Understanding Brazilian Migrant Entrepreneurship in Portugal: Motivations, Barriers, and Policy Implications

This study examines the entrepreneurial activities of Brazilian migrants in Portugal, focusing on their motivations,challenges, and policy implications. It addresses two central research questions: What are the key motivations and barriersfor Brazilian migrant entrepreneurs in Portugal? And how can policy interventions enhance their business success? Based on58 interviews and secondary data, the study uses thematic qualitative analysis. The findings are grouped in twoentrepreneurial profiles: opportunity-driven and necessity-driven. Opportunity-driven entrepreneurs typically migrate withcapital, prior experience, and strategic business plans. They often launch scalable ventures in sectors such as consulting, IT,and gastronomy, leveraging networks, education, and foresight. Conversely, necessity-driven entrepreneurs transition intoself-employment after low-skilled employment, pushed by limited job prospects and Portugal’s relatively low minimum wage(under €900). These ventures are concentrated in labour-intensive, low-margin sectors like retail and construction, oftenfacing barriers related to financing, bureaucracy, and informality. Findings show that both groups are motivated by economicinstability, violence, and a declining quality of life in Brazil. Portugal is perceived as a safe and accessible destination, offeringbetter education, public services, and long-term stability. While opportunity-driven entrepreneurs benefit from EU marketaccess and time zone advantages, necessity-driven ones rely heavily on informal networks and face greater difficulty informalizing their businesses. Despite these disparities, Brazilian entrepreneurs contribute significantly to the Portugueseeconomy by generating employment, revitalizing neighbourhoods, and enriching cultural diversity. The study underscoresthe importance of differentiated policy frameworks: European market integration and investment incentives for high-growthventures, and simplified regulations, microcredit, training, and community-based support for subsistence-level businesses.These insights are valuable for policymakers, incubators, and scholars focused on migrant entrepreneurship and inclusivedevelopment. Addressing structural barriers can further unlock the entrepreneurial potential of Brazil’s growing diaspora inPortugal.