By 2030, Brazil's freelancing market is projected to reach $655.2 million, one of the largest in the world. Freelancing has become a vital part of Brazil’s economy, presenting remote workers with a unique opportunity to tap into international markets and earn in stronger currencies like the US dollar. Despite the vast potential and opportunities available in Brazil’s freelancing market, many Brazilian talents still have difficulty assessing global opportunities and earning in US dollars.
If you have been struggling with landing a great gig, perhaps you haven’t been looking in the right place. Here is a list of the top platforms for freelancers in Brazil to earn US dollars, along with an explanation of how they work.
Upwork is one of the largest talent marketplaces for international clients and recruiters to find a wide range of professionals. It has proven to be a reliable freelancing tool for newbies as well as long-time freelancers. Upwork operates on a job-bidding system where freelancers use "Connects" to apply for projects. Fees are a flat 10% of earnings.
Getting set up on Upwork involves registering an account and showcasing your abilities, work samples, and pricing. You'll boost your odds by optimising your profile for the type of jobs you're searching for. The site provides initial ‘connects’ to kick things off. These connects act as tokens for bidding for gigs, and you may need to purchase more along the line.
When you spot a suitable task, send in an application using your connects. If you are offered the job, Upwork monitors the progress, and funds are disbursed after you turn in your deliverables. For Brazilian users, Upwork handles certain compliance aspects, but keep in mind local taxes like IOF on incoming funds. Fees follow a tiered model. This entails charging 20% on the initial $500 per client, dropping to 10% for amounts between $500.01 and $10,000, and then 5% thereafter.
Also read: How to receive payments from Upwork in Brazil in 2025
Freelancing on Fiverr involves selling your services to international buyers. The platform is a popular option for beginners due to its project-based format, but it can be highly competitive. Fiverr allows freelancers to list services (“gigs”) starting at $5 and scale upward depending on complexity. It’s especially popular for creative professionals such as graphic designers, voice-over artists, and writers.
Once you register with a seller profile, update your profile with the required details and include relevant search terms to improve your visibility. Fiverr applies a straightforward 20% cut on profits, along with a small handling charge for orders below $100.
Toptal is designed for elite freelancers who have some work experience and a demonstrable track record. The platform screens applicants rigorously and connects the top 3% with high-paying clients. Talented and experienced Brazilian developers, designers, and finance experts can earn substantial USD rates. It offers flexibility and a chance to set your own rates without the need for competitive bidding found on other platforms. The rates can be as high as $50–$100 per hour. Freelancers who are accepted into the network are not required to build their reputation from scratch, as clients rely on Toptal's vetting process. Clients are also thoroughly vetted to reduce the risk of scams and exploitation.
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Workana is the largest freelance platform in Latin America. It offers a wide range of projects for freelancers in Brazil across various fields like IT, design, writing, marketing, and administrative support. While some gigs are in BRL, many international clients pay in USD. To use Workana, freelancers can register, create a profile, and start bidding on projects for free. You can filter your search by skill, country, or industry. Workana charges a service fee for successfully completed projects, which varies based on your history with each client.
Also read: Why Brazil is becoming a lucrative hub for nomadic creatives
Here are some tips to help you thrive on these competitive freelancing platforms.
Read also: How to price your freelance services in dollars as a Brazilian
Receiving US dollar payments from international clients can be challenging if you rely only on local banks. Traditional wire transfers often involve high fees and poor exchange rates. Grey is designed for freelancers, remote workers, and digital nomads. It provides access to USD, GBP, and EUR accounts, allowing users in Brazil to receive international payments quickly and at fair exchange rates. Grey integrates seamlessly with the major freelancing platforms, allowing you quick access to your earnings.
Sign up on Grey today to receive USD payments with ease.
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