Company registration in Brazil is an essential step, after which a new company enters into existence. It is performed with the government bodies that operate and maintain the national registry of legal entities and with the local authorities. Our team offers tailored services that focus on assisting investors from the earliest stages of company creation, focusing on drawing up correct company incorporation documents and making the needed submissions with the Registry.
| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Trade Register’s full/official name | The Brazilian National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ) |
| Services offered by our team for registrations with this authority | Our team offers assistance throughout the entire company registration process with the Brazilian CNPJ |
| Main role of the CNPJ | To administer the legal entities registered in Brazil |
| Organizational chart | The National Registry of Legal Entities is administered by the Federal Revenue Service. |
| Laws observed by and implemented by the Business Register | Law no. 6.404 of December 15, 1976 with its subsequent changes and additions, such as Law no. 10.303, of October 31, 2001 |
| Legal entities registered with the CNPJ | Companies, partnerships, other legal entities |
| Public services offered by the CNPJ | Search the public database on information concerning registered companies |
| Compliance insurance | The Registry enforces the relevant laws to ensure corporate compliance |
| Modifications | Changes to company names (if available), their address and their shareholders/directors are possible. |
| Modification notification | Must be notified and entered into the Registry |
| Renewals | According to law |
| Company names | Availability searches are handled separately, through the Boards of Trade |
| Company name changes | Possible, if the new name is available for use |
| Company deregistration | Performed with the CNPJ according to law |
| National Registry of Legal Entities fees – examples | Added filing fees can be BRL 1,000 or about 160 euros. Prices vary and can be subject to change. |
Table of Contents
How to register a company in Brazil
One of the preferred business forms in Brazil is the limited liability company (LLC), which can be registered with proper guidance and support from our team of advisors for each entrepreneur interested in this matter.
A limited liability company is registered with the National Registry of Legal Entities (Cadastro Nacional de Pessoas Jurídicas, or simply CNPJ) and the Board of Trade. While the Registry is maintained by the Federal Revenue Service, the Board of Trade (Junta Comercial) belongs to the state in which the company will operate. The Board is subordinated to the Department of Business Registration, which functions under the Ministry of Entrepreneurship, Microenterprise, and Small Business.
An LLC in Brazil can be registered if the following documents are prepared:
- Articles of Association;
- Memorandum of Association;
- copy of the owner’s identification card;
- the business address;
- the company’s activities;
- bank statements to provide details about depositing the minimum share capital;
- proof of registration fee payment.
Once these documents are accepted, the owner will receive the registration number of the company.
Registration with the authorities is also required for foreign companies that open a branch in Brazil. It should be noted that a prior authorization for registration needs to be obtained from the Brazilian authorities. Our team can answer any questions about branch formation, advantages, and issues.
The CNPJ in Brazil
As previously mentioned, registration with the National Registry of Legal Entities, the CNPJ, is mandatory for commercial companies. This is a nationwide registry that contains information on corporations and other legal entities that have been incorporated or approved for doing business here (as in the case of branches).
Our team specialising in company registration in Brazil reminds investors that the name CNPJ is also used to refer to the number issued by the National Registry of Legal Entities to identify the company. It consists of several digit numbers and is included in receipts, invoices, and other documents that identify its corresponding legal entity.
The Board of Trade in Brazil
Business registration in Brazil with the Board of Trade is another mandatory step for those who start a company in this country. This is a state-level registration, and it takes place with the Board that governs a specific state.
There are 27 Boards of Trade (26 for the corresponding federal states and one for the federal district). Companies registered in Rio de Janeiro will make the mandatory submissions with the Board of Trade of Rio de Janeiro, or JUCERJA.
The Board of Trade also issues a registration number of the new legal entity, however, unlike the CNPJ number, which is national-level, this will be a state-level number. Both numbers are essential for doing business using a registered legal entity in the country.
Doing business in Brazil
Brazil is one of the top ten largest economies in the world and also one of the top ten consumers. The country also:
- It is one of the top recipients of foreign direct investment: an estimated USD 65.9 billion FDI inflow in 2024, according to the World Investment Report by the UNCTAD;
- It is the 6th global FDI recipient;
- Receives most of its foreign direct investment from Europe, approximately 61.5% in 2024.
We remind investors that in matters of drafting the documents for your future business, our team of agents in company incorporation in Brazil can provide you with support and assistance. Please feel free to contact us for more information about the Trade Register in Brazil or about the company incorporation process.