Permits, costs, timeline, and step-by-step requirements.
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Starting a business in Sao Paulo requires a Alvará de Funcionamento through the Prefeitura de São Paulo — Secretaria de Licenciamento e Fiscalização. Base fee: R$200-$2,000 (varies by activity and area). São Paulo is Brazil's economic powerhouse. ICMS rate typically 18%. Nota Fiscal Paulista program gives tax rebates to consumers. Largest Junta Comercial in Brazil — digital filing available.
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)
Estimated total: R$200-$2,000 (varies by activity and area) depending on permits and inspections.
Prefeitura de São Paulo — Secretaria de Licenciamento e Fiscalização
Phone: (11) 3113-8000
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