Getting Paid as a Freelancer in Brazil: A UX Breakdown for 2025

By Joaquin Velasco, Payment Specialist at Worksuite

💡 TLDR: What Freelancers in Brazil Need to Know About Getting Paid

Freelancers in Brazil face strict regulatory hurdles when receiving BRL payments from international clients. StoneX, the authorized financial intermediary, must approve all BRL transactions from outside the country. Virtual banks like Nubank and Banco Inter cannot receive BRL transfers, and identity mismatches with TAX ID (CPF/CNPJ) and bank information can lead to delays. Many freelancers are switching to USD payments as a way to streamline the process, minimize delays tied to compliance checks, and receive payments faster. This article breaks down what I’ve learned from personal experience and how Worksuite helps solve these challenges.

Why This Matters

I’ve been on both sides of the equation: a freelancer trying to track down a payment, and a payments specialist helping others avoid that stress. Brazil is full of talent, but it also operates under some of the world’s most rigorous compliance standards for cross-border payments. Without clarity on those requirements, delays and confusion are common.

That’s why I wanted to explain this clearly —no fluff, no legalese—just what you need to know to receive BRL payments correctly or to consider the advantages of receiving USD instead.

The Role of StoneX in BRL Transfers

When a freelancer in Brazil is getting a BRL payment from abroad, StoneX acts as the authorized financial intermediary. Their role is to ensure the transaction meets Brazil’s foreign exchange regulations before the money reaches your account by conducting a one-time verification.

Here’s what they’ll ask for:

• Proof of Identity
• CPF or CNPJ validation
• Payment purpose documentation
• A contract and a simple invoice

If something doesn’t work out, your funds will be held for further review. I’ve seen this happen more times than I can count.

You can learn more about StoneX and their banking solution in Brazil here.

Payment Requirements Checklist

1. Ensure Your Bank Information Matches your CPF/CNPJ

Even one typo can trigger a hold. Ensure that your bank account name matches your bank and CPF/CNPJ records exactly. I’ve helped freelancers resolve this after weeks of delay. You don’t want to be that person, so always double-check.

2. Be Ready with Documentation

StoneX often requires:

• Your ID
• Address proof
• Client contract
• StoneX agreement with a notarized signature
• Invoice with your payment details

Once you’re verified, future payments usually move faster.

3. Avoid Virtual Banks for BRL

Nubank, Banco Inter, and similar digital banks may be great for local use, but they can’t receive BRL transfers from abroad. That’s a hard stop from StoneX.

4. Ask for USD When You Can

Getting paid in USD skips the middleman entirely:

• No StoneX
• No delays
• No FX fees
• Virtual banks welcome

This is the route I usually recommend, especially if your client is flexible.

5. Chase Down Delays Early

If you feel your payment might be missing, don’t wait:

• Verify your bank account name and the name in your CPF/CNPJ match
• Call StoneX at +55 11 3509-5400
• Send missing docs quickly

The longer it lingers, the more likely the funds get rejected and returned to your payer.

Comparison Table: BRL vs. USD Payments for Freelancers in Brazil

How Worksuite Helps

At Worksuite, we designed our global payment infrastructure to eliminate these exact headaches. If your client uses Worksuite, you don’t need to chase down StoneX or guess what paperwork is missing. Our platform automatically routes payments in the right currency, flags compliance issues before they happen, and ensures you’re paid on time.

As the leading end-to-end freelancer management software globally, Worksuite supports over 120+ countries, including Brazil. We handle everything from onboarding and tax form collection to automated classification checks and multi-currency payouts.

Whether you’re getting paid in BRL or USD, Worksuite is built to ensure a transparent, compliant, and seamless payment experience.

Related Guides

For more in-depth strategy on scaling freelancer payments globally, check out:

• What Is a Freelancer Management System (FMS)?
• Managing International Payroll for Contractors
• The Hidden Costs of Manual Freelancer Payments (and How to Avoid Them)
• How to Pay Influencers (the Right Way) in 2025

What This Means for Freelancers and Ops Teams

Payments shouldn’t be a mystery. They should be seamless, predictable, and built around your real workflow. I believe in making that happen—and at Worksuite, we’re designing for it.

Until every platform automates these rules, know your system. Choose USD when you can. Use Worksuite where possible. And if something goes wrong, don’t wait to fix it.

Tired of payment delays?

Book a demo with Worksuite to see how we simplify freelancer payments in Brazil and beyond.

FAQs

Q. Can I use Nubank for international BRL transfers?

A. No. StoneX does not support BRL payments to virtual banks like Nubank or Banco Inter. Use a traditional bank account.

Q. Do I need to go through StoneX if I get paid in USD?

A. No. USD payments bypass StoneX entirely and streamline the process.

Q. What happens if StoneX rejects the payment?

A. They will hold the funds until you provide the right documentation. If that never happens, the money gets returned to your client after about 10 days.

Q. Can I request my client pay me in USD instead?

A. Yes, and it’s the smartest way to avoid most of the red tape.

Q. What should I include in my invoice to StoneX?

A. Your name, address, contact details, service summary, payment amount, and date.