Portugal already hosts more than 550,000 Brazilians living legally in the country, and this number continues to grow. For many immigrants, crossing the Atlantic represents not only a quest for quality of life but also a new beginning as entrepreneurs. In a stable business environment, with a common language and strong cultural ties, franchising has established itself as one of the most structured and secure ways to undertake.
It is in this expanding landscape that companies like Grupo NBrand, the largest franchise conglomerate in the country, offer opportunities in the fields of professional cleaning, home support for the elderly, architecture, interior design, and real estate. With over 200 units in operation, half of its franchisees are Brazilian — numbers that reflect confidence in the strength of the business model and the support offered by the group.
"Portugal is an excellent gateway for Brazilians who wish to venture safely. Franchising offers structure, market validation, and comprehensive support, which makes all the difference in this transition. Brazilians are arriving increasingly prepared, focused, and willing to prosper," says Cândido Mesquita, CEO and founder of Grupo NBrand and vice-president of APF.
Real stories of transformation
According to the latest data released by the Portuguese Franchise Association (APF), in 2023 the franchise sector in Portugal generated 22 billion euros, achieving a record growth of nearly 30% compared to 2022. According to the agency, this good performance accounts for 8.3% of the national GDP and generates over 185,000 jobs across the various segments of these businesses.
Fernanda and Daniel Correia are real examples of Brazilian entrepreneurs who are leading this transformation of the sector. The couple left Brazil and invested in a House Shine unit — a network specialized in professional house cleaning — in the city of Leiria. In three years, the business has already reached a turnover of 340,000 euros and established itself as a reference in the region.
"We know the brand through a franchise portal and saw in it the chance to start with structure and support. We certainly faced some initial challenges, such as labor and tax laws, which are different in Portugal. But today we have stability, control, and a clear growth plan," says Fernanda.
Another case is Marcelo Barreto, who swapped a 35-year career in the Brazilian financial market for entrepreneurship in Coimbra. In 2023, he opened his Vangor unit, an interior design franchise, and earned 300,000 euros in 2024. In July of last year, Marcelo expanded the business by acquiring a unit of Urban Obras, a franchise specialized in architecture and renovations, creating a synergistic operation between the two brands.
"Franchises complement each other and deliver more value to the customer. With the support of Grupo NBrand, I was able to quickly structure the business and build a new phase of my life," explains Marcelo.
Affordable models and consistent return
The NBrand Group portfolio caters to different profiles of entrepreneurs. The initial investments start at €30,000, with payback periods ranging from 18 to 24 months. See some highlights:
· House Shine (professional domestic cleaning): investment starting at €35,000, average turnover of €14,000/month.
· House Comfort (home support for the elderly): investment between €30,000 and €40,000, average return of 25%.
· Vangor (interior design): initial investment of €40,500, expected return within two years.
· Urban Obras (architecture and renovations): contribution of €41.5 thousand and average billing of €50 thousand/month.
All franchisees have access to comprehensive support that includes strategic consulting, business planning, proprietary CRM, lead generation, marketing actions, and ongoing operational monitoring.
"Our role goes beyond selling franchises. We work to ensure a safe transition for those who decide to do business outside Brazil. That's why we offer support from the brand selection to the day-to-day operations," says Cândido Mesquita. "The Brazilian doesn't start from zero; he arrives with baggage, purpose, and a desire to make a difference. And that is what is reshaping the future of entrepreneurship in Portugal," he concludes.
