How to start an online store in Brazil

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Also in: Português

Brazil is the largest e-commerce market in Latin America. Selling there works best with a platform built for local payments, invoices and shipping.

Choose a platform that speaks Brazilian

Look for Pix, boleto and card instalments (parcelamento) at checkout, integration with Correios and private carriers, and support for issuing the electronic invoice (NF-e). Prices in reais avoid surprises from exchange rates:

Prices from vendor websites, checked 2026-10-12; they update automatically.

Compare Shopify vs Nuvemshop and see Nuvemshop pricing.

Offer the payments Brazilians use

• Pix: the Central Bank's instant payment system, now one of the most used ways to pay online.
• Credit card in instalments: many shoppers expect to split purchases into monthly instalments.
• Boleto: a payment slip still used by people without cards.

Register the business and issue invoices

Selling regularly requires a CNPJ (company registration). Small sole businesses often start as an MEI, a simplified regime with an annual revenue limit. Sales of goods need an electronic invoice (nota fiscal eletrônica); check with an accountant (contador) which regime and invoices apply to you.

Know your costs

Add the platform plan, payment fees, shipping and taxes. The online store cost calculator totals the platform and payment costs per month, and the profit margin calculator shows what you keep per sale.

Questions