US Citizens Working in Brazil
See what you actually take home after US and Brazil taxes: whether you're already working abroad or planning a move.
Here's what matters most for US citizens working in Brazil:
- •Cost of living varies significantly by city
- •No US-Brazil income tax treaty exists: relief rests on the foreign tax credit
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
Who taxes you?
As a US citizen working in Brazil, you're subject to taxation by both countries. The US taxes citizens on worldwide income, but the Foreign Earned Income Exclusion (FEIE) can exclude up to $132,900 of foreign earned income in 2026 if you meet the 330-day physical presence test. Brazil taxes its tax residents on their worldwide income, with progressive rates up to 27.5%. Cost of living varies significantly by city, with major cities being more expensive. There is no US-Brazil income tax treaty, which is unusual among major destinations: relief from double taxation rests entirely on the foreign tax credit and the FEIE. A social security totalization agreement has been in force since October 2018.
Common pitfalls
- Currency fluctuations between USD and BRL can significantly impact your effective income
- Cost of living varies significantly by city
Is there a US-Brazil tax treaty?
No. There is no US-Brazil income tax treaty, which makes Brazil unusual among major destinations. The two countries have a social security totalization agreement (in force since October 2018) so you are not charged into both systems, but relief from double income tax rests entirely on the foreign tax credit and the FEIE.
Getting paid in Brazilian Real
Salaries in São Paulo are paid in Brazilian Real (BRL). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is roughly 541,000 BRL at current rates. That matters twice over: your US return is always filed in dollars, so the rate on each payday feeds straight into what you report, and a currency that moves against the dollar changes what the same nominal salary is worth to you without your pay changing at all.
Frequently asked questions
Not usually, but no treaty protects you: the US and Brazil have never signed one. The Foreign Earned Income Exclusion and the foreign tax credit do the work instead.
The Brazilian Real (BRL). A 100,000 US-dollar salary is about 541,000 BRL at current rates. Your US tax is always calculated in dollars, so the exchange rate on the day you are paid feeds directly into what you report, and into how far the same nominal salary goes in São Paulo.
Brazil has a progressive income tax system (IRPF) with rates from 0% to 27.5%. There's a personal allowance that reduces taxable income. You can claim foreign tax credits on your US return to offset taxes paid to Brazil.
Official resources
Primary sources:
Calculate your take-home pay
See your real take-home pay with currency conversion and cost of living adjustments.
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