If you’ve ever wished you could start a business, you’ve just hit the jackpot. Opportunities in the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) are currently booming, and 2025 will simply be the best time ever to start a business in BRICS.
Why? Ultimately, because BRICS are countries in the worldwide economy paving the way for future business. Here’s the reality: These five countries make up 40% of the global population (which is 3.2 billion potential buyers). Together, they have a GDP of almost $28 trillion and that’s expanding more quickly than most Western economies.
There are new government policies making it easier than ever for startups to enter the market. In this guide, we’ll cover why BRICS is the future of business, what industries to watch out for, how to register a company as well as funding process.
Let’s get right into it!
Table of contents
Why Should you Start a Business in BRICS?
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The reason why entrepreneurs are so interested in the BRICS countries is quite simple — they’re fast-growing, business-friendly, and teeming with opportunities. Here’s the hard data:
- BRICS accounts for 32% of global GDP as opposed to the G7 (at 30%).
- Economic forecasts say that by 2050 BRICS could account for half of the world economy.
- China and India are two of world’s fastest growing economies, with country-specific GDP growth rates of 5-7% per annum
- Huge Customer Base – With 3.2 billion people in BRICS, it’s a massive market that’s still booming.
- Lower Expenses – Gas, rent, and wages are all much lower than in Western countries.
- Rapid Expansion – BRICS startups have the potential to scale quickly due to the increasing demand for technological solutions, green energy, and consumer goods.
- Government Support – A number of BRICS governments have startup-friendly policies like launching grants, tax cuts, and funding programs to promote entrepreneurship.
- Digital Transformation – BRICS countries are experiencing massive development in fintech, AI, and e-commerce which is facilitating starting online businesses.
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Why Should you Make this move in 2025?
The post 2020 world has changed business — and BRICS is showing how with:
- Huge investments in startups and small businesses
- Relaxed rules to attract foreign entrepreneurs.
- Increasing middle-class populations that are demanding new products and services.
If you’ve been waiting till the right moment to start a business in BRICS, this is it
Which Are the Best Business Opportunities in BRICS?
Now that you know why BRICS is where it’s at, let’s see what industries are exploding in each of these countries.
Tech & Software Development (India & China)
India has more than 90,000 startups, and unicorns (billion-dollar startups) are emerging every month.
China’s AI and fintech are dominating the world, with billions of dollars of investments pouring in.
Why start here? Affordable talent, a huge consumer market, and government backing.
Good Health and Wellbeing (Brazil & South Africa)
Brazil is the third largest producer of renewable energy, while South Africa is pushing heavily toward solar and wind power.
Investors have never been investing in eco-friendly startups as ever before.
Why start here? Sustainable business models to extend globally by BRICS
E-Commerce & Digital Payments (China & India)
China’s e-commerce sales reach $3.3 trillion in 2023, the biggest online market in the world;
With $1.5 trillion worth of UPI transactions annually, India is the fastest-growing digital payments market.
Big Manufacturing & Export (Russia & China)
China is already the world’s factory, and Russia is increasing exports of raw materials, machinery, and defense items.
Why start here? These countries can reduce global production costs for businesses that manufacture in the BRICS.
Agribusiness & Food Tech (Brazils & Indians)
Among the BRICS nations, Brazil is the single largest food exporter, while India is leading in agri-tech innovations.
Why start here? Businesses in this sector are poised to profit by billions as global food demand continues to climb.
No matter which industry you get excited about, BRICS has a high-growth market just waiting for you. Some of the best industries to break into right now are tech, green energy, and e-commerce, but every sector is growing fast.
Check out: Careers of the Future: What Will Be Hot in 2030?
How Businesses Register in BRICS Countries?
Starting a company in the BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is more comfortable than ever because of the governmental policies that favors entrepreneurs. But every country has its own process, legal needs, and costs. Let’s break it down for each!
Brazil
Brazil is a great place to do business but its bureaucracy is tricky. Here’s what you need to do:
- Select Your Business Type – The majority of startups register as an LTDA (Limited Liability Company).
- Register Your company name – Check the name availability with the Board of Trade (Junta Comercial)
- CNPJ number — This is Brazil’s business tax ID which is issued by the Federal Revenue Service
- Register With Local Authorities – You’ll require state and city agencies approvals (especially in case of retail or food companies).
- Business Bank Account – You need it to receive payments and manage finances.
- Get Required Licenses — You might need special environmental, health, or operational permits; this varies by industry.
Timeline: 10-30 days
Probable Price: $100–$300 for small organizations
Russia
Huge business opportunities still exist in Russia for both local and foreign entrepreneurs.
- Choose a Business Structure – Several startups opt for an LLC (OOO in Russian) or a Sole Proprietorship.
- Sign up with the Federal Tax Service (FTS) — this is mandatory and entails acquiring a tax ID (INN).
- A Russian Bank Account – Mandatory for all business in Russia
- VAT registration (If relevant) – You are required to register for VAT when you expect revenue in excess of $50,000 per annum.
- Apply for Licenses (If Required) – Special Licenses are applicable for Businesses in finance, healthcare, and food services.
Timeline: 7-14 days
Probable Price: $50–$200
India
This is facilitated by its Startup India initiative that has made Starting a business easier than ever in India.
- Private Limited Company (Pvt Ltd) / LLP Registration – Most common structures for startups
- Get a Director Identification Number (DIN) & Digital Signature Certificate (DSC) – To sign official documents
- Obtain your Corporate Identification Number (CIN) – To be done with the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
- GP (Goods & Services Tax) Register – Compulsory if your income per year exceeds $40,000
- Get a Business Bank Account – A must for any financial transaction.
Timeline: 7-20 days
Probable Price: $60–$250
China
China has a business-friendly environment but foreign companies need a local partner.
- Select Your Business Type – The most suitable type for a foreign national is a Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise (WFOE)
- Apply for a Business Name Approval — Must be made at the Administration for Industry and Commerce (AIC).
- Submit Registration Documents. This includes articles of association, ID copies, and financial documents.
- Get a Business License – Issued by SAIC (State Administration for Industry and Commerce)
- Register With Tax Authorities – Companies are required to pay taxes monthly.
- Set up a Chinese Business Bank Account – Mandatory for all transactions in China.
Timeline: 30-60 days
Probable Price t: $1,000–$3,000 (more paperwork for non-US businesses)
South Africa
South Africa is one of the easiest BRICS countries for newcomers to do business in is South Africa.
- Select Business Type– The majority of startups are registered as a Private Company (Pty Ltd).
- Get Your Business Registered with CIPC – You will register your business through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC).
- SARS Tax Reference Number – This is required for all businesses.
- Open Business Bank Account — Needed for financial operations.
- Get Licensed (If Required) – If you’re in mining, healthcare, or finance you may require additional licenses.
Timeline: 5-14 days
Probable Price: $30–$150
Other than China, hiring a local consultant or lawyer in most BRICS countries can accelerate the registration process and assist with tax compliance.
Check out: Top 10 Leading Business Opportunities In West Africa
Funding Your BRICS Startup
So now you have a business idea but where’s the money coming from? You don’t have to worry too much. BRICS has a whole universe of funding sources, ranging from government grants to venture capital. The most people that can help you with funding when you are starting a business in BRICS are-
Government Grants and Startup Programs
Most BRICS governments provide grants, subsidies, and tax incentives to support new SMEs.
- Brazil – Tools FINEP (financing innovation in Brazil) and BNDES (Brazilian Development Bank) support tech startups, green energy and export businesses.
- Russia – Host of the Skolkovo Innovation Center that provides tax breaks and funding for high-tech companies.
- India – Operates Startup India, which provides a range of tax breaks, government loans and grants to startups.
- China – Cities like Shenzhen and Shanghai have startup incubation programs run by local governments.
- South Africa – Has the SEFA program, which gives low-interest loans to small businesses.
Venture Capital (VC) and Angel Investors
Anyone can get VC funding, which you can get if you have a scalable idea. So what are some of the largest, most notable VC firms in the BRICS countries?
- Kaszek Ventures (Brazil) – Fintech, e-commerce, & SaaS startups.
- Octo Note: DST Global (Russia) – Invested in facebook, Twitter and Alibaba.
- Sequoia Capital India – One of the biggest investors in Indians startups such as OYO and Zomato.
- Hillhouse Capital (China) – Invested in ByteDance (TikTok), JD. com, and Tencent.
- Knife Capital (SA) – Focuses on early stage tech startups
Bank Loans and Alternative Lending
If you want to avoid giving away equity, bank loans are another good option.
- Brazil’s BNDES Bank — Provides low-interest loans forsmall businesses.
- Russia’s VEB Bank — Provides funding for export and tech startups.
- SIDBI Bank in India – Offers low interest loans for startups.
- China’s ICBC Bank – Provides loans for manufacturing and e-commerce startups.
- Standard Bank of South Africa – Provides funds for local and international businesses.
Crowd funding and startup competitions
In Brazil, India, and South Africa, platforms like Kickstarter, Indiegogo, and GoFundMe operate, while China has its own crowdfunding platforms such as JD Crowdfunding.
Check out: Top Lenders Offering Unsecured Business Loans in 2025
Challenges, Risks and Success Tactics for Starting a Business in BRICS
Starting a business in BRICS is exciting but it’s not all a smooth sail either. Bureaucracy, competition from the market, and financial risks can be big challenges. But don’t worry! In this post, we’re going to break down the biggest challenges and explain how you can overcome them like a pro.
Complex Regulations and Bureaucracy
- Brazil– Setting up a business can be time-consuming due to complicated tax laws and licensing.
- Russia – Cumbersome paperwork and constant regulatory changes can hinder operations.
- India – It may take a long time to find permits and approvals in some domains (primarily real estate and finance)
- China– Restrictive for foreign businesses, navigate through customized local partnerships.
- South Africa – Quick business registration and challenging compliance with tax and labor laws.
Solution: Bring on a local expert (lawyer/accountant) to help you get organized in the system and expedite the registrations.
Market competition and cultural limits
Understanding cultural differences are key — what worked in Brazil will not necessarily work in India or in China.
Solution: Conduct market research, normalize local trends, table local talents for better insights of consumer behavior.
Accessibility of Funding and Currency Variability
BRICS currencies can be volatile (particularly in Brazil and South Africa), rendering foreign investments risky.
Some community banks are reluctant to lend to startups that cannot show a strong financial track record.
Solution: Seek the government-backed funding and look to local venture capital firms, eventual international investors.
Infrastructure and Logistics Issues
There can be traffic jams and shipping delays in Brazil and India. In addition, supply chains can be affected by Russia’s weather conditions.
Solution: Tech-driven logistics, local suppliers, and backup power solutions.
Strategies for Successful Reach to the BRICS Market
- Familiarize Yourself with the Local Ecosystem – Understand legal regulations, market dynamics, and cultural preferences.
- Develop Strong Partnerships with Local Businesses – Increases speed of approvals and brand trust.
- Use Digital & Mobile Markets – WeChat & TikTok ads are more effective in China.
- Apply for Government Incentives – A number of BRICS states provide grants, tax breaks, and funding for startups,
- Create a Robust Business Model – Prepare for currency volatility, inflation, and changes in policies.
Conclusion
To start a business in BRICS countries is not difficult, you just need the right foundation. BRICS countries provide great growth opportunities, low costs and varied markets. There are challenges — regulations, currency issues and competition — but smart planning is everything. With the right application of government incentives, cultural trends, and digitalization, you can make your business flourish.
You should read: Jobs in BRICS Nations: Best Industries to Watch in 2025
FAQs
Which BRICS nation is the most business friendly?
South Africa has the fastest business registration process, which only takes 5 - 14 days.
Are government grants available for foreign founders in BRICS countries?
Yes! Alternatives: India, Brazil and China, India, Brazil and China offer startup funding to foreigners, but local partnerships may be required.
Is business mainly conducted in English in BRICS countries?
In India and South Africa, yes. In Brazil, Russia and China expect language barriers. However, you can get local translators provided.
Is taxation in BRICS countries considered high for businesses?
Brazil and India have complex tax systems, whereas Russia and South Africa have lower corporate taxes.
References
- Financier Worldwide– Avoiding roadblocks to start a business in BRICs
- JIMS Kalkaji– Ease of doing business in BRICS Nations
