Diversify assets beyond Brazilian borders: an essential strategy for 2025

The Reality of Those Investing Outside Brazil

The economic landscape of recent years has revealed an uncomfortable truth: the real has consistently lost strength. Since the Real Plan, when one dollar was worth one real, the Brazilian currency has depreciated significantly. Data from the IMF and World Bank confirm that the real is among emerging market currencies with the greatest loss of value in recent decades. Those who kept 100% of their portfolio in reais saw their overall purchasing power constantly diminish.

This reality has created a paradoxical situation: while the dollar approached R$6 in 2025, those with international exposure not only protected their wealth but also benefited from exchange rate fluctuations. It is no coincidence that reports from major asset managers and analysis firms have begun recommending internationalization as an essential, not optional, strategy.

Brazil accounts for only 0.7% of the global stock market and 2.1% of the worldwide fixed income market, according to World Bank indicators. This means that over 97% of opportunities are located outside B3. An investor limited to the local market drastically restricts their growth potential.

How Much Is Really Needed to Start in 2025

One of the biggest myths about investing outside Brazil is believing that a fortune is required upfront. The reality is quite different and accessible to anyone.

Range of R$50 to R$100: The simple initial path

• BDRs through B3 start at R$50
• International ETFs like IVVB11 cost around R$300
• Global investment funds have low minimum contributions

In this range, you invest in assets that track international indices without needing to send money abroad or deal with direct currency exchange.

From R$100 to R$500: Progressive diversification This bracket allows access to global ETFs, international indices, US stocks via derivatives, currencies, and commodities. It’s the ideal range to gradually learn how international exposure works.

From R$500 to R$1,000: International account With this contribution, you can open an account abroad and regularly send dollars. Access to fractional shares, US ETFs, REITs, and US fixed income securities.

R$2,000 or more: Global fixed income This range opens the door to Treasuries and US bonds, considered among the safest investments in the global market.

Why Internationalizing Investments Became a Priority

Protection Against Emerging Volatility Political fluctuations, fiscal debates, and erratic behavior of a developing economy make Brazil unpredictable. Having a significant part of your portfolio abroad reduces this exposure and provides balance.

Access to Sectors Absent in Brazil The Brazilian stock market is dominated by banks, commodities, and energy. Sectors that are growing rapidly worldwide, such as technology, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and renewable energy, are virtually nonexistent here. Investing internationally opens these doors.

Compensation for Currency Depreciation The real has consistently lost value against major currencies. Holding assets in dollars, euros, or other strong currencies helps offset this long-term trend.

Three Ways to Get Started

1. Through B3 using BDRs and ETFs You buy in reais but invest in assets that track international companies and indices. It’s the simplest way, with no remittance or additional bureaucracy. Ideal for contributions of R$50 to R$300. The downside is fewer asset options and slightly higher indirect fees.

2. Direct International Account in the US You open an account abroad, make remittances, and operate directly in the US market. Access to thousands of stocks, ETFs, REITs, and bonds. Advantages include lower fees, broad diversification, and dividends in dollars. Disadvantages include IOF, currency spread, and greater tax responsibility. Ideal for those able to contribute above R$500 monthly.

3. Global Platforms with Flexible Instruments This model allows trading indices, currencies, commodities, and global stocks with accessible amounts. Offers low contributions, intuitive platforms, demo accounts, and quick operations. However, it requires a clear understanding of leverage, risk, and capital management. Always use a demo account until fully mastering the concepts.

Understanding the Costs of Investing Outside Brazil

International remittances vary depending on the method: traditional banks tend to be more expensive, while digital remittance services reduce costs to 1% or 2%. Modern brokerages generally offer low-cost deposits.

Commissions for buying and selling are zero on most contemporary platforms. Monthly or annual custody fees are also free at quality digital brokerages.

If you need to bring funds back to Brazil, a new IOF of 0.38% applies, plus an additional currency spread. The logic is simple: the fewer operations you perform, the lower your costs. Thinking long-term naturally minimizes operational expenses.

How Income Tax Works Now

Law 14.754 of 2023 dramatically simplified the tax process. The Federal Revenue system automatically calculates the tax owed when you fill out the Assets and Rights and Foreign Income forms. The rate is fixed at 15%, and payment is annual, no longer monthly as before.

A common myth is that there is double taxation. The reality is that foreign withholding tax can be credited in the Brazilian declaration when done correctly. There is no double taxation if documentation is in order.

Truths and Misconceptions About Investing Outside Brazil

Misconception: Investing abroad requires a fortune upfront
Truth: Contributions start at R$50 in BDRs and R$100 in global platforms

Misconception: Income Tax declaration is extremely complex
Truth: After Law 14.754, most calculations are automatic within the Receita system

Misconception: High dollar now makes it impossible to start
Truth: Monthly contributions naturally dilute the exchange rate impact over time

Misconception: You need to leave Brazil to invest internationally
Truth: You can invest in any market while being a Brazilian tax resident, as long as you have a valid CPF and proof of residence

Practical First Steps

1. Define how much you can invest monthly without harming your financial life
2. Choose the entry point based on your available amount
3. Open an account with the selected broker or platform
4. Make your first contribution, even if small
5. Set up automatic monthly contributions
6. Record values and exchange rates for Income Tax
7. Gradually increase as you gain experience

Mistakes That Destroy Portfolios

The most costly mistakes are predictable: concentrating everything in a famous stock, waiting for the dollar to fall to start, ignoring tax obligations, trading with leverage without mastering the basics, or changing strategies weekly because of something new online.

All these paths lead to the same result: losses and frustration. Consistency and simplicity always beat haste and improvisation.

Security in Foreign Accounts

Yes, it is safe to have an account with a foreign broker, provided it is regulated by recognized authorities: SEC in the US, ASIC in Australia, FCA in the UK, or FSC in Mauritius. Always verify regulation before opening an account and declare everything in the Brazilian IR.

More complex instruments like CFDs carry high risk, especially with high leverage. They require study, discipline, and conscious risk management. Always start with a demo account, without leverage or with minimal leverage, treating it as a tactical tool.

2025: The Year to Internationalize

Investing outside Brazil is not a passing trend but a real necessity for those seeking protection, security, and sustained growth. With accessible amounts, user-friendly technology, and simplified processes, anyone can begin their financial internationalization.

You don’t need to wait to have a lot. You just need to start consistently, with a simple strategy and focus on the right opportunities. The time is now.