It’s often said that ‘Brazil is the country of the future’ (or Brasil, país do futuro). This is proving to be true. When it comes to technological innovation, Brazil is setting the pace in Latin America.
Brazil has a vibrant tech ecosystem with innovative start-ups and skilled professionals. At its core is a large pool of software engineers. Here's what sets them apart and why you should hire in Brazil.
What Is a Software Engineer?
To start, let’s break down exactly what a software engineer does. They design, test, and develop applications, programs, and operating systems. A key part of their role is to analyze end users' needs and create solutions to meet them.
Though they have skills and responsibilities in common, software engineers differ from software developers. Software engineers work on a larger scale. They are more involved in creating software development tools. On the other hand, software developers specialize in using those tools to develop software.
Why Your Next Software Engineer Should Come From Brazil
There are myriad reasons why you should hire software developers from Brazil. Read on to learn a few.
They Think Outside the Box
Brazil is a pioneer in the start-up world. The country has played an important role in shaping Latin America's tech scene since the early 80s and continues to. As the largest source of start-ups in the region and the 10th one worldwide, Brazil is no stranger to technological innovation.
Unicorns with billion-dollar valuations, like QuintoAndar, C6 Bank, and Creditas, are launched daily.
Latin America is establishing itself as a thriving tech hub, with Brazil leading the way. The country is one of the leading startup hubs in the world, holding the 27th spot according to StartupBlink. In the 2022 edition of the Global Innovation Index, Brazil climbed three spots, advancing from the 57th position to the 54th spot.
Software engineers in Brazil also grow and learn within a culture of innovation and, as a result, come prepared with a forward-thinking mindset. Along with exposure to a thriving tech scene, software engineers in Brazil are natural problem solvers.
Fernando Henrique Cardoso, the former President of Brazil, said “Innovation is not something that comes from outside; it is something that comes from within.” That rings true. There’s a concept in Brazil known as "jeitinho," which means finding creative solutions. You can see this in the talent pool there.
The startup-driven atmosphere moulds Brazilian software engineers into adaptable and innovative professionals prepared for the demands of the modern tech landscape. Their practical problem-solving skills and exposure to constant innovation make them valuable assets on a global scale. In a world where forward-thinking and creative solutions are crucial, their experience is highly sought after.
Access to Top-Tier Education
In Brazil, software engineers are educated at top-quality institutions. For example, the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) is ranked as the third-best university in Brazil and seventh-best in Latin America, highlighting its excellence.
The University of São Paulo (USP) holds a global ranking of 120 and is known as the best university in Latin America. Its Engineering and Technology program ranked 175 globally.
These are just a few examples of the options available to an aspiring software developer in Brazil. These institutions provide a robust foundation for software engineers in Brazil. With a strong focus on engineering and technology, graduates are well-prepared to contribute to the tech industry, both locally and globally.
Employers have access to both entry-level software engineers and senior software engineers from leading computer science and computer engineering programs. These professionals have extensive experience in software solutions, programming languages, software programs, software systems, and data structures, and tend to know multiple programming languages.
These reputable universities highlight Brazil's role as a hub for developing tech talent. By providing valuable skills, they strengthen Brazil's position in the global tech landscape. As a result, software engineers trained in Brazil have the knowledge and capabilities to master the field.
Solid IT Infrastructure
Brazil is home to a thriving tech ecosystem with 100 tech parks and 57 business incubators. These hubs host prestigious research centers, tech institutes, and advanced laboratories. Among them, Campinas in São Paulo stands out as a Brazilian Silicon Valley, recognized for its tech innovation.
Professional software engineers in Brazil benefit from this rich environment. They have access to top-notch resources and opportunities for learning and collaboration. The advanced technology and infrastructure available keep them up to date with the latest trends.
Campinas, often compared to Silicon Valley, showcases Brazil's dedication to tech advancement. Its concentration of talent and innovation fosters an environment for software engineers to excel. This dynamic tech landscape extends across São Paulo and the nation, offering ample growth opportunities.
In short, Brazil's tech parks, incubators, and innovative centers, exemplified by Campinas, give software engineers a platform to thrive. With cutting-edge resources, they can develop skills, stay current, and make impactful contributions to the global tech scene.
Minimal Time Zone Difference
Hiring software engineers from Brazil offers a time zone advantage. Compared to outsourcing from Asia or Europe, Brazil's time difference is minor. For instance, if you're on the US East Coast, there's only a one-hour difference. Even on the West Coast, it's just four hours. This means you can collaborate smoothly with Brazilian engineers.
You can hold meetings, share ideas, and provide feedback without worrying about major time gaps. This efficient interaction boosts productivity and teamwork across borders.
Choosing Brazilian talent lets you leverage this time zone match for effective collaboration. It simplifies working together and enhances project success.
Cultural Fit
Brazilian tech professionals share much in common with their North American counterparts. They have qualities the tech industry values, just like their peers overseas.
Their strong communication skills make it easy for them to work with colleagues, clients, and others. This skill is important for teamwork.
Brazilian tech workers also have a proactive and entrepreneurial mindset. They take the lead, embrace opportunities, and develop new ideas. This is useful in the fast-changing tech world, where being adaptable and thinking ahead matters.
Their innovative spirit works well with how the tech industry is always changing. Brazilian tech workers are open to trying new things and finding new approaches. This is why international companies find Brazilian engineers interesting – they're good at thinking creatively.
Multilingual Skills
Hiring professional software engineers from Brazil brings a special advantage: their multilingual abilities. This quality has proven benefits, especially in the global tech scene where communication is key.
Many Brazilian engineers are skilled in multiple languages, with English being a primary one. This helps them communicate effectively with colleagues, clients, and partners worldwide. Better communication means clearer ideas, fewer misunderstandings, and improved project results.
Research shows that multilingual individuals tend to be more creative and flexible in their thinking. When facing complex coding challenges, these engineers can use their diverse language skills to approach problems from different angles, leading to innovative solutions. This is crucial in the tech industry, where fresh ideas often lead to big breakthroughs.
Being able to understand different cultural perspectives also makes these engineers great collaborators. They're more in tune with the varied viewpoints in global teams, creating a positive environment for teamwork and sharing knowledge.
Diversity Drives Innovation
Bringing professional software engineers from Brazil onto your team brings a unique diversity that sparks innovation and problem-solving. The multicultural nature of Brazilian talent adds fresh perspectives and varied experiences, enriching your team in impactful ways.
Brazil's blend of cultures and backgrounds goes beyond technical skills – it means diverse ways of thinking, approaching challenges, and generating ideas. When Brazilian software engineers join your team, they introduce creative solutions and new angles.
Studies consistently show that diversity drives innovation. Teams with varied backgrounds generate creative ideas, resulting in better problem-solving and high-quality results. By hiring from Brazil, you tap into this innovation potential.
In essence, hiring software engineers from Brazil doesn't just mean technical expertise – it brings diversity that boosts innovation and elevates your projects. Embracing this diversity leads to better collaboration, fresh solutions, and thriving products in the evolving tech landscape.
It’s Easy on Your Wallet
Hiring software engineers in Brazil is a cost-effective strategy for several reasons. Brazilian engineers offer competitive expertise at a more budget-friendly rate compared to other tech markets. This brings big benefits for your business.
Exchange rates work in your favor, stretching your investment. With Brazil's lower cost of living, you can expect lower average salary expectations, reducing overhead costs.
The minimum wage currently stands at R$1,302.00 per month, which equates to USD 261.53. This is a significantly lower rate than you would pay in North America, which can help you scale your team without straining your budget.
Brazilian software engineers are known for delivering high-quality work, making them a great choice for top-tier results at an affordable rate. The average software engineer salary in Brazil is around R$8,500 per month, or USD 1,738.21. In Sao Paulo, Brazil’s priciest city, it sits at around R$17,450 per month, equivalent to USD 3505.19.
In contrast, the average software engineer salary in the United States currently stands at USD 116,356, which amounts to over 9,600 a month. This is a huge jump from the software engineer salary in Brazil. The amount of money you can save by hiring engineers in Brazil opens up opportunities for a broader range of projects, research, and tech expansion.
Whether through outsourcing or remote collaboration, the cost-effectiveness of hiring engineers in Brazil streamlines your recruitment process.
Overall, hiring professional software engineers in Brazil maximizes project value without compromising quality. With competitive expertise, favorable exchange rates, and reduced overhead, Brazilian engineers offer a smart solution for businesses looking to optimize their recruitment budget.
How Do I Hire Software Engineers in Brazil?
If you’re interested in tapping into Brazil’s talent, you can take three different routes.
Engage Independent Contractors
If you decide to rely on independent contractors, there are important considerations to keep in mind. Contractors have flexible work hours, can work for different clients, and subcontract their work.
Remember that this is different from regular employee roles. Incorrectly treating contractors as full-time employees can bring higher taxes and legal problems. Make sure to classify them correctly to avoid financial and legal issues.
Set Up a Foreign Entity in Brazil
An alternative approach is to establish a local subsidiary in Brazil. With this approach, you can gain control over key aspects such as recruitment and payroll management.
However, it also means you need to have a deep understanding of employment laws and regulations in Brazil. If you take this route, make sure to enlist the help of compliance law experts to help you navigate this process.
Partner with an Employer of Record (EOR)
Teaming up with an EOR service provider like Borderless is a smart and hassle-free choice. EORs essentially serve as a legal entity, ensuring all local rules are followed correctly.
They handle various tasks like payment, payroll taxes, deductions, contributions, and even employee tax forms.
By going this route, you can ease worries about taxes and labor laws, letting you concentrate on expanding your business. It's a straightforward way to ensure compliance while keeping your focus on business growth.
Let's Get Started
Hiring and retain top-tier software engineers from Brazil with Borderless by your side.
We make navigating the complex world of international recruitment easy through our expert guidance. Our support covers all aspects, from legal know-how to payroll management, ensuring a hassle-free and compliant experience.
Our goal is to help you build a high-performing software engineering team with confidence. To take the first step, contact us and book a demo with Borderless today.
By partnering with us, you'll reap the benefits.
✔ Save time and money.
✔ Mitigate risks and ensure compliance.
✔ Minimize busy work.
✔ Attract and retain top talent effectively.
✔ Tap into a broader pool of skilled professionals.
✔ Ensure secure management of data.
✔ Stay current with hiring trends.
Elevate your hiring strategy with Borderless and pave the way for success in the competitive global talent landscape.
Disclaimer: Borderless does not provide legal services or legal advice to anyone. This includes customers, contractors, employees, partners, and the general public. We are not lawyers or paralegals. Please read our full disclaimer here.
