Expats considering working in Rio de Janeiro can look for employment opportunities in a diverse range of industries, as the city boasts the second-largest economy in Brazil, right after São Paulo. Rio de Janeiro’s port and international airport make it an important commercial centre of Brazil.
Job market in Rio de Janeiro
Rio de Janeiro hosts major multinational companies in the oil, textile, shipbuilding, pharmaceuticals, media and communications fields. Highly qualified expats with skills in these industries are more likely to find employment. Agriculture, fishing and construction are also significant contributors to the city’s economy.
Teaching English is also a popular occupation for foreigners in Rio, although positions are highly sought after and competitive. Since Rio has a significant financial services sector, expats also have opportunities in the finance industry.
Rio’s service centre continues to grow, with its tourism and hospitality sectors being among the largest in the country. The city’s information technology industry is also experiencing a boom, and Rio is ascending as a major tech hub. This sector offers additional opportunities for expats.
Finding a job in Rio de Janeiro
Expats moving to Brazil in search of work may find this a slow and frustrating endeavour. Competition for jobs in Rio de Janeiro is tight, and preference is mostly given to locals. Networking is an integral part of the job search in Brazil. It’s often about whom you know rather than what you know. Expats seeking employment will do well to make the right connections.
The best option is to secure a job in Rio before moving to Brazil. In fact, the majority of expats moving to Rio de Janeiro for work have been transferred here as part of a relocation package with their existing multinational employer. Still, expats can peruse social media networks and websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed and Vagas to view job postings seeking foreign workers in Rio de Janeiro.
Regardless of the industry or type of work, expats working in Rio de Janeiro will need a valid work permit for Brazil. Getting a work permit can be difficult, as the employer typically has to prove that the foreigner has skills that cannot be fulfilled by a Brazilian.
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Work culture in Rio de Janeiro
Despite its beaches, beautiful scenery and famously relaxed atmosphere, expats moving to Rio should not be fooled into thinking they will be working in a relaxed environment.
Although the pace of doing business in Brazil is much slower than what expats may be used to, Brazilians work hard, and expats will be expected to do the same. Although English is commonly spoken in multinational companies and major cities, it’s important for expats working in Rio to know Portuguese to build rapport with their local partners and colleagues.
Expats should also dress well and professionally, as a smart physical appearance is valued by Brazilians. Meetings tend to be conducted informally, and everyone at the table will have an opportunity to express their opinions.