Company Formation in Brazil: How to Register Your Business and Start Operating Legally

Why Register a Company in Brazil?

Brazil is Latin America’s largest economy, offering vast opportunities for investors in technology, agribusiness, renewable energy, and services. Registering as a company provides legal security, access to credit, and eligibility for public tenders.

With Europartner’s in-depth local expertise and Ongresso’s regional experience in company formation across Latin America, you can navigate Brazil’s complex bureaucracy with confidence, compliance, and strategic guidance.

Step 1 – Choose the Right Legal Structure

Selecting the correct structure defines your tax obligations and management model. Common types include:

• Sociedade Limitada (LTDA): Suitable for small and medium-sized companies; partners’ liability is limited.
• Sociedade Anônima (S.A.): For larger businesses planning to raise capital through shares.
• Branch of a Foreign Company: Requires federal government approval.

Step 2 – Define Business Activity (CNAE) and Draft the Articles of Association

Each company must select a CNAE code (National Classification of Economic Activities), which defines taxation and licensing requirements. Once chosen, draft the Articles of Association (Contrato Social) including:

• Company name and address.
• Corporate purpose.
• Share capital and partner participation.
• Management rules.
• Rights and duties of partners.

Step 3 – Register with the State Board of Trade (Junta Comercial)

This registration legally creates your company in Brazil. You’ll obtain a NIRE (Business Registration Identification Number), required for tax registration. Europartner, with the support of Ongresso, manages all filings, signatures, and documentation to ensure a smooth and compliant registration process.

Step 4 – Obtain the CNPJ (Corporate Tax ID)

Once registered, your company must apply for a CNPJ from the Federal Revenue Service. This number allows you to open a bank account, issue invoices, and operate legally. The process is simplified through RedeSim, which Europartner manages on your behalf.

Step 5 – Get State and Municipal Tax Registrations

Depending on your business activity:

• State Registration: Required only for trading or manufacturing goods.
• Municipal Registration: Mandatory for service providers.

Europartner and Ongresso ensure your company complies with all state and municipal requirements before operations begin.

Step 6 – Apply for Business Licenses and Permits

All companies must obtain an operating license (Alvará de Funcionamento) from the City Hall. Some sectors, such as healthcare, food, or manufacturing, may require additional permits from health, environmental, or fire authorities. Together, Ongresso and Europartner handle this process seamlessly, minimizing delays and ensuring compliance.

Step 7 – Social Security Registration and e-Invoicing

Register your company with Brazil’s Social Security System (INSS) and eSocial, even if you have no employees initially. Authorization for electronic invoices (NF-e / NFS-e) is also required. 

Why Work with Ongresso & Europartner?

Ongresso specializes in helping international companies establish and grow their operations across Latin America, offering strategic guidance, market entry expertise, and a comprehensive understanding of regional compliance requirements.

Through its partnership with Europartner, Ongresso extends this expertise to Brazil; combining Ongresso’s regional perspective with Europartner’s 20+ years of experience in the Brazilian market.

Europartner has supported hundreds of international clients in company formation, accounting, payroll, tax optimization, and legal representation. Together, Ongresso and Europartner provide end-to-end support for foreign investors seeking a reliable, compliant, and efficient market entry in Brazil.

Ready to Start Your Business in Brazil?

Expanding into Brazil opens the door to one of the world’s most dynamic emerging markets. With Ongresso and Europartner as your trusted partners, the process becomes clear, compliant, and strategically guided from start to finish.

Contact us today via https://ongresso.com or https://www.europartner.com.br to begin your company registration journey.