The Central Bank of Brazil has approved BCB Resolution No. 575, expanding the possibilities for opening and using foreign-currency deposit accounts for certain categories of legal entities.

The measure is part of the modernization process of Brazil’s foreign exchange regulatory framework. This decision increases the efficiency of international transactions by reducing operating costs and adapting regulations to the growing internationalization of the Brazilian economy. The new regulation will enter into force on October 1, 2026.

Which companies are affected?

The resolution expands access to foreign-currency deposit accounts for, among others, the following types of entities:

• Brazilian companies exporting goods;
• Legal entities resident in Brazil with external credit transactions;
• Brazilian companies with direct participation by non-resident investors in their share capital;
• Non-resident legal entities that are creditors in external credit transactions with residents of Brazil;
• Non-resident legal entities with direct ownership interests in the capital of Brazilian companies.

Key changes

The new regulation expands the circumstances under which certain companies may maintain foreign-currency deposit accounts in Brazil. The measure applies to certain transactions carried out directly through these accounts.

Among other aspects, the regulation exempts certain foreign-currency transfers from the requirement to execute a foreign exchange transaction. This measure helps simplify certain international financial flows and, in turn, may reduce the operating costs associated with these transactions.

However, the regulation does not represent a general liberalization of the use of foreign currency in Brazil. Restrictions applicable to foreign-currency payments within Brazilian territory remain in effect, and the regulation does not modify the general foreign exchange market framework.

Regulatory requirements

The use of these accounts is subject to specific conditions.

In the case of transactions related to external credit and foreign direct investment, movements must arise exclusively from those transactions. In addition, the transactions must remain duly registered with the Central Bank of Brazil.

The regulation also establishes additional obligations regarding anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing. It also introduces new periodic reporting requirements for the financial institutions responsible for these accounts.

Conclusion

BCB Resolution No. 575 represents another step forward in the modernization of Brazil’s foreign exchange regulatory framework and expands the options available for using foreign-currency accounts for companies engaged in international activities.

Although it does not represent a general liberalization of the use of foreign currency in Brazil, the measure provides new alternatives to improve:

• the efficiency of certain transactions related to foreign trade;
• international financing; and
• foreign direct investment, within the regulatory framework established by the Central Bank of Brazil.

Expanding your business into Brazil takes place in a highly favorable business environment, thanks to its investment opportunities and major cities such as Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo. At Auxadi, we support multinational companies entering the Brazilian market.

Consult our local experts for support from the initial setup through our MySPV platform, where you can centralize your international operations across more than 50 countries.

Autor/a:

Rodolfo Vinicius Kohlemann

Accounting Manager – BR

Auxadi can become your ideal partner. We offer a one stop shop value added outsourcing services in the areas of accounting and reporting, tax compliance, payroll management and representation services, among others.