Why is hiring in Brazil more expensive than the rest of LATAM?

The statutory package is broader: INSS, FGTS deposits, 13th salary, vacation plus a one-third vacation bonus, and union-mandated benefits. Together these commonly add 40% to 55% on top of gross salary, before any service fee.

Is hiring people as PJ contractors safe in Brazil?

It is one of the most litigated topics in Brazilian labor law. Where the relationship is exclusive, subordinated and continuous, courts frequently recognize employment and award back benefits, FGTS and severance. Genuine project work is a different case.

How long does onboarding take in Brazil?

Plan 7 to 15 business days for an identified candidate, driven by document collection, admission exam and registration. Recruiting for technical roles typically runs 3 to 6 weeks.

Owned entities and governed partners across all of Latin America, compliance, consultancy and implementation under one contract, SILA, a Gracemark company

SILAStaffing in Latin America

Build my plan free Talk to a specialist

LATAM staffing guide, Brazil

Staffing in Brazil: what it really costs, and how fast you can start

Brazil is the largest market in Latin America and the most structurally distinct. CLT employment, mandatory union conventions and FGTS deposits mean the gap between salary and landed cost is wider here than anywhere else in the region, and it is the market where do-it-yourself hiring most often goes wrong.

Employer burden: Roughly 40–55% of gross salary depending on sector and union convention
Onboarding time: 7–15 business days for an identified candidate
Currency: BRL
Timezone: BRT, 1 to 2 hours ahead of US Eastern

What you are legally required to provide in Brazil

CLT contract

The standard employment relationship, with registered work card and defined protections.

FGTS

8% of monthly salary deposited into the employee's severance fund.

13th salary

An additional month of salary paid in two installments.

INSS

Employer social security contributions on top of salary.

Union conventions

Sector agreements can mandate extra benefits, minimums and annual adjustments.

Roles our clients hire most in Brazil

▸Software engineering
▸Data and analytics
▸Finance & controlling
▸Domestic market sales
▸Customer operations

Portuguese-first; English strong in tech and multinational hubs

Where Brazil hiring goes wrong

PJ (contractor) arrangements for full-time roles are a well-known labor-court exposure.
Union convention terms override generic policies and vary by sector and state.
Termination costs include FGTS penalty and notice; model exit cost before you hire.

Get a costed Brazil hiring plan

Tell us the roles and the timeline. A Gracemark specialist returns landed cost per hire, a realistic start date and the right employment model for Brazil, within one business day.

Build my LATAM hiring plan

Three steps, about 40 seconds. You get a role-level shortlist plan, salary benchmark and landed cost per seat.

What do you need?

Which country?

No account, no obligation. You see the recommended model before we ask for an email.