Are you risking your US assets just by operating in Brazil?
The wrong legal structure could cost you everything.
Are you risking your US assets just by operating in Brazil?
The wrong legal structure could cost you everything.
Brazil's Civil Law system means every rule is written—no flexibility. Choose wrong and you could pay taxes on global income or face unlimited liability.
5-15
Business days to get your CNPJ corporate tax ID
Dica
The subsidiary (Ltda) shields your US parent company from local debts. It's 100% foreign-owned, no local partner needed, and nearly all registration is digital.
✘ Mito
A branch is easier—just an extension of your US company.
✓ Verdade
Actually, it means unlimited liability: any debt in Brazil can hit your US assets directly.
Do I need a local partner?
No. Since 2019, a single-member LLC (Sociedade Limitada Unipessoal) allows 100% foreign ownership.
Draft your Contrato Social with a lawyer
Register at the Junta Comercial online
Get your CNPJ, bank account, and digital certificate
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Any debt, labor claim, or tax assessment in Brazil can be collected against your US assets.
Don't let one legal mistake cost you your US business.