Start a Business in Recife

Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.

✔ 5 permits⏱ 2-6 weeks💰 R$100-$1,000

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Overview

Starting a business in Recife requires a Alvará de Funcionamento through the Prefeitura do Recife — Secretaria de Finanças. Base fee: R$100-$1,000. Pernambuco has Porto Digital tech hub in Recife. Strong shipbuilding (Suape port complex). Carnival in Recife/Olinda rivals Salvador.

Required Permits

✓CNPJ (federal tax ID, free via Redesim)
✓Junta Comercial (state business registry)
✓SEFAZ (state tax registration)
✓Alvará de Funcionamento (municipal operating permit)
✓Alvará Sanitário (health permit, if food business)

Step-by-Step Process

1

CNPJ (federal tax ID, free via Redesim)

2

Junta Comercial (state business registry)

3

SEFAZ (state tax registration)

4

Alvará de Funcionamento (municipal operating permit)

5

Alvará Sanitário (health permit, if food business)

Costs

Estimated total: R$100-$1,000 depending on permits and inspections.

Contact

Prefeitura do Recife — Secretaria de Finanças

Phone: (81) 3355-8000

Apply Online →

Common Mistakes

⚠ Porto Digital is one of Brazil's top tech hubs — 300+ tech companies
⚠ Recife Antigo historic district has heritage zoning
⚠ Carnival (Galo da Madrugada) is world's largest parade — seasonal commerce
⚠ Suape port complex nearby drives industrial development
⚠ Strong healthcare sector — medical tourism growing
⚠ Boa Viagem beach area is premium commercial zone

Choose Your Business Type

RestaurantFood TruckBarber ShopRetail StoreCoffee ShopBar / NightclubGym / Fitness StudioNail SalonCannabis DispensaryDog GroomingBakeryCleaning ServiceDaycare CenterAuto Repair Shop

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