🇧🇷Brazil
→
🇺🇸United States

Brazilian Entrepreneurs:
Launch in the United States

The complete 2026 guide for Brazilian founders — US entity formation, banking solutions, visa pathways, tax implications without a bilateral treaty, and your step-by-step launch roadmap.

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FloridaTop state for Brazilian entrepreneurs
No TreatyNo US-Brazil income tax treaty — plan carefully
MercuryBest banking option for Brazilian founders
$1.6TBrazil-US bilateral trade relationship
Popular Industries

What Brazilian Founders Build in the US

Brazilian entrepreneurs are making their mark across multiple industries. Here are the most common sectors where Brazilian founders are succeeding in the US market.

💻

SaaS & Technology

Brazil's strong tech talent pool exports to global markets via US entities

💰

Fintech

Brazilian fintechs (inspired by Nubank, PagSeguro) expanding to US markets

🏠

Real Estate

Brazilian investors buying US real estate (especially Florida), forming LLCs for asset protection

🌾

Agribusiness

Brazilian agro companies establishing US trading entities for North American distribution

🎨

Creative & Media

Brazilian content creators, designers, and agencies serving US brands

🛍️

E-Commerce

Brazilian products sold globally through US Amazon seller and Shopify stores

🏥

Health & Wellness

Telehealth, beauty, and wellness businesses targeting the Brazilian-American community

🏢

Professional Services

Brazilian consultancies, law firms, and accounting practices with US subsidiaries

Visa Pathways

How Brazilian Founders Enter the US

Brazilian entrepreneurs have several pathways to work and live in the US. Note: E-2 Treaty Investor visa requires a bilateral investment treaty — the US and Brazil have been in ongoing negotiations, but Brazilian nationals are not currently eligible for E-2.

🌐

Remote Operation

Start Immediately

The fastest path. Form a US LLC from Brazil, open a US bank account, and operate entirely remotely. Most Brazilian founders start here.

  • No visa required to own a US LLC
  • US bank account accessible from Brazil
  • Accept USD via Stripe, send to Brazil
  • Visit US on B-1/B-2 for business trips
  • Build toward visa eligibility over time
⭐

O-1A Extraordinary Ability

No Lottery

Best visa path for accomplished Brazilian entrepreneurs — significant funding raised, media coverage, industry recognition, or major revenue milestones.

  • No annual cap
  • Valid 3 years + renewals
  • Criteria: press, judges, high salary, original contributions, etc.
  • Consult an immigration attorney early
🔄

L-1 Intracompany Transfer

No Lottery

If you have a Brazilian company operating for 1+ year, establish a US subsidiary and transfer yourself as executive, manager, or specialized knowledge employee.

  • Must have worked 1 year in last 3 for Brazilian entity
  • L-1A → EB-1C Green Card pathway
  • Strong path for established Brazilian businesses
  • New office L-1: 1-year validity initially
💰

EB-5 Investor Visa

Green Card

Direct path to US permanent residency through investment. Minimum $800K in a Targeted Employment Area. Creates 10 US jobs.

  • TEA investment: $800,000 minimum
  • Standard: $1,050,000 minimum
  • Must create 10 full-time US jobs
  • Processing: 2–5 years currently
💼

E-2 Treaty — Future Watch

Not Yet Available

Brazil and the US have been negotiating an investment treaty that could enable E-2 eligibility. As of 2026, Brazilian nationals cannot apply for E-2 — but this may change.

  • Not currently available for Brazilians
  • Treaty negotiations ongoing since 2019
  • Monitor USCIS updates for changes
  • When available: expect $50K–$200K minimum
✈️

B-1/B-2 Business Visitor

Short Visits

For business meetings, conferences, and visits. Cannot work or receive US salary. Good for initial market validation and relationship building.

  • Can set up company and open accounts
  • Cannot receive US-source compensation
  • Maximum 6 months per visit
  • Demonstrate ties to Brazil
Tax Implications

Tax Planning Without a US-Brazil Treaty

Unlike most developed countries, the US and Brazil do not have a comprehensive income tax treaty. This creates challenges that require careful planning.

⚠️ No US-Brazil Income Tax Treaty

This is the most important thing Brazilian founders must understand. Without a treaty, default withholding rates apply and double taxation risk is real:

  • ✓ US dividends to Brazilian residents: 30% withholding (no treaty reduction)
  • ✓ Interest: up to 30% US withholding
  • ✓ Royalties: up to 30% US withholding
  • ✓ Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income
  • ✓ Result: potential double taxation without careful structuring

🏛️ Recommended Structure: C-Corp or LLC?

Without a treaty, structure choice matters even more for Brazilian founders:

  • ✓ Wyoming LLC (disregarded entity): income flows directly to your Brazilian return. US tax only on US-connected income
  • ✓ Delaware C-Corp: 21% US corporate tax at entity level. Dividends then face Brazilian withholding. Better for VC raises, worse for distributions
  • ✓ For real estate holding: LLC is generally best (avoids FIRPTA complications vs. C-Corp)
  • ✓ Hire a US-Brazil cross-border CPA before generating revenue

🇧🇷 Brazilian Tax Obligations

As a Brazilian resident owning a US company, you also have Brazilian reporting obligations:

  • ✓ BACEN (Banco Central) registration: foreign investment in Brazil rules may apply
  • ✓ DIRPF (income tax return): declare US assets and income
  • ✓ ECF (corporate income return) if Brazilian company owns US entity
  • ✓ CVM reporting if applicable
  • ✓ Consult a Brazilian contador familiar with foreign investments

💡 Tax Optimization Strategies

How Brazilian founders minimize the tax burden without a treaty:

  • ✓ Use Wyoming LLC to minimize US entity-level taxes
  • ✓ Consider UAE or Portugal residency for lower global tax (popular with Brazilian founders)
  • ✓ Reinvest profits in the US entity rather than distributing (avoids Brazilian income tax timing)
  • ✓ US foreign tax credits on your Brazilian return for taxes paid to IRS
  • ✓ Carefully document all business expenses to minimize US taxable income
Banking

US Business Banking for Brazilian Founders

Banking success rates for Brazilian founders vary. Fintech banks are your best path — traditional banks are difficult without US presence.

Bank Requires SSN? Brazil Supported? Success Rate Notes
Mercury No (EIN only) Yes ✓ Best Option Top choice for Brazilian founders. Clear business description and website improve approval significantly
Relay No (EIN only) Yes ✓ High Good alternative to Mercury. Multiple sub-accounts, easy Stripe/PayPal integration
Wise Business No Yes ✓ High Excellent for BRL/USD conversion. Best for sending money to/from Brazil
Brex No Selective Medium Good for funded startups. Requires US investors or significant US revenue
Chase / BoA Yes Limited Low Very difficult without US presence, SSN, and ITIN. Not recommended for Brazil-based founders

💡 Transferring money to Brazil: Wise Business offers the best BRL conversion rates from your US bank account. Avoid wire transfers for small amounts — fees are high. Wise sends to any Brazilian bank account with competitive exchange rates.

Recommended States

Best US States for Brazilian Founders

Brazilian entrepreneurs consistently choose Florida and Wyoming. Florida for its culture and community; Wyoming for pure cost efficiency.

⭐ #1 for Brazilian Community 🌴

Florida

Miami is the capital of Brazilian business in the US. The largest Brazilian diaspora community, Portuguese-speaking lawyers and accountants, and the best cultural fit for Brazilian entrepreneurs.

  • Largest Brazilian-American community in US
  • No state income tax for individuals
  • Portuguese-speaking professionals widely available
  • Miami: global finance, tech, and media hub
  • Easy flights to São Paulo (8–10 hours)
⭐ Best for Cost Efficiency 🏔️

Wyoming

If you're operating remotely from Brazil, Wyoming LLC is the most cost-efficient structure. No state income tax, $60/year, strong privacy — ideal for digital businesses.

  • No state income tax
  • Annual fee: $60
  • Strong privacy protections
  • Best for remote-operated digital businesses
  • Simplest ongoing compliance
🏛️

Delaware

If raising US venture capital, Delaware C-Corp is required. Some Brazilian startups have raised from Silicon Valley VCs by forming Delaware C-Corps early.

  • Required for US VC investment
  • Fast and flexible corporate law
  • Annual franchise tax: ~$400
  • Best for VC-backed tech startups
Get AI-Powered State Recommendation →
Step-by-Step Roadmap

Your Brazil → US Business Launch Plan

Most Brazilian founders complete this sequence in 3–5 weeks, entirely from Brazil.

1

Consult a Cross-Border US-Brazil CPA First

Unlike most countries, the absence of a US-Brazil tax treaty makes it critical to get tax advice before incorporating. The right entity structure can save you 10–20% in taxes annually. Don't skip this step.

⏱ 1–2 weeks (worth every minute)
2

Choose Entity & State Based on Your Goals

Florida LLC for physical US presence/community. Wyoming LLC for pure remote operations. Delaware C-Corp for VC funding. Use our AI State Selector for a personalized recommendation.

⏱ 1–2 days
3

File Articles of Organization / Incorporation

File online with your chosen state. All three states (Florida, Wyoming, Delaware) allow full remote filing. You'll need your passport details, company name, and registered agent. Cost: $100–$200 state fee.

⏱ 2–7 business days
4

Get EIN via IRS International Phone Line

Call +1-267-941-1099. Have your formation documents and passport ready. You'll get your EIN during the call. This is easier than it sounds — the IRS international line is helpful. Best time to call: early morning US Eastern time.

⏱ Same day (1 phone call)
5

Build a Basic Business Website

Before applying for banking, create a professional website (even a simple one-pager). Mercury and Relay check your business online. A real website with your company name and services dramatically improves approval rates.

⏱ 1–3 days
6

Open Mercury or Relay Bank Account

Apply online with: EIN letter, Articles of Organization, passport, and clear business description. Be specific about your business model. Approval typically within 1–7 days. If Mercury declines, apply to Relay immediately.

⏱ 1–7 business days
7

Connect Stripe, Set Up Wise, Start Billing

Activate Stripe for US payment processing. Set up Wise Business for BRL/USD conversion to send profits back to Brazil efficiently. Start issuing invoices to US clients through your US entity.

⏱ 1–2 days
FAQ

Common Questions from Brazilian Founders

Florida has the largest Brazilian-American community in the US, especially in South Florida (Miami, Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach). This means Portuguese-speaking lawyers, accountants, and business advisors are readily available. Miami is also a major Latin American business hub with strong connections to Brazil. For founders planning to eventually relocate, Florida makes the cultural transition easiest. Plus: no Florida state income tax.
Most effective options: (1) Wise Business — best exchange rates, sends to any Brazilian bank account; (2) Remessa Online (Brazilian platform) — specifically built for Brazil-US transfers; (3) Standard international wire from Mercury to Brazil — higher fees but works; (4) Payoneer — widely used in Brazil. Document all transfers as owner distributions, management fees, or salary to yourself for proper accounting on both sides.
Yes, and this is extremely common. Brazilian investors often form Florida LLCs specifically to hold US real estate. Benefits: asset protection (LLC separates personal liability), privacy (property is in LLC name, not yours), avoidance of probate, easier transfer of ownership. Important: FIRPTA rules still apply on sale — foreign sellers withhold 15% for IRS. Consult a real estate attorney familiar with Brazilian investors.
Yes. Brazilian residents must declare foreign assets to the Receita Federal on their DIRPF (annual income tax return). This includes US LLC ownership, bank accounts, and income. Additionally, investments exceeding certain thresholds require BACEN (Central Bank of Brazil) registration. Failure to declare carries significant penalties. Work with a contador who understands international tax reporting — this is non-negotiable.
Many Brazilian founders pursue US residency through L-1 (if they have a Brazilian company) or EB-5 (investment Green Card). The benefits: full US work authorization, easier banking access, access to US markets, proximity to US VCs, and (for some) simplified tax planning. However, becoming a US tax resident means being taxed on worldwide income by the US — which can be complex given the lack of a US-Brazil treaty. Consult both an immigration attorney and a cross-border CPA before pursuing residency.
You can technically invoice US clients from your Brazilian CNPJ — but this creates friction. US clients often prefer paying US entities (simpler accounting for them). You cannot open US business bank accounts or use Stripe with just a CNPJ. You'll face 25–30% US withholding tax on payments to foreign businesses (no treaty to reduce this). For anything beyond very occasional US sales, forming a US entity is strongly recommended.

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US Business from Brazil?

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