The BNDES is the main financial support instrument in Brazil for investments in all economic sectors. The Bank allocates special resources, preferably in the form of long-term funding and shareholdings, in addition to supporting undertakings that contribute to economical and social development.

Find out more about the BNDES’ financial support mechanisms.


For more information on investments of foreign companies in Brazil, visit the web site of the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency - Apex Brazil.

Who is entitled to request financial support?

The dynamic nature of the modern economic system encourages the BNDES to invest not only in large-scale projects, but also in undertakings by micro, small and medium-sized companies, individuals and public administration agencies.  As such, the Bank has made access to credit more universal, and thus contributes to fostering the advance of the economy and, consequently, to generating jobs and income.

Please check the requisites to become a BNDES client.

Requests can be made directly with the BNDES or with an agent institution. However, owing to the fact that the BNDES does not have agencies, the majority of operations are carried out indirectly through a partnership with a network of accredited financial institutions located nationwide. These agents may be commercial, public or private banks, development agencies or cooperatives. In indirect operations, the Bank reallocates financial resources to accredited agents, which are responsible for credit analysis and approval.

It is also possible to request mixed support, which combines the two models above.

BNDES’ Operation Areas

The BNDES’ support aims at implementing, modernizing or expanding undertakings of companies from almost all economic sectors.

Investments eligible for support include: Innovation, the Environment, Culture, Infrastructure, Industry, Export of Brazilian machinery, equipment and services, among others.

Only the economic sectors identified below cannot receive support from the BNDES:

• banking/financial activities;
• weapon trade;
• motels, saunas and establishments for adult entertainment; and
• gambling and the like.