Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT): Who Qualifies and What You Get
Learn about the fundamental labor protections in Brazil, including vacation rights, salary bonuses, and severance benefits for formal employees.
The Consolidação das Leis do Trabalho (CLT) is the primary set of laws that governs formal employment relationships in Brazil. It establishes the mandatory rights and duties for both workers and employers.
Who it's for
This scheme applies to formal employees who work under a signed employment contract.
What you get
As a protected employee, you are entitled to several specific benefits. This includes a yearly 13th salary, paid time off for vacations, a severance fund (FGTS), and various protections regarding your termination from a job.
What it costs you
While these benefits provide security, they come at a cost to your take-home pay. A portion of your gross salary is deducted to cover high payroll taxes and social security contributions.
The catch to know
To ensure you are compensated correctly for extra hours, you must keep meticulous records of your overtime.
How to apply
- Secure a formal employment contract with an employer.
- Ensure your employer registers your employment in your official work booklet.
- Monitor your pay stubs to verify that all mandatory deductions and benefits are being processed correctly.