Type of visa needed for a Sole Trader ?

Hi DB101,

I invite you to read this article off the guide regarding Visas & Other Documents in Brazil please

You can also browse through the discussions on the Information on visas Brazil or simply get in touch with the closest Brazilian Embassy of consulates in London for accurate information please

Best of luck

Thank you

Maximilien

Hi DB101,

You will need a VIPER Permanent Visa for Investors, minimum investment is R$150 thousand (about USD $75,000). You need to apply through the Ministério de Trabalho e Emprego (MTE) with a business plan that describes the type of business, geographical area of Brazil where you intend to operate, estimated annual income, number of jobs it will provide for Brazilians (not absolutely necessary), etc.

In order to set up a business in Brazil you need to retain the services of both a lawyer and accountant. The process is the most complex of any other country and is NOT something you can do on your own. You need an accountant at all times even after start-up just to handle taxes and tax issues or that will drive you crazy too.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Hello and thank you for the information... I wasn't expecting a reply so soon !

Regarding the Visa, Is it correct that Visas are also issued to administrators, managers or directors of start-up companies, who are not required to meet the minimum investment or job creation criteria which apply to established companies ?

Would I still need a Investment Visa even though I am not Investing in an already established company ?

And also if I were to transfer the funds needed for the Visa you mentioned... Would the money deposited into the business account be taxed ?

Is there a simplified way for this process ?

I'm just trying to figure out the most time and cost effective way (If that's possible) lol

Many thanks !

The VIPER for Investors, to my knowledge, is issued ONLY for someone who intends to start a new business (and perhaps buying out or into and existing business) and is NOT for anyone who is just going to work for that business. Those additional people would be considered employees and thus require a VITEM-V Work Visa.

I'm not sure about the part in brackets, so that you'd need to confirm with the Ministério de Trabalho e Emprego (MTE). Regardless the individual would have to meet all the requirements including minimum investment. The initial visa is issued for a period of three years, the re-issue process requires proof that the initial investment HAS NOT BEEN REPATRIATED during that time. The immediate family members (spouse, minor and dependent children)of the investor would also be issued "provisional" VIPERs as well.

I don't know anything about the practical side of the transfer of funds or taxes, again that's information you'd need to get from the MTE.

I can tell you that in terms of obtaining a Permanent Visa, this is the least bureaucratic and quickest method, since the MTE has virtually been ORDERED by the government to approve all applications for which the documentation is in order.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Thank you !

There is also an "administrator" visa, which requires an investment of 600k reais in the sponsoring company.

Hi

What is Your Name?  I am interested in getting a good attorney for incorporating and for business in Brazil.  But I find that amount crazy to set up in any country.  If Brazil has such expectations, I may look at other countries in Latin America first with My International Advisers instead.  What advice do You have on this subject.  What other business visas does Brazil offer?  Also, realize this, everything we chat about will be confirmed before I commit to it.

Gratefully

Hello Dan,

Personally I think despite all the bureaucracy in this country investing in and starting up a business in Brazil would still be your best bet. It is one of the few LatAm countries where the economy is growing. The complex banking system and laws that I often decry, in fact, are exactly what protect this country from the effects of global economic crises such as the sub-prime crisis and the European credit crisis of the past. Brazil was the first country to recover, came out in a much stronger position than any of the others as a result.

Other South American countries don't have a market nearly as large as Brazil's nor do they have such strong relationships with other countries such as the USA, Canada, UK and European nations. They also provide access to BRIC countries as well.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

@DB101

What do you mean by Sole Trader. Do you trade in capital markets? I'm a software developer for trading strategies, indicators and a day trader in Forex. If you are talking about trading for yourself from an office, that's way different than starting (for example) a hedge fund.

You asked about working as an Individual Entrepreneur. If you are planning to work for yourself (with no more than one additional employee), you can register as a microempresa (micro business). To maintain that status, there are limits on how much profit you make each year. If you don't make much in the beginning that can be a first step while you test the waters. Of course, it is easy to change the type of business as your company grows.

You should look at LinkedIn groups about Brazil for additional info. To start I'd suggest Brazil - All Things Business and Opening a business in Brazil. Also, visit thebrazilbusiness.com for info on the basics of business and life in Brazil. Those resources will also help you find businesses that focus on helping foreigners start businesses in Brazil.

At the very least, find an attorney and accountant to advise you. The US embassy can provide a list of English speaking attorneys. I imagine the British embassy can also be of help.

Richard

Hi rk_bsb,

Sole trader is a British English term for sole proprietor, a person who is the sole owner of a (ususally small) business/company.

  Cheers, 
  William James Woodward – Brazil Animator, Expat-blog Team

Thanks for the clarification William. Sort of like Trotter's Independent Trading Company .

@Lawyer_rio... Thanks for the info, but R$600k at this moment in time is a little bit over my budget.

@rk_bsb
Thanks for the tip and info. To start with, the microempresa route sounds like a very good idea. My only problem is the Visa, and the time scales... I was advised to expect a minimum of 6 months !!

The microempresa does not satisfy the conditions for an investment visa.

Invest 150k in an LTDA, get married or have a child. Those are basically the options.