Open a language school

I presume you are aware that in order to open an acredited school (i.e. one that may actually give a grade or some kind of meaningful certificate to students) a foreign national may not be the sole owner or register the business in his/her name. Schools are required to have a Brazilian partner and the business must be registered to a Brazilian.

I never knew this until I became friendly with a British gentleman in São Paulo (former diplomat) who had lived in Brazil for 20 years, had a Brazilian wife and two Brazilian children. He had never naturalized as a Brazilian citizen, so he had to register the school in the name of his wife.

If you intend simply to give private classes teaching languages "in-company" or residental classes then you really don't need to do anything beyond recruit students. You are essentially not even operating a business, but rather providing a service on a private basis.

Regarding anyone specialized in the field I really don't know if one exists. Almost any lawyer or accountant can advise you regarding business start-up, but for schools?????? I really don't think so.

I don't know if there is any way to get around the non-Brazilian ownership even if you were to purchase a franchise of a nationally known language school. Perhaps they could advise you on that point.

Cheers,
William James Woodward, Expat-blog Experts Team

There a quite a lot of opportunities in Brazil but this market is overcrowded. Between national franchises, small local schools and private teachers (non declared), you would need to have something very special to develop a successfull business.
Concerning your question about a consultant who could give you advice, well, I think you should check first by yourself at SEBRAE which is a national public organisation in charge to help new business (like a chamber of commerce for small businesses). There website is great and they have got branches in all brazilians cities. They have consultants that you can meet for free, specialized in all industries. This should be first step for any entrepreneurs.

If you're really interested, I'm thinking about selling my language program - it's been in business since 2001. It will facilitate you getting into the Market asap and you'll be able to take advantage of my cliente base.

Please feel free to contact me if this interests you.

Best Regards,

Dimas

Hello, James,   you seem to be well acquainted with Brazil.      we live in Pindamonhangaba, SP.  we have two teeagers at home,  we are still trying to get used to Brazil.   Sometimes it feel like we are in a new planet,  not in  a new country.  Do you know other expats near our town?

Marcio
James has passed away, but left us with some of his greatest gifts (knowledge) on this site.
I have been here for years and something new seems to happen everyday. Language is the biggest thing to over come. It is very different world from which we know in North America, but there are many kind people to be found.
Keep tabs on the SP forum (and Brazil forum). There are many near you.

Sorry to hear about James´passing away.     Thanks for your insight.   Brazil and Brazilians have lots to offer,  I gotta learn to adjust and I will  act on your tip.

Hi there,
As a Native English Professor, I'm looking for a partner to open a Specialized English School, please keep me posted.

I teach English online for a company in the U.S. but because they require me to teach from within the U.S. I have opened my own private company where I am taking my own students with no location rules. I'm hoping to expand to offering an English immersion program once travel post-COVID is easier. I use Zoom for my private lessons and it is going well. Is this similar to what you are doing, and which city in Brazil are you in? My background is six years TEFL for Education First, prior to that 20 years university teaching legal writing and other law courses, also 30 years as an immigration lawyer. Hope to chat soon, Deborah

I'm in Rio for now, but anywhere in Brazil could be an option. I'm a Specialized English Professor on Careers Cluster and having all books available. I have +20 years experience in teaching, and in many countries as well. Please keep me posted my email *** and contact, and what's up # is ***

Do you guys realize that that thread is from 2014? It's old enough to go to school