Whether you already live in Brazil or are considering moving there, you are entering Latin America's largest economy, where unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in over a decade (around 5.5%). Nearly a million jobs were created in 2025. Here is how to find a job, an internship or an apprenticeship there.
Why work in Brazil?
Because Brazil combines a labor market at record-low unemployment, a giant diversified economy (agribusiness, industry, services, tech) and strong regional dynamism. It is a major gateway to Latin America.
- Latin America's largest economy.
- Unemployment at its lowest in over a decade.
- A world-scale agribusiness.
- A diversified market: industry, services, tech.
How does the Brazilian labor market work?
The market is resilient, with historically low unemployment supporting consumption. Agribusiness, industry and services structure employment, and tech is growing fast in the major metros. Networking and direct contact matter a lot.
- A resilient market, historically low unemployment.
- Powerful agribusiness and industry.
- Growing tech in the metros.
- A strong weight of networking.
Which sectors hire the most in Brazil?
- Agribusiness and agri-food: a world giant.
- Industry and manufacturing.
- Technology and digital, especially in São Paulo.
- Services, finance and trade.
- Energy (including renewables).
Which cities should you target in Brazil?
- São Paulo: the economic, financial and tech heart.
- Rio de Janeiro: energy, services and tourism.
- Brasília: administration and institutions.
- Curitiba, Belo Horizonte and Porto Alegre: industry and tech.
Work permit: the steps for foreigners
Foreigners wishing to work in Brazil need a work visa and permit, generally tied to a job and employer-led. Command of Portuguese is an important asset for most roles.
- A work visa tied to a job.
- A process generally employer-led.
- Command of Portuguese, a major asset.
Salaries and cost of living: what to expect
Salaries vary widely by sector and region, higher in tech, finance and agribusiness. The cost of living is reasonable compared to Europe, with large regional disparities.
- Higher salaries in tech and finance.
- A reasonable cost of living, varying by region.
- Strong regional disparities.
How to find a job, internship or apprenticeship in Brazil?
- Targeted unsolicited applications (see below).
- Networking and professional platforms.
- Agribusiness and tech companies.
- Multinationals based in São Paulo.
The unsolicited application: the key to Brazil's hidden job market
In a dynamic market where networking prevails, contacting companies directly is effective. The unsolicited application lets you target employers before any ad, especially in tech and agribusiness.
- You access roles filled without an ad.
- You target agribusiness, tech and multinationals.
- You show your motivation and initiative.
- You get ahead of the competition.
Succeeding in your professional integration: our tips
- Learn Portuguese: it is often essential.
- Target São Paulo for tech and finance.
- Leverage your skills and international experience.
- Activate your local network.
Your next steps to work in Brazil
Target a city and a sector, prepare a CV in Portuguese, then contact companies directly. A market at record-low unemployment rewards initiative.