Opportunities for Expats in the Brazilian Market

Published on October 4, 2025 and written by Cyril Jarnias

Brazil: Fertile Ground for Expatriates

Brazil, with its emerging economy and cultural diversity, represents fertile ground for those looking to establish themselves professionally. In the context of globalization, the country offers a multitude of opportunities in various sectors such as energy, technology, and agribusiness.

For expatriates, integrating into this dynamic market can lead to enriching experiences and significant career development. However, understanding the specifics of the Brazilian job market is crucial to maximizing these opportunities, requiring knowledge of local languages, labor laws, and cultural expectations.

By addressing the challenges and benefits associated with professional relocation to Brazil, this article will reveal how to effectively navigate this unique economic landscape.

Exploring the Best Job Opportunities in Brazil

Thriving Sectors and Industries in Brazil

• Services (over 70% of GDP): strong growth in information, communication, fintech, e-commerce, logistics, and healthcare.
• Industry: marked recovery in construction, automotive manufacturing, electrical equipment, chemicals, cement, and tile production.
• Technology and Innovation: rise of startups, especially in São Paulo, in digital finance, mobile applications, artificial intelligence, software development, and cybersecurity.
• Agribusiness and Bioenergy: although slowed by recent weather conditions, the sector remains major, with companies investing in agritech and food processing.

Companies Actively Recruiting

Sector	Leading Companies	In-Demand Fields
Technology/Fintech	Nubank, Stone, PagSeguro, iFood	Web development, data, AI, UX, cloud
Automotive Industry	Volkswagen do Brasil, Stellantis, GM	Engineering, production, logistics
Construction	MRV Engenharia, Gerdau, Votorantim	Civil engineering, architecture, management
E-commerce	Mercado Livre, Magazine Luiza, B2W	Logistics, IT, digital marketing
Financial Services	Itaú Unibanco, Bradesco, BTG Pactual	Data analysis, finance, compliance
Healthcare/Biotechnology	Dasa, Fleury, Raia Drogasil	Research, biotech, digital health

Most Promising Brazilian Cities for Expatriates

• São Paulo: main economic and technological hub, dynamic job market, presence of multinationals.
• Rio de Janeiro: oil industries, tourism, audiovisual, and services.
• Belo Horizonte: innovation hub (startups, fintech, biotech), mining industry.
• Curitiba: innovation ecosystem, automotive sector, green technologies.
• Porto Alegre: IT, services, agribusiness.

Highly Sought-After Skills

• Technical: software development (Python, Java, cloud), engineering, data science, cybersecurity, industrial automation.
• Digital: digital marketing, UX/UI, agile project management, e-commerce.
• Languages: Portuguese proficiency (essential), fluent English valued in international sectors.
• Soft Skills: adaptability, teamwork, innovation management, ability to work in multicultural environments.

Emerging Labor Market Trends

• Digital Transformation: automation, artificial intelligence, collaborative platforms.
• Remote Work and Flexibility: increase in remote job offers, hybrid work models.
• Green Economy: rise in jobs related to sustainability, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonization (construction, energy).
• Growth of Startups and Scale-ups: specialization in fintech, agritech, connected health, and urban mobility.

Practical Tips for Expatriates

• Work Permit: generally required before arrival, to be requested through the Brazilian employer or via a specific visa (VITEM V for qualified work).
• Professional Networks: join chambers of commerce (French-Brazilian, German, American), attend sector-specific meetups, use LinkedIn and the Glassdoor Brazil platform.
• Useful Resources:
  • Specialized job sites: Catho, Vagas.com, Infojobs, LinkedIn Brazil.
  • Expatriate associations and social media groups to facilitate integration and obtain practical advice.
  • Government platforms (Itamaraty, Embratur) for administrative procedures.

Integration Tips

• Learn Portuguese as soon as possible, as most positions require good written and oral proficiency.
• Adapt your resume and cover letter to local standards: concise format, emphasis on concrete experiences, translation into Portuguese.
• Familiarize yourself with Brazilian corporate culture: importance of interpersonal relationships, collaborative and informal approach, relative punctuality.
• Be flexible and open in the face of a sometimes-changing environment and the regional diversity of the job market.

Summary

Brazil offers promising prospects in the technology, services, industry, and construction sectors, with opportunities concentrated in major metropolitan areas. Technological, digital skills, and Portuguese proficiency are particularly valued. To succeed, it is essential to leverage professional networks, understand the local culture, and comply with administrative procedures related to work permits.

Maximizing Your Expatriate Salary: Compensation and Concrete Examples

Salary Differences by Sector for Expatriates in Brazil:

Sector	Average Salary (BRL/month)	Average Salary (€)	Observations
Plastic Surgery	19,135	3,030	Very high qualification, strong demand
Specialist Physician	18,475	2,925	Among the highest salaries
Mathematician, Actuary	16,568	2,623	High valuation of STEM profiles
Petroleum Engineer	15,000	2,375	Presence of energy and mining sector
IT Developer	9,210	1,459	Rapid growth in technology sector
Industrial/Production Engineer	8,849	1,402	Industry in transition and high demand for engineers

The healthcare, technology, finance, engineering, and financial market sectors generally offer above-average compensation. Conversely, retail, construction, or administration often provide more modest salaries.

Specific Financial Benefits for Expatriates:

• Expatriation bonuses (adjustment for cost of living differences)
• Housing allowance
• School coverage for children
• Company car
• Annual round-trip flights to home country

These benefits are particularly common in local contracts negotiated with international subsidiaries or as part of VIE assignments. A common testimony highlights that “thanks to these supplements, my standard of living is higher than what I had in France.”

Concrete Examples of Compensation by Position and Industry:

In a French multinational established in Brazil:

• Senior Executive (local management): up to 30,000 BRL/month
• Experienced Engineer in oil/mining industry: between 15,000–22,000 BRL/month
• Senior IT/Tech Project Manager: approximately 12,000–20,000 BRL/month

A young VIE graduate can expect to receive their French salary with partial or full housing coverage.

Typical Salary Negotiations in Brazil:

Key points:

• Negotiations frequently include the overall package (annual bonus, mandatory 13th month, meal/transport vouchers).
• It is common for a qualified expatriate or one recruited by an international company to obtain compensation above local standards along with various additional benefits.

Practical advice shared by a French manager based in São Paulo:

“Don’t hesitate to explicitly request a housing allowance even if it’s not initially offered; everything is negotiable here!”

Practical Tips to Maximize Your Salary as an Expatriate in Brazil:

• Prioritize highly demanded sectors (tech, finance/banking-insurance, energy/mining) where local shortages favor salary increases.
• Develop rare skills (cybersecurity, data science, international large project management), sought after by Brazilian companies.
• Negotiate all aspects of the contract upon hiring: relocation/housing/schooling/children/flight bonuses.
• Inform yourself about the local market via French-Brazilian professional networks before any negotiation.
• Highlight your language proficiency (professional Portuguese) which represents a strong competitive advantage with Brazilian employers.

Recent statistics indicate that a well-positioned expatriate in a booming sector can earn up to three times more than an equivalent local employee.

The Importance of Recruitment Agencies for Successful Integration

Recruitment agencies in Brazil play a crucial role in integrating expatriates into the job market, offering tailored services that facilitate their professional and social insertion.

Specific Services Offered by Recruitment Agencies:

• Cultural Adaptation: personalized support to understand Brazilian work codes, advice on local customs, and intercultural integration workshops.
• Administrative Support: assistance with visa procedures, contract management, payroll setup, and help with registration with local organizations.
• Access to Professional Networks: connection with business clubs, chambers of commerce, sector groups, and networking platforms, essential for quickly developing a local network.
• Personalized Selection: analysis of specific needs, candidate pre-selection with language tests, interviews, and skill assessment to ensure optimal fit between expatriate and company.
• Post-Placement Follow-up: continuous support after hiring to resolve any integration issues and ensure satisfaction of both parties.

Service	Description
Cultural Adaptation	Intercultural workshops, advice on local practices
Administrative Support	Visa management, contracts, social procedures
Access to Professional Networks	Connection with business clubs, expatriate networks, specialized platforms
Personalized Selection	Interview, language tests, skill assessment
Post-Placement Follow-up	Support and problem-solving after hiring

Examples of Successful Collaborations and Testimonials:

• A French engineer recruited by an international agency in São Paulo testifies:

“Thanks to the agency’s support, I was able to quickly understand how the local market works and integrate into a professional network that opened many opportunities for me.”

• Several expatriates in the technology sector report that support for administrative procedures secured their legal status and allowed them to focus on their new position upon arrival.
• Brazilian companies highlight the efficiency of agencies in finding rare international profiles, thanks to their knowledge of expatriate expectations and local requirements.

Contribution to Overcoming Language and Cultural Barriers:

• Organization of professional Portuguese courses or language coaching sessions.
• Sensitization of employers and local teams to cultural diversity to foster inclusion.
• Assistance with translation of official documents and adaptation of resumes to Brazilian format.

List of Benefits for Foreign Workers:

• Reduction of language and cultural barriers.
• Easier access to opportunities matching their profile.
• Better understanding of Brazilian employer expectations.
• Accelerated integration through comprehensive and structured support.

Specialized recruitment agencies are thus strategic partners for expatriates, playing a central role in the success of their professional project in Brazil.

Booming Sectors: Where Are Expatriates Most Sought After?

The Brazilian economy shows solid growth, driven by rapidly expanding sectors that actively seek qualified expatriates. Brazilian companies, facing local skill shortages and innovation needs, rely on international expertise to support their development.

Booming Sector	Dynamics and Opportunities for Expatriates	Examples of Sought-After Positions
Information Technology	Strong sector growth (+7.8% in 2024). Need for developers, data scientists, cloud engineers, cybersecurity.	Software developer, IT architect, digital project manager, AI expert
Oil and Gas	Stable extractive industry after strong expansion. Search for experienced international profiles for exploration, production, offshore engineering.	Petroleum engineer, drilling supervisor, geologist, project manager
Agricultural Technology	Innovation in agritech (drones, big data, automation). Demand for specialists to increase productivity and sustainability.	Agronomist, agricultural data analyst, automation engineer
Renewable Energy	Development of wind, solar, biomass. Need for expertise in green engineering and project management.	Energy engineer, renewables project manager, environmental consultant
Finance	Expansion of fintechs, banking services, investments. Search for profiles in risk analysis, compliance, digitalization.	Financial analyst, compliance officer, data analyst, product manager

Skills and Qualifications Sought:

• Proficiency in English and/or Portuguese
• Engineering degrees, specialized masters, international certifications
• Experience in multicultural or digital transformation projects
• Knowledge in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, green tech, digital finance

Why Do Brazilian Companies Recruit Expatriates?

• Shortage of local highly qualified workforce in technological, energy, and financial fields
• Need to introduce new management methods, innovation, and knowledge transfer
• Necessity to strengthen international competitiveness and support large-scale projects

Anecdotes and Expatriate Testimonials:

“As a French software engineer, I joined a fintech startup in São Paulo that was looking to develop innovative digital payment solutions. My experience in Europe helped accelerate the integration of international standards and attract new investors.”

“After several years in agritech in Germany, I was recruited in Brazil to lead agricultural automation projects. The country offers a unique innovation ground and real recognition of foreign skills.”

Initiatives and Policies to Attract International Talent:

• Government investment programs (Novo PAC) promoting large projects and innovation
• Reforms facilitating visa acquisition for highly qualified professionals
• Tax incentives and public-private partnerships for hosting researchers, engineers, and executives

The Brazilian job market is thus open to international talent in strategic sectors, where the demand for specific skills exceeds local supply, creating attractive opportunities for qualified expatriates.