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Brazil has a comprehensive social security system which funds both medical and dental care, as well as pensions for all workers - whether employed or self-employed- and their dependents.

All workers are obliged to contribute to the national social security system. A regular employee makes contributions of between 8% and 11% of his or her monthly salary, payable up to a maximum threshold. These payments are tax deductible. Foreign nationals who work in Brazil are also required to contribute to the social security scheme, and as such receive the same benefits as a Brazilian citizen.

As a contributor so the Social Welfare Fund, you or your dependents are eligible to receive social security benefits in the case of maternity, if you’re temporarily incapacitated in an accident, if you’re disabled, suffering from a long-term illness, if you die, or if you spend time in prison.

The social security payments you’ve already made in Argentina, Cape Verde, Chile, Greece, Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain or Uruguay will normally count towards your social security contributions in Brazil since there are reciprocal social security agreements between Brazil and those countries. However, the fact that you’re a citizen of one of those countries listed above does not waive your obligation to pay into the Brazilian social security system if you take up employment in Brazil.