How to Invest in the United States in 2025: A Complete Guide for Brazilians

How to Invest in the United States in 2025: A Complete Guide for Brazilians

Investing in the United States is the dream of many Brazilians who seek diversification, currency protection, and access to the world's largest markets. With the globalization of investments and the rise of fintechs, this goal is becoming increasingly attainable—even with affordable amounts.

In this article, you will learn how to invest in the U.S. while living in Brazil, discover the main types of available assets, understand the benefits and risks, and get practical tips on how to start safely and strategically.

🌎 Why Invest in the United States?

Investing in the U.S. offers unique advantages:

• Access to Global Companies: Invest in giants like Apple, Microsoft, Google, and Tesla.

• Stability: The U.S. has a more stable economy with a strong currency (the dollar).

• Largest Financial Market: Benefit from extremely high liquidity.

• International Diversification: Protect against local instabilities.

• Opportunity to Invest in Innovation: Access innovative assets such as thematic ETFs, REITs, and startups.

📋 Can Brazilians Really Invest in the U.S.?

Yes! There are basically two ways for Brazilians to invest in the United States:

1. Investing Through a Brazilian Broker with International Access
   Some domestic brokers offer BDRs (Brazilian Depositary Receipts), international ETFs, and funds with foreign exposure.
   Examples: XP, BTG, Rico, NuInvest.
   Advantage: Simplicity—all transactions are in reais.
   Disadvantage: A more limited variety of assets and only indirect exposure to the dollar.

2. Opening an Account with an American Broker
   This is the most complete and direct way to invest in the U.S.
   Brokers such as Passfolio (now part of Sproutfi), Stake, Interactive Brokers, TD Ameritrade, and Charles Schwab allow non-residents to open accounts.
   Advantage: Full access to the American market, including thousands of stocks, REITs, ETFs, and other assets.
   Disadvantage: It requires submitting documents and filing specific tax declarations.

🧾 Documents Needed to Open an Account with an American Broker

Even as a foreign investor, you can open an account with U.S. brokers by providing:

• A valid passport

• Proof of address (in Brazil)

• Your CPF number

• Completion of the W-8BEN form (which determines that you, as a foreigner, will be subject to specific U.S. tax rules)

💰 How Much Do You Need to Start?

With digital brokers like Sproutfi or Stake, you can start investing with as little as $1.
For Interactive Brokers, the minimum deposit may vary by account type, but it is also quite accessible.
Additionally, you can purchase fractional shares—that is, you can invest in a part of a share of companies like Amazon or Google.

📊 What Are the Main Investment Options in the U.S.?

1. Stocks
   Public companies listed on the NYSE or NASDAQ (e.g., Apple, Tesla, Meta, Netflix). This is the most well-known type of asset.

2. ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
   Funds traded on the stock exchange that replicate indexes like the S&P 500 (SPY) or specific sectors such as technology, clean energy, healthcare, and even cryptocurrencies.
   Examples: VOO (Vanguard's S&P 500 ETF), QQQ (tracking the Nasdaq 100).

3. REITs (Real Estate Investment Trusts)
   Real estate funds that invest in U.S. commercial properties, providing periodic dividends.

4. U.S. Treasury Bonds
   Investments in government-issued bonds with varying maturities and high security.

5. Cryptocurrencies
   Many U.S. brokers now offer direct access to cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

6. Startups and Crowdfunding
   Platforms such as SeedInvest and Republic allow for investing in U.S. startups with small minimum investments.

🧠 Smart Tips for Investing in the U.S.

1. Watch the Exchange Rate:
   Since you'll be investing in dollars, keep an eye on the exchange rate. Use platforms offering competitive conversion rates or that accept remittances via TransferWise, Remessa Online, or Western Union.

2. Diversify Your Portfolio:
   Don’t concentrate all your investments in one stock. Mix stocks, ETFs, and REITs to balance risk and return.

3. Think Long-Term:
   U.S. investments can offer powerful returns, but they require patience. Focus on assets with solid fundamentals.

4. Be Aware of Taxation:
   Brazil has an agreement with the U.S. to avoid double taxation.
   Dividends are taxed at 30% at the source for foreign investors.
   Capital gains need to be declared in Brazil, though there is an income tax exemption for monthly gains up to R$35,000.

5. Choose Reputable Brokers:
   Research for hidden fees, Portuguese-language support, and customer protection (such as the SIPC, the U.S. equivalent of Brazil’s FGC).

⚠️ What Are the Risks of Investing in the U.S.?

Investing in the United States brings many opportunities but also involves important risks:

1. Currency Risk:
   If the dollar falls, the value of your investments in reais can decline—even if they appreciated in dollars.

2. Market Risk:
   Like in Brazil, U.S. stocks and ETFs are subject to fluctuations, crises, and instability.

3. Regulatory Risk:
   Changes in fiscal policies, American interest rates, or market regulations can affect investments.

4. Broker Risk:
   Choosing a broker that is unreliable or offers insufficient customer protection can lead to losses. Always prioritize well-known, regulated institutions.

🔍 Interesting Facts About the U.S. Market

• The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) was founded in 1792, making it the oldest operating stock exchange in the world.

• The S&P 500 index represents around 80% of the total market value of all U.S. stocks.

• Brazilian investors may face specific inheritance rules when investing in the U.S., which require careful estate planning.

• Warren Buffett, the world’s greatest investor, made his first stock purchase at age 11 in the American market.

📈 Sample U.S. Investment Portfolio

A balanced starting portfolio might look like this:

• 40% in Broad ETFs: (e.g., VOO or SPY)

• 20% in Tech Stocks: (e.g., AAPL, MSFT, AMZN)

• 20% in REITs: (e.g., Realty Income [O], American Tower [AMT])

• 10% in U.S. Fixed Income: (short-term Treasuries)

• 10% in a Dollar Reserve or Currency Funds

🧭 Conclusion: Is It Worth Investing in the United States?

Yes—especially if you are seeking diversification, currency protection, access to global companies, and greater economic stability. Investing in the U.S. allows you to broaden your horizons and expose your assets to a more mature, efficient, and stable market.

With well-informed choices, proper planning, and a solid understanding of the market, you can build a robust portfolio in dollars and work toward that much-desired global financial freedom.