Basic labor rights
in Brazil
Informational summary of salary, working hours, vacation, 13th salary, FGTS, safety, and termination for foreign workers.
What to do, step by step
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Identify your relationship type: CLT employee, temporary, domestic, self-employed, intern, or PJ have different rules.
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Check salary, working hours, breaks, weekly rest, benefits, and deductions in the contract and holerites.
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Track vacation, 13th salary, FGTS, and contributions when applicable, using official channels such as gov.br.
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Record accidents, harassment, late payments, or relevant changes with dates, documents, and witnesses.
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Before signing termination or settlement, read amounts and items carefully and seek guidance if unsure.
Frequently asked questions
Do all workers have the same rights?
No. Rights vary by relationship type and activity. Identifying the correct relationship is the first step.
What is FGTS?
FGTS (Brazilian employment fund) is linked to formal employment, with employer deposits when applicable. Withdrawal rules and amounts should be checked officially.
Can I work without a written contract?
Lack of a written contract does not necessarily remove rights, but it makes proof harder. Keep messages, payments, schedules, and instructions.
Where can I seek labor help?
You can consult official labor channels, unions, Defensoria Pública if eligible, or a trusted lawyer.
Need a lawyer?
If administrative measures did not solve it, we can review your case.