Understanding public holidays in Brazil is essential for any employer operating in the country, especially with new legislation that has come into effect from July 1, 2025 that impacts how companies manage operations on Sundays and public holidays.
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Brazil observes a mix of national, municipal, and state holidays throughout the year. In total, Brazil typically observes 16 public holidays throughout the year. Of these, 13 are national holidays observed across the country, 1-3 are state-level holidays, which vary by state, and 1-2 are municipal holidays, set by individual cities or towns.
Below are the key public holidays that apply nationwide:
Holiday
Date
New Year's Day
January 1
Carnival – 2 days
March 3 and 4 (Dates vary each year)
Ash Wednesday
February 18 (Date varies each year)
Good Friday
April 3 (Date varies each year)
Tiradentes Day
April 21
Labor Day
May 1
Corpus Christi
June 4 (Date varies each year)
Independence Day
September 7
Our Lady of Aparecida
October 12
Civil Servants' Day
October 25
Public Service Day
October 28
All Souls’ Day
November 2
Republic Day
November 15
Christmas Eve
December 24 (from 2 p.m.)
Christmas Day
December 25
New Year’s Eve
December 31 (from 2 p.m.)
In addition to these national dates, employers should be aware that state and municipal authorities may establish local public holidays. These are equally binding and must be respected in employment contracts.
New Legal Requirement from July 1, 2025
Effective July 1, 2025, MTE Ordinance No. 3.665/2023 entered into force. Following this change, Brazilian employers in certain segments of commerce face stricter compliance requirements regarding work performed on Sundays and public holidays. Under the updated labor legislation:
Work on Sundays and public holidays is only allowed if it is expressly authorized in a collective labor agreement and if it complies with local municipal legislation.
Failure to comply with this requirement can lead to significant fines and other legal penalties for the employer such as the revocation of the permanent authorization for the commercial activities.
What Employers Need to Do
Employers should review and adjust their collective labor agreements (CLAs) and ensure they explicitly authorize work on holidays and Sundays, as well as verify compliance with municipal regulations where their business is located. Employers should also consider updating their scheduling practices and payroll systems in anticipation of potential changes.
Holiday Pay in Brazil
Employees are entitled to paid leave on public holidays under Brazilian law. When required to work on a public holiday, employers must provide at least double pay for the hours worked, and in some cases, higher rates may apply depending on collective agreements.
Why Compliance with Public Holiday Rules Matter
With Brazil's evolving employment landscape, respecting public holidays is more than a legal requirement, it's a reflection of your company's commitment to ethical employment practices.
Key reasons to stay compliant include:
Avoiding costly legal penalties and disruptions
Protecting employee morale and retention
Enhancing your reputation in the Brazilian labor market
Ensuring smooth operations through proactive planning
If you're managing teams in Brazil or planning international expansion into the region, it's critical to stay up to date with changes to public holidays Brazil recognizes and the legal conditions tied to them. The July 2025 legislation marks a major shift in how companies must structure work on holidays and weekends, and noncompliance could be costly.
Need support navigating Brazilian labor laws and public holiday regulations? Atlas HXM can help. Our global Employer of Record (EOR) services ensure your business remains compliant while you focus on growth.
