If you’re planning to set up a business in Brazil, you’ll need to determine where to register the legal entity. The registration process varies based on the type of business you’re establishing and its intended purpose.

For-profit businesses, like limited liability companies (limitadas) and corporations (S/As), need to register with the Board of Trade (Junta Comercial). This is the primary registry for business entities and the most common choice for those engaged in commercial, industrial, or service-related activities. If your goal is to generate profit, then the Board of Trade is likely where you’ll start.

On the other hand, if your entity is non-commercial in nature - think associations, foundations, religious institutions, or educational groups - you’ll register the entity with a notary office (Cartório de Registro Civil das Pessoas Jurídicas). Notary offices generally handle registrations for entities with social, cultural, or religious missions.

The location of your business also affects the registration process. While the Board of Trade operates on a statewide level, notary offices can vary by region. This is particularly true in large cities. For example, São Paulo has several designated notaries for registering non-commercial entities.

There are also special rules for certain professions. For instance, dentists can choose to register their company with either the Board of Trade or a notary before they register with their professional association.

Regardless of the type of entity, once registered, your business will get a CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica) number. This taxpayer ID is essential for your company to operate legally and conduct business in Brazil.