Internationalize your wallet in 2025: An accessible path for Brazilians

Why Diversifying Outside Brazil Is No Longer a Luxury

The economic reality of recent years reinforces a trend: the real has experienced consistent depreciation since the stabilization plan. When the Real Plan was launched, the parity was 1:1 with the dollar. Today, the ratio is quite different. According to IMF and World Bank data, among emerging market currencies, few have lost as much purchasing power as the Brazilian currency over the past decades.

Those who have kept their entire portfolio solely in domestic assets face erosion of purchasing power on a global scale. It’s not about earning more, but about not losing purchasing power.

Another structural factor: the Brazilian stock market is concentrated in a few sectors. Banks, commodities, and energy dominate B3, while high-growth global segments—technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy sources—are practically nonexistent here. The local investor ends up excluding 97% of global opportunities from their portfolio.

According to indicators from the World Bank, Brazil accounts for about 0.7% of the global stock market and approximately 2.1% of international fixed income. This excessive concentration reduces potential returns and increases exposure to local risks.

Political fluctuations, fiscal debates, and the natural volatility of an emerging economy create scenarios of uncertainty. Having a significant portion abroad acts as a buffer against these turbulences.

Breaking Myths That Prevent Many Brazilians

Myth 1: I need a large capital to start.
Reality: Assets via B3 start at R$50. Global platforms accept contributions of R$100. International ETFs listed in Brazil are around R$300.

Myth 2: Declaring Income Tax is a labyrinth.
Reality: Law 14.754 of 2023 has significantly automated the process. The Federal Revenue system automatically calculates the tax owed when you fill out the Assets and Rights forms. The rate is fixed at 15%, and payment is annual, not monthly.

Myth 3: I get taxed twice on the same gain.
Reality: Taxes withheld abroad are creditable in the Brazilian declaration when done correctly. Double taxation does not exist with proper planning.

Myth 4: A rising dollar makes it impossible to start now.
Reality: Monthly contributions naturally dilute exchange rate impacts. An expensive dollar only complicates one-off entries, not the long-term currency protection logic. Consistent contributions reduce the average cost over time.

Structuring Your First Investments: A Map by Capital Range

From R$50 to R$100: Simple introduction via B3

• BDRs starting at R$50 , international ETFs around R$300 , global funds with small contributions
• Advantage: No remittance or currency exchange needed
• Ideal for: Initial familiarization with international assets

From R$100 to R$500: Expanding horizons

• Various global ETFs
• US stocks via specific structures
• Currencies and commodities
• Brazilian fixed income with international access
• Ideal for: Gradually learning about foreign exposure

From R$500 to R$1,000: Gateway to international accounts

• Enables opening an account abroad
• Access to fractional shares
• US ETFs
• REITs and international real estate funds
• US fixed income

R$2,000 or more: Safe global fixed income

• US Treasuries
• International bonds
• Considered among the safest assets in the global market

Three Paths for Those Who Want to Internationalize

Option 1: Investing through B3
You buy in reais but are exposed to movements of international indices and companies via BDRs, global ETFs, and international funds.

• Total simplicity, no remittance procedures
• Fewer alternative options
• Slightly higher indirect fees
• Best for contributions of R( to R)

Option 2: Direct US Market
Open an international account, make remittances, operate in the US with access to stocks, ETFs, REITs, bonds, and multiple options.

• Lower operational fees
• Wide product diversity
• Dividends received in dollars
• IOF and currency spread as costs
• Greater fiscal responsibility
• Suitable for contributions above R$50 monthly

Option 3: Global Trading Platforms
Trade indices, currencies, commodities, and global stocks via instruments like CFDs with accessible capital and greater flexibility.

• Reduced initial contributions
• Intuitive platforms
• Practice accounts $300 demo$500 available
• Quick execution of operations
• Requires deep understanding of leverage and risk

⚠️ Important alert: Instruments like CFDs are complex and can lead to rapid capital loss. Beginners should use practice accounts until mastering fundamental concepts like leverage, stop loss, and proper risk management.

The Real Costs: What You Will Pay

International remittances vary by method:

• Traditional banks: High costs
• Digital remittance services: Reduce to 1% to 2%
• Brokerages: Usually low costs and simple processes

Commission for transactions: Zero on modern digital platforms
Asset custody: Free in most contemporary brokerages
Capital repatriation: New IOF of 0.38% plus additional currency spread

The golden rule: frequent movements increase costs. Long-term investors naturally minimize operational expenses.

Your Starting Roadmap Today

1. Define how much you can invest monthly without compromising financial stability
2. Choose your entry point based on available capital
3. Open an account with the selected institution
4. Make your first small contribution
5. Automate monthly contributions
6. Record amounts and exchange rate variations for Income Tax
7. Gradually increase as you gain market knowledge

Common Traps and How to Avoid Them

The most frequent mistakes share characteristics: concentrating everything in a single well-known stock, waiting for exchange rate drops to start, ignoring tax obligations expecting invisibility before the Revenue, trading with leverage before mastering fundamentals, or changing strategy weekly based on internet trends.

All these paths lead to the same result: losses and disappointment.

Consistency and simplicity always outperform haste and improvisation.

Frequently Asked Questions About Investing Outside Brazil

Do I need to be outside the country to invest abroad?
No. Tax residents in Brazil can invest in any global market. Just have a valid CPF and an updated proof of residence. The essential is to declare everything properly in Income Tax.

What is the absolute minimum for 2025?
It depends on the path: BDRs on B3 start at R$50, specific instruments at R$100, international ETFs around R$300, full international accounts ideally with R( monthly contributions.

Do accounts with foreign brokerages offer security?
Yes, when regulated by recognized authorities: SEC )USA$500 , ASIC (Australia), FCA (UK), or FSC (Mauritius). Always verify regulation before opening an account and declare everything in the Brazilian IR.

Are CFDs viable or just for gamblers?
It depends on the profile and usage. They carry high risk, especially with high leverage. Require study, discipline, and proper risk management. Always start with a practice account, operate without leverage or with low levels, and treat as a tactical tool, not a game.

Does a high dollar hurt those who want to start now?
Not for periodic contribution strategies. It complicates one-off investments but does not alter the long-term currency protection logic. Consistent contributions naturally dilute the average cost over time.

Final Considerations

Investing outside Brazil in 2025 transcends trends. It represents a structural necessity for those seeking patrimonial protection, peace of mind, and long-term expansion.

With accessible values, user-friendly technology, and simplified procedures, anyone can start their financial internationalization. You don’t need to wait until you have a lot; just start regularly, with a straightforward strategy, and focus on suitable opportunities.