Vibrant culture, beautiful rainforests, sun-drenched beaches, and, of course, music and football come together in Rio de Janeiro, making this a lively locale to start your next venture. Business is thriving, too, with the city boasting the second-largest economy in Brazil and one of the most powerful markets in Latin America.
The proud host of the 2016 Olympics, Brazil has continued to flourish, positioning itself as a facilitator for foreign investment and international partnerships. With big business in finance, manufacturing, telecommunications, and trade, the city is primed for growth—for startups and established companies alike. Plus, a slew of recent government reforms means that it’s easier than ever to start a business, access credit, and trade across the borders from this buzzing metropolis.
The benefits outside work are breathtaking, too: From gorgeous Ipanema Beach to the rugged mountains at Morro Dois Irmãos, Rio is a draw for new talent. On weekends, explore Tijuca National Park, which offers 15 square miles of beautiful rainforest. For team-building exercises, walk to Christ the Redeemer at the top of Corcovado Mountain.
With our guide, you can position yourself to take advantage of the many business opportunities in this amazing city.
Business opportunities in Rio
Rio is rapidly progressing in the Doing Business rankings from the World Bank. This comes after the government implemented a handful of reforms to boost foreign trade and entrepreneurship. A new online system means you can register a new business in 20 days (rather than 82 days in 2017). Plus, the time necessary to trade across borders has been drastically reduced by an electronic certification process.
Such a friendly business climate is likely to improve Rio’s standing on the world stage. The city already generates a gross domestic product (GDP) higher than both Singapore and Chile. Analysts forecast investment in the area will surpass $98.6 billion in the near future—and, according to the World Bank, the climate is especially friendly for medium-sized enterprises.
The cost of office space in Rio
Each quarter, Rio and São Paulo battle it out for the highest rates in Brazil for buying and renting commercial space. In Rio, the cost of renting an office is around R$40 per square meter ($10 USD), but this varies through the city—and neighborhoods like Leblon, Ipanema, Jardim Botânico, and Flamengo are some of the most expensive in the country for renting office space.
Convenient, all-inclusive office solutions like WeWork offer an affordable alternative, featuring monthly leases without steep upfront costs. Flexible agreements make settling in easy, while amenities like daily cleaning, IT support, 24-hour access, and onsite staff take the stress out of daily operations.
Moving your business to Rio with WeWork
WeWork offers several dynamic options for office space in Rio de Janeiro. The collaborative workspace in Botafogo, for instance, is set against the picturesque backdrop of Sugarloaf Mountain, while the coworking offices in Almirante Barroso are based in the heart of Rio’s Financial District.
Botafogo
Offering 11 floors designed to mirror the energetic atmosphere of Rio de Janeiro, WeWork Pasteur 154 makes a striking first impression. Meet with your team in a beautifully designed lounge area, then woo investors in one of the art-filled conference rooms.
When the workday is done, you’re surrounded by vibrant dining options in the scenic neighborhood. Plus, the beach—with its striking Sugarloaf Mountain vista—is right at your doorstep.
Barra da Tijuca
For an oasis of productivity amid sand, surf, and sun, WeWork Helios Seelinger 155 is an ideal location for work and play. The space boasts four floors of engaging workspace and an easily accessible rooftop terrace.
From high-speed internet to business-grade printers, the contemporary shared office provides everything your team needs to thrive. Home to lively shopping malls and an 18-kilometer stretch of beach, Barra da Tijuca is a draw for fresh talent—and our creative coworking space will help seal the deal.
Almirante Barroso
WeWork Almirante Barroso 81 is located in the center of Rio’s Financial District. The facility features six floors of contemporary space and a colorful, uplifting design theme. Whether it’s a client meeting or a team-building exercise, this shared workspace helps drive collaboration.
Businesses from around the world and spanning all industries—from finance and law to design and technology—are drawn to Rio for its unique blend of culture, business, exploration, and nature. WeWork’s Rio offices reflect this diversity and provide professionals of every stripe space to grow and thrive.
