Portugal is already home to over 550,000 Brazilians living legally in the country, and this number continues to grow. For many immigrants, crossing the Atlantic represents not only a search for a better 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 forms of entrepreneurship.
It’s in this expanding landscape that companies like Grupo NBrand, the country’s largest franchise conglomerate, offer business opportunities in the areas of professional cleaning, home care for the elderly, architecture, interior design, and real estate. With over 200 units in operation, half of its franchisees are Brazilian—figures that reflect the group’s confidence in the strength of its business model and the support it offers.
“Portugal is an excellent gateway for Brazilians who want to start a business safely. Franchising offers structure, market validation, and comprehensive support, which makes all the difference in this transition. Brazilians arrive increasingly prepared, focused, and eager to thrive,” 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 Franchising Association (APF), in 2023 the franchising sector in Portugal generated 22 billion euros, achieving record growth of almost 30% compared to 2022. According to the organization, this strong performance represents 8.3% of the national GDP and generates more than 185,000 jobs in the different segments of these businesses.
Fernanda and Daniel Correia are real-life examples of Brazilian entrepreneurs leading this transformation in the sector. The couple left Brazil and invested in a branch of House Shine—a chain specializing in professional home cleaning—in the city of Leiria. In three years, the business has already reached €340,000 in revenue and consolidated its position as a benchmark in the region.
“We learned about the brand through a franchise portal and saw it as an opportunity to get started 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 that of Marcelo Barreto, who traded a 35-year career in the Brazilian financial market for entrepreneurship in Coimbra. In 2023, he opened his own branch of Vangor, an interior design franchise, and had revenue of €300,000 in 2024. In July of last year, Marcelo expanded his business with the acquisition of a branch of Urban Obras, a franchise specializing in architecture and renovations, creating a synergistic operation between the two brands.
“The franchises complement each other and deliver greater value to the customer. With the support of the NBrand Group, I was able to quickly structure the business and build a new phase in my life,” explains Marcelo.
Affordable models and consistent returns
The NBrand Group’s portfolio caters to a variety of entrepreneurial profiles. Initial investments start at €30,000, with return periods ranging from 18 to 24 months. Here are some highlights:
· House Shine (professional domestic cleaning): investment from €35,000, average revenue of €14,000/month.
· House Comfort (home support for the elderly): investment between €30,000 and €40,000, average profitability of 25%.
· Vangor (interior design): initial investment of €40.5 thousand, expected return within two years.
· Urban Obras (architecture and renovations): contribution of €41.5 thousand and average revenue of €50 thousand/month.
All franchisees receive comprehensive support, including strategic consulting, a business plan, proprietary CRM, lead generation, marketing initiatives, and ongoing operational monitoring.
“Our role goes beyond selling franchises. We work to ensure a safe transition for those who decide to start a business outside of Brazil. Therefore, we offer support from brand selection to day-to-day operations,” says Cândido Mesquita. “Brazilians don’t start from scratch; they arrive with experience, purpose, and a desire to make a difference. And this is what is reshaping the future of entrepreneurship in Portugal,” he concludes.
