Minimum Wage Policy and Income Protection
Brazil’s labour priorities for 2026 place a strong focus on protecting workers’ income through the national minimum wage. In December 2025, the Ministry of Planning and Budget confirmed that the minimum wage would increase to BRL 1,621 from January 2026, with the new amount reflected in February payments. This update follows the formula set out under Law No. 14,663/2023, which ties wage increases to inflation measured by the INPC and to real GDP growth. According to the federal government, the intention behind this policy is to help preserve workers’ purchasing power, reduce income inequality and support domestic economic activity.
Strengthening Equal Pay Enforcement
A major focus heading into 2026 is Brazil’s continued push to make equal pay between men and women a practical reality. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has been expanding its audits and compliance checks under Law No. 14,611/2023. Employers must now maintain transparent pay structures and publish reports explaining their salary criteria. Government officials say these steps are meant to confront long‑standing gender wage gaps by embedding pay equality into everyday corporate practices and labour relations, while reinforcing the constitutional principle of equality in the workplace.
Psychosocial Health and Workplace Safety
Mental health has become an increasingly important part of Brazil’s workplace safety agenda. Through updates to Regulatory Norm No. 1 (NR 1), employers are now required to identify and address psychosocial risks such as excessive workloads, harassment, and work‑related stress. From 2026 onward, labour inspectors can issue penalties for non‑compliance. This marks a clear shift toward a more preventive and proactive approach to workplace health, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to improving worker well‑being.
Labour Governance and G20 Commitments
Brazil’s labour reforms for 2026 are also influenced by its international role, particularly through its leadership in the G20 Labour and Employment Working Group. Official communications emphasise Brazil’s support for decent work, fair regulation of new work models, reducing informality, and strengthening real minimum wage growth. According to the Ministry of Labour and Employment, these priorities align national labour policy with International Labour Organisation standards and are intended to promote more inclusive economic development as the country moves into 2026.
Leap29 Perspective
“Brazil’s labour reforms point to a clear shift in direction: expectations are being defined more precisely, rather than left open to interpretation. With a statute‑based minimum wage increase, firm pay transparency requirements, and enforceable obligations around mental‑health risk, the government is tightening standards while strengthening oversight. As a result, compliance increasingly depends on anticipating regulatory intent and aligning practices early, rather than managing issues only once disputes arise “. Simon Duff – Director Leap29
Leap29 EOR Services
As Brazil’s labour rules become more structured and closely enforced, Leap29 can support businesses stay focused on growth while navigating compliance with confidence. Our Brazil EOR Services manages employment contracts, payroll, statutory benefits, taxes, and visa processes in line with Brazilian labour law, acting as the legal employer on the ground, allowing businesses to respond quickly to regulatory change, reduce compliance risk, and hire local talent without the complexity of setting up a Brazilian entity.
