Start a US Business
from Brazil — 2026

Yes. Brazil IS an E-2 Treaty Investor country. Brazilian nationals can apply for the E-2 Treaty Investor visa to live and work in the US while actively managing their US business investment. The investment must be "at risk" capital, "substantial" (typically $50,000–$150,000+), and sufficient to ensure the business can operate successfully. You must also own at least 50% of the US enterprise and plan to develop and direct it. Consult a US immigration attorney for current requirements and to prepare your application package.

It depends on your plans. Choose Florida LLC if you plan to physically operate in the US on an E-2 visa — Miami has a strong Brazilian entrepreneur community and Brazilian-experienced banks, and Florida formation strengthens your E-2 application. Choose Wyoming LLC if you're operating remotely from Brazil — it's cheaper ($60/year vs $138/year annual report), has stronger privacy protections, and members aren't in public records. Both work for Mercury banking, Stripe, and FinCEN BOI compliance. Delaware C-Corp only if you're raising US venture capital.

BACEN (Banco Central do Brasil) regulates all cross-border capital flows from Brazil. When you invest money from Brazil into your US LLC, you must: (1) Use an authorized dealer (banco autorizado) for the transfer — you can't just wire money directly from your personal account to a US LLC without proper declaration. (2) Register your foreign investment via RDE-IED (Registro Declaratório Eletrônico) with BACEN. (3) Report repatriated profits when bringing money back. Failure to comply can result in significant fines. Consult a Brazilian advogado or contador who specializes in FEMA/BACEN and investimentos no exterior.

An ITIN (Individual Taxpayer Identification Number) is a personal US tax ID issued by the IRS for non-SSN holders. As a Brazilian founder, you may need an ITIN if: (1) You plan to open a US bank account in person (some Miami banks require it alongside CPF); (2) You receive US-source income and need to file a US tax return; (3) Your LLC distributes profits and US withholding tax applies. Apply via Form W-7 — mail to IRS Austin TX or use an IRS-authorized Certifying Acceptance Agent (faster, and you keep your passport). Processing takes 6–11 weeks. Note: ITIN is for tax purposes only, not work authorization.

No. The United States and Brazil do not have a comprehensive income tax treaty. This means US-source income earned by Brazilian residents may be subject to 30% US withholding tax without treaty reduction. Unlike Indian founders who benefit from the DTAA, Brazilian founders face the full 30% withholding rate on US passive income (dividends, royalties, interest) paid to Brazilian residents. If your US LLC has US-effectively-connected income from US clients, you'll also owe US federal income tax. Foreign-owned single-member LLCs must file Form 5472 annually ($25,000 penalty if missed). Hire a US CPA experienced with foreign-owned LLCs.

The best Miami banking options for Brazilian founders: (1) Mercury — best digital bank, EIN-only, no in-person visit required, high approval rates; (2) City National Bank of Florida — Miami-focused, experienced with Brazilian founders, accepts CPF alongside passport; (3) Banco do Brasil America — Brazilian bank's US operations, familiar with Brazilian clients and documentation; (4) Itaú USA — Itaú's US presence in Miami/New York, great for existing Itaú Brazil customers; (5) Wise Business — best for USD-to-BRL and BRL-to-USD conversions with low FX fees that comply with BACEN transfer requirements.