Brazil & Portugal

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Brazil spans 4 time zones but major business centers (São Paulo, Rio) are on Brasília Time (BRT). Work culture is relationship-driven with flexible scheduling.

Lunch Break

12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

1-2 hours, often a substantial meal

Business Etiquette

• •Personal relationships are crucial—Brazilians prefer doing business with people they know and like
• •Physical contact (handshakes, pats on back) is common and friendly
• •Punctuality is appreciated but flexibility is understood
• •Dress code is generally formal in business settings
• •Negotiations may take time; patience is valued

Major Holidays

• Carnival — February/March (varies, 4-5 days)
• Independence Day — September 7
• Christmas-New Year — December 24 - January 1
• Tiradentes Day — April 21
• Republic Day — November 15

Communication Style

Warm, expressive, and personal. Brazilians use animated gestures and value emotional connection in business relationships.

Meeting Culture

Meetings often include coffee and may start with personal conversation. Building trust is essential. Follow-ups may require persistence.

Working Hours

9:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Portugal is on Western European Time (same as UK). Lisbon has become a major tech hub. Work culture balances Southern European warmth with growing startup efficiency.

Lunch Break

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

1-1.5 hours, lunch is an important social time

Business Etiquette

• •Personal relationships are valued—take time for conversation before business
• •Punctuality is expected in business settings, though some flexibility exists
• •Portuguese are generally modest; avoid excessive self-promotion
• •Formal titles and surnames are used until a closer relationship develops
• •Face-to-face meetings are preferred for important decisions

Major Holidays

• Portugal Day — June 10
• Liberty Day — April 25
• Christmas-New Year — December 24 - January 1
• Easter — March/April (varies)
• Republic Day — October 5

Communication Style

Warm, polite, and somewhat formal initially. Portuguese appreciate courtesy and building trust before direct business discussions.

Meeting Culture

Meetings are generally punctual but may include personal conversation. Decisions can take time as consensus is valued. Follow-up is often done in person.