There are more than 25 million self-employed people in Brazil, and many of them now work with clients from other countries. As demand for digital services in design, tech, writing, and consulting grows around the world, Brazilian freelancers are offering their services to people in other countries more and more. However, getting paid by clients in the US, UK, and EU can be hard because of high fees, problems with currency conversion, delays, and complicated tax issues.

This article talks about the best and most legal ways for Brazilian freelancers to get paid from abroad in 2025. It covers important tools, legal steps, and best practices.

The Need for Global Payment Solutions That Work

Freelancing in Brazil is no longer just for people who live there. The gig economy is growing, and more and more people are using online platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, and LinkedIn. This has opened up markets all over the world. But sending money from abroad through a regular bank transfer can be slow and expensive. Most of them have high fees for middlemen, long processing times, and bad exchange rates.

Freelancers need to use modern financial tools and make their international payment systems more efficient in order to keep their cash flow steady and cut costs.

Setting up accounts in other currencies

Opening foreign currency accounts through digital platforms is one of the best ways to get paid from other countries. Freelancers can get paid in USD, GBP, or EUR through these accounts, just like they would through local bank transfers. This saves them time and money.

Brazilian freelancers can open virtual accounts in the US, UK, and EU on sites like Grey. In those areas, these accounts work like local bank accounts, which means that clients can pay faster and for less.

How to open a foreign currency account:

• Sign up with a digital bank like Grey.

• Use your ID and proof of address to finish the identity check.

• Choose the currency account you need, such as USD, GBP, or EUR.

• Tell your international clients about your new account.

• Change the money you get into Brazilian Real (BRL) and send it to your local bank account.

This setup makes you more trustworthy to clients, gives you faster access to money, and usually gives you better exchange rates than regular Brazilian banks.

Using platforms for digital payments

Digital payment platforms are another option in addition to foreign currency accounts. These platforms make it easier and cheaper to send money across borders.

A lot of freelancers use Payoneer. It lets you receive money in multiple currencies, works with sites like Fiverr and Upwork, and lets you withdraw money directly to Brazilian bank accounts.

Wise (formerly TransferWise) is known for its real exchange rates and clear fees. However, as of 2025, it only supports personal accounts in Brazil, not business or MEI accounts.

PayPal is still a popular way for clients to pay, but it usually has higher fees and takes longer to withdraw money. Stripe is a good choice for freelancers who want to accept credit card payments directly from clients, but it usually requires them to register as a business.

Freelancers can also look into services like Transfi BizPay to make international payments even easier. BizPay is made for businesses that operate across borders and remote workers. It makes it easy to send money around the world with competitive exchange rates and quick settlement times. 

Terms for payment and invoicing

For both professionalism and tax compliance, clear invoices are very important. International clients want proper paperwork, and Brazilian tax authorities want accurate records of income.

Every invoice should have:

• Number and date of the invoice

• Your full name, CPF or CNPJ number, and address

• Information about the client

• A list of the services offered

• The amount charged and the currency

• Account and payment information

• The due date and any late fees that may apply

Use professional invoicing tools or templates, and always give a receipt when you get paid. This makes sure that your records are complete for both clients and tax purposes.

Following the tax laws in Brazil

Brazil requires that all foreign income be reported. Freelancers can work in three ways: as informal self-employed people (autônomos), as registered micro-entrepreneurs (MEIs), or through a business that is officially registered under Simples Nacional.

You must still report your foreign earnings on your annual IRPF filing, even if you don't owe any taxes because of income limits. You have to use the Central Bank of Brazil's exchange rate on the day you get money in a foreign currency to change it.

If you have a MEI or CNPJ, you may be able to get simplified taxes and access to corporate clients, credit, and government programs. They can also send out bills that big businesses and government agencies will accept.

How to Get Paid from Other Countries

Keep your personal and business money separate. To keep track of your money and make it easier to file your taxes, use different bank accounts.

• Pick platforms that you can trust. To avoid mistakes, delays, or blocked transactions, stick to trusted services like Payoneer or Grey.

• Talk about the terms of payment ahead of time. Before starting any project, make sure you agree on the currency, the deadlines, and the platforms you want to use.

• Keep track of your income and expenses. Keep digital copies of contracts, invoices, and receipts for both tax and business analysis.

• Make plans for taxes. Put aside 15% to 20% of your monthly income for taxes and Social Security payments.

• Have some extra cash. Freelancing often has delays. You can protect yourself from income gaps by saving up 1–2 months' worth of expenses.

• Keep an eye on the rates of exchange. Look for platforms with good rates and think about changing your money when the rates are good.

Conclusion 

As a Brazilian freelancer, you need more than just a bank account to get paid by clients from other countries. Choosing the right platforms, handling foreign currency well, making sure invoices are correct, and following Brazilian tax laws are all part of it.

You can turn international payment problems into a smooth process by using tools like Grey or Payoneer, keeping good financial records, and knowing what your tax obligations are. This will let you focus on confidently growing your freelance business across borders.

FAQs 

1. Is it possible for me to get paid in USD and not have to change it to BRL?

You can keep USD in virtual accounts, but when you take it out and send it to your Brazilian bank, it has to be changed to BRL. You still have to report all of your foreign income in BRL.

2. Can you legally get crypto payments from clients?

Yes, but you must report any crypto you get as payment as income in BRL using the market value on the day you get it. It is also subject to taxes.

3. Do I need to sign up as an MEI to work with clients from other countries?

Not always. You can work as a freelancer on the side. But registering as an MEI or opening a CNPJ can help you save money on taxes and make your clients trust you more.

4. Is it possible for me to use Wise for my freelance work in Brazil?

At this time, Wise only lets Brazilian residents open personal accounts. Brazilian laws may not allow business transfers or use by freelancers.

5. What is the best way to get paid through Upwork or Fiverr?

Payoneer is the best choice for Brazilian freelancers who work on global freelance platforms because it works with so many different services. It lets you send money directly to your Brazilian account for a fair fee.