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Expanding a business to the United States has moved beyond the ambitions of large corporations and become a tactical decision for small and mid-sized Brazilian entrepreneurs. In 2026, with over 340 million consumers, a robust capital environment, and business structures accessible to foreign nationals, the U.S. market remains one of the leading destinations for international expansion. The combination of diversified demand, technological infrastructure, and clear business formation rules creates a landscape that is hard to replicate in other developed markets.
For the entrepreneur evaluating the move, the analysis goes beyond revenue potential. Operating in the U.S. strengthens brand credibility, opens doors to enterprise contracts, enables venture capital fundraising, and provides a competitive edge in global negotiations. A local presence also simplifies relationships with suppliers, payment processors, and platforms that typically require a U.S. entity with an active EIN.
Business Formation Without the Red Tape
Formalizing a company in the U.S. is generally faster than in Brazil. States such as Delaware, Wyoming, and Florida allow LLC or C-Corp registration in just a few business days, with online filings and state fees that typically range from $90 to $300, depending on the state and structure chosen. There is no U.S. residency requirement to form an LLC or C-Corp, which allows foreign entrepreneurs to begin operations without needing a visa beforehand.
After state registration, the entrepreneur applies for the Employer Identification Number (EIN) with the IRS, opens a business bank account, and can begin entering into contracts. It is essential to distinguish between owning a U.S. company and having authorization to physically work in the country: having a company does not automatically grant the right to live or provide services on U.S. soil. A compatible visa is required for that.
A Growing Consumer Market
With a population of nearly 340 million and a GDP exceeding $27 trillion, the U.S. remains the world’s third most populous country and largest economy. Sectors such as applied artificial intelligence, clean energy, digital health, functional food, and B2B services are experiencing accelerated growth. For Brazilian companies in technology, sustainable agribusiness, fintech, and premium consumer goods, the U.S. market offers significantly higher average deal sizes and more predictable sales cycles.
Another important factor is the multiplier effect: establishing a presence in the U.S. often opens commercial access to Canada, Mexico, and Latin American markets through partnerships and integrated logistics. Global payment platforms, marketplaces, and cloud services also tend to offer more favorable terms to entities based in the country.
Visas for Entrepreneurs and Investors
The interest of foreign entrepreneurs in establishing a U.S. presence is reflected in the numbers. In fiscal year 2024, the Department of State issued tens of thousands of E-2 visas to investors from countries with U.S. commerce treaties, keeping the category among the most sought-after for non-immigrant business purposes. The main routes for entrepreneurs are:
- E-2 (Treaty Investor): requires a substantial investment in a bona fide U.S. enterprise. Brazil does not have an active E-2 treaty with the United States, so Brazilians must acquire citizenship in an eligible country — such as Portugal, Italy, or Grenada — to qualify. There is no legally fixed minimum, but consular practice generally works with investments starting at $100,000, depending on the sector.
- L-1A and L-1B (Intracompany Transferee): for executives, managers, and specialized knowledge professionals transferred from a foreign company to a U.S. branch, subsidiary, or affiliate. Requires a qualifying corporate relationship and that the beneficiary worked abroad for at least one year in the past three years.
- EB-5 (Immigrant Investor): a direct path to a Green Card through an investment of $800,000 in a Targeted Employment Area or $1.05 million in a conventional project, with the creation of at least ten direct or indirect jobs. Amounts were updated by the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act of 2022.
- O-1A: though not strictly an entrepreneur visa, it is a viable path for founders with extraordinary ability demonstrated through awards, capital raised, media coverage, original contributions, and impact metrics.
The choice among these routes depends on the entrepreneur’s profile, the type of business, the nationality held, and long-term objectives — especially regarding the intent to obtain permanent residency.
Most Attractive States for New Businesses
The choice of state for incorporation and operation directly impacts tax burden, labor costs, access to talent, and proximity to customers. The top destinations discussed by Brazilian entrepreneurs in 2026 include:
| State | Highlights | State Corporate Tax |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | Latin hub, tourism, real estate, gateway to Latin America | 5.5% |
| Texas | Energy, technology, competitive cost of living | No state corporate income tax; franchise tax applies |
| Delaware | Standard for holding companies, predictable governance, Court of Chancery | 8.7% on in-state operations |
| Wyoming | Privacy, low maintenance costs | No state corporate income tax |
| California | Technology, venture capital, global talent | 8.84% |
| New York | Financial center, media, luxury consumption | Variable based on revenue |
There is no universally best state: the right choice depends on the type of operation. Businesses with physical presence and employees typically incorporate in the state where they actually operate, avoiding duplicate registrations. Holding companies, remote businesses, and more complex corporate structures often prefer Delaware or Wyoming.
Tax Environment and Planning
The U.S. combines federal, state, and in some cases municipal taxation. The federal income tax rate for C-Corporations is 21%, set by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017. Single-member LLCs are, by default, transparent for tax purposes (disregarded entities), while multi-member LLCs are treated as partnerships unless an explicit election is made for corporate taxation.
For the Brazilian entrepreneur, international tax planning is a critical step before incorporation. Aspects such as controlled foreign corporation rules, reporting of foreign assets to Brazil’s tax authority (Receita Federal), fiscal transparency rules, and tax treaties determine the ideal structure. Operating without proper planning can generate significant liabilities in both countries.
Total operating costs also include accounting, a registered agent, annual state fees, required insurance, and payroll if employees are hired. Conservative estimates for maintaining an LLC with modest operations range between $2,000 and $5,000 annually, not counting income taxes.
Common Mistakes When Going International
Entrepreneurs who open a U.S. company without proper guidance often face problems such as choosing the wrong corporate structure, failing to meet Brazilian tax obligations, informally engaging U.S.-based contractors and risking worker misclassification, and attempting to operate physically in the country without a compatible visa. Another common mistake is confusing business formation with immigration authorization: the company may exist, but the Brazilian partner still needs an appropriate visa to live and manage the business locally.
Going international successfully requires combining commercial strategy, international tax planning, and immigration strategy. Decisions made without this integrated vision tend to be costly in rework, penalties, and missed opportunities.
Victoria Harper
Editor-in-Chief
Leading journalism and editorial content at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps make immigration topics clear, trustworthy, and easy to understand. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.
