement, industrial development and creating a friendlier environment for expats doing business in Brazil.
Fast facts
Business hours
Business hours are usually from 8.30am to 5.30pm, though executive staff tend to work from 9am or 10am until after 5.30pm. Most businesses close during holidays and festivities, especially Carnival.
Business language
The business language in Brazil is Portuguese. It is worth noting that Brazilian Portuguese can differ significantly from the Portuguese spoken in Portugal.
Dress
Business attire in Brazil is generally formal and elegant. Appearances are important and are seen to convey a person’s self-worth, as well as how much respect one has for others. Overdressing is preferable to being too casual.
Gifts
When invited to a colleague’s home, expats should bring flowers or a small gift for the hostess. Purple and black gifts should be avoided as they are traditionally mourning colours. Good quality alcohol is a safe bet, especially for dinners. Gifts are usually opened when they are received.
Gender equality
Traditional gender roles are still very prominent in Brazilian culture. Machismo is something that expat women will have to get used to, whether in a social or work environment. Women are under-represented in executive positions. Once in the position, they are typically treated with respect but they will often have to work harder to maintain this with their colleagues and business associates.
Greetings
A firm handshake and eye contact. Women should extend their hand first when wanting to shake hands with a man. Women generally air kiss when greeting each other, starting on the left.
Business culture in Brazil
Unsurprisingly, given its size, there are significant regional differences in Brazilian business culture that expats should be aware of. The business environment in São Paulo is known for being formal, for example. Businesspeople from the region value objectivity, honesty and technical skills. In some ways, Rio de Janeiro is known for being more relaxed, especially when it comes to punctuality.
People from the city tend to be more image-conscious and focused on short-term results. These differences are somewhat muted at multinational companies which are more similar to European business environments.
Communication
Expats who want to get ahead in the Brazilian business world should make an effort to learn how to communicate at the level of locals. The language of business is Portuguese, which is spoken by most of the population. Non-verbal communication also plays an important role. Interactions are often full of gestures and can be very physical, accompanied by long, firm handshakes, air-kissing and slapping on the back. Personal space is not especially sacred. People who are overly reserved are likely to be seen as aloof or odd.
The physical nature of interactions in the Brazilian workplace has a lot to do with the emphasis on personal relationships in the national culture. A lot of value is placed on the traditional family structure and friendships, which has various effects on the business world.
It follows that Brazilian people usually prefer face-to-face meetings to phone calls and written communication. The emphasis on personal relationships, even in the business environment, also means business is typically conducted through personal connections. As such, nepotism is an accepted reality that many expats will have to contend with.
Hierarchical structure
Brazilian business tends to be hierarchical, with age, experience and etiquette all being highly respected. Expats would do well to avoid criticising others (especially senior figures) at meetings, which would cause them to lose face. Given that it is a culture that puts a high value on social groups, an expat’s outsider status is likely to come into sharp focus in conflict situations.
In contrast, building relationships and friendly communication are very important. People take precedence over appointments. This is not a licence to be late, but it does mean that expats should greet their associates properly, be willing to engage in banter and allow their hosts to initiate talking business.
Dos and don’ts of business in Brazil
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Do be on time but don’t get impatient with Brazilian associates who happen to run late
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Do arrange meetings well in advance
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Do try to speak some Portuguese – it will be well received by local associates
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Don’t talk about the wealth gap or the deforestation of the Amazon rainforest
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Do be informal but not overly familiar, especially at first and until trust has been built
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Don't be frustrated by constant interruptions while talking, as this is acceptable in Brazil
Further reading
►For more on the local business environment see Working in Brazil
►See Working in São Paulo for more on business in Brazil's biggest city
Expat Experiences
"Everything is more relaxed and working hours are shorter. Furthermore, professional advancement is more based on connections and background than merit, but this is slowly changing." Read more of US expat Elliot's interview.
Are you an expat living in Brazil?
Expat Arrivals is looking for locals to contribute to this guide, and answer forum questions from others planning their move to Brazil. Please contact us if you'd like to contribute.
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