- Choose the platform that suits your profile (Pocket Option offers a simplified process)
- Perform the international funds transfer (1.1% IOF)
- Select stocks according to your dividend strategy
- Monitor and reinvest received dividends to maximize returns
Investing in international dividend-paying stocks is no longer a privilege for the few. In 2025, ordinary Brazilians are creating income streams in dollars, euros, and other strong currencies with these assets. This advice covers practical strategies, taxes, and the best U.S. dividend-paying stocks to protect your assets from Brazilian inflation.
Diversifying your portfolio with international stocks that pay dividends has become an essential strategy for Brazilian investors. This approach protects assets from local volatility. It also builds passive income in strong currencies. In the current scenario, the Brazilian market represents only 2% of the global stock market. Limiting yourself to national companies means losing significant opportunities for returns and diversification.
Why invest in foreign stocks that pay dividends?
Investment in foreign stocks that pay dividends protects your assets in critical moments. In the last decade, when the real devalued 45% against the dollar, investors exposed only to the Brazilian market saw their international purchasing power drastically decrease. Meanwhile, those who maintained 30% in US stocks that pay dividends not only preserved capital but increased their passive income in real terms.
Many international companies have a much more consistent dividend distribution culture than Brazilian ones. In the United States, there are the “Dividend Aristocrats”. These are companies that have consecutively increased their dividends for 25 years or more. This demonstrates a long-term commitment to shareholder remuneration.
| Advantage | Description | Impact for Brazilian investors | Historical data (2015-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Currency protection | Dividends paid in strong currency (mainly dollar) | Protection against devaluation of the real | Average of 7% p.a. in additional gain from dollar appreciation |
| Historical consistency | Tradition of decades of growing payments | Greater predictability of passive income | 93% of Dividend Aristocrats maintained dividends even during the pandemic |
| Sector diversification | Access to sectors under-represented in B3 | Reduction of specific risk of the Brazilian economy | 25% reduction in total portfolio volatility with 30% international exposure |
| Global exposure | Companies with operations in multiple countries | Indirect benefit from the growth of diverse economies | S&P 500 companies obtain on average 40% of their revenues outside the US |
A third fundamental aspect is sector diversification. The Brazilian market is historically concentrated in commodities, banks, and utilities. In contrast, US stocks that pay dividends cover sectors such as technology, healthcare, and discretionary consumption. These companies have a strong global presence. This exposure to different economic sectors significantly reduces portfolio risk.
Data from Pocket Option shows concrete results. Brazilian investors who allocated 30% of their portfolios to international stocks that pay dividends reduced volatility by 25%. This reduction was especially notable during local market crises in 2020 and 2022. During the March 2020 crash, portfolios with international exposure had 18% lower losses than purely Brazilian portfolios.
How to access international stocks that pay dividends from Brazil
Accessing foreign stocks that pay dividends is a simple 4-step process:
There are several alternatives available today. Each has its particularities in costs, ease of operation, and tax treatment. The right choice depends on your investor profile and financial goals.
Platforms and brokers for international investment
Brazilian investors can access international stocks that pay dividends through different channels. Pocket Option offers an integrated platform that facilitates this access. But there are also other alternatives in the market, each with specific characteristics.
| Access method | Advantages | Disadvantages | Best for | Suggested minimum investment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| International brokers | Direct access, lower costs per operation | Tax complexity, documentation in English | Experienced investors | US$ 5,000 (≈ R$ 25,000) |
| BDRs (on B3) | Simplicity, operation in reais | Limited selection, higher costs | Beginners in the international market | R$ 1,000 |
| International investment funds | Professional management, diversification | Management fees, less control | Investors with less available time | R$ 500-1,000 (varies by fund) |
| Pocket Option | Portuguese interface, local support, simplified taxation | Some currency conversion fees | Investors who value practicality | R$ 3,000 |
Among the available options, integrated platforms like Pocket Option gained 43% more Brazilian users in 2024. This growth happens due to the more fluid experience, Portuguese interface, and local support. Also due to simplification in account opening processes and tax declaration.
Tax aspects for Brazilian investors
Taxation is fundamental when investing in international stocks that pay dividends. In Brazil, dividends are exempt for individuals. In the US and many other countries, there is withholding tax at source.
Practical example: If you receive $1,000 in dividends from American stocks, there will be a $150 withholding at source (15%). You will declare R$ 5,000 (considering an exchange rate of R$ 5.00) as ‘Exempt and Non-Taxable Income’ in the Brazilian income tax return. The tax withheld in the US cannot be recovered or offset in Brazil.
- In the US: 30% withholding on dividends paid to foreigners, reduced to 15% for Brazilian residents thanks to the agreement to avoid double taxation
- In Brazil: 15% income tax on net gain in sales of foreign stocks above R$ 35,000.00 per month
- For BDRs: similar treatment to Brazilian stocks (exemption on dividends and 15% on capital gain)
- Annual declaration: all foreign investments must be declared in the income tax return
Pocket Option provides a detailed tax specific calculators. These tools facilitate the correct declaration of these investments and maximize tax efficiency within the law.
Main US stocks that pay dividends to diversify your portfolio
The American market offers a wide range of stocks that pay dividends. Many have a history of decades of growing payments. US stocks that pay dividends are particularly attractive to Brazilians for three main reasons: company solidity, protection from American regulation, and high market liquidity.
| Company | Sector | Years of consecutive increase | Current Dividend Yield | Total Return (5 years) | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) | Health | 60+ | 2.7% | 38% | One of only two American companies with AAA credit rating |
| Procter & Gamble (PG) | Basic Consumption | 65+ | 2.4% | 52% | Increased dividends even during the Great Depression |
| Realty Income (O) | REITs | 28+ | 5.3% | 29% | Pays monthly dividends, ideal for constant income |
| Enterprise Products (EPD) | Energy | 24+ | 7.2% | 45% | High yield with favorable tax structure (MLP) |
| Microsoft (MSFT) | Technology | 19+ | 0.9% | 312% | Low yield, but explosive dividend growth (12% p.a.) |
Beyond the classic Dividend Aristocrats, there are “hidden gems” like Realty Income (O) that pays monthly dividends with a yield of 5.3%, or Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) with impressive 7.2% per year. Pocket Option has identified that these less-known companies frequently offer superior yields with manageable risks.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, Pocket Option analyses show that in certain economic cycles, focusing on just 5-7 carefully selected dividend-paying companies can outperform excessively diversified portfolios with 20+ companies. This occurs because excessive diversification often leads to the inclusion of mediocre companies, diluting the performance of true dividend champions.
International stocks that pay dividends: Comparison between global markets
A balanced global portfolio for Brazilian investors in 2025 could include:
- 40% in US stocks that pay dividends (focus on technology and healthcare)
- 20% in European stocks (focus on consumer goods and luxury)
- 15% in British stocks (focus on energy and finance)
- 15% in Canadian and Australian stocks (exposure to natural resources)
- 10% in Asian stocks (diversification and growth)
This distribution, according to Pocket Option analyses, would have consistently outperformed Brazilian inflation over the last 15 years. This performance was maintained even during periods of strong currency devaluation.
| Market | Dividend characteristics | Average Dividend Yield | Advantages for Brazilians | Highlight companies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States | Quarterly payments, consistent growth | 1.5-2.5% | High liquidity, facilitated access | Apple, Microsoft, Johnson & Johnson |
| Canada | High yields in natural resources | 3.0-4.0% | Exposure to commodities with solid governance | Enbridge, BCE, Bank of Nova Scotia |
| United Kingdom | Semi-annual payments, high yields | 3.5-4.5% | Global companies with superior yields | British American Tobacco, GSK, BP |
| Australia | System of franking credits | 4.0-5.0% | Correlation with commodities, familiar to Brazilians | BHP Group, Fortescue, Commonwealth Bank |
| Japan | Growing culture of shareholder remuneration | 2.0-3.0% | Low correlation with Western markets | Toyota, NTT, Nippon Telegraph |
Each market has its particularities in economic cycles, sector exposure, and taxation. A global investment strategy in foreign stocks that pay dividends leverages these differences to build a truly resilient portfolio for different economic scenarios.
A frequently underestimated risk is the “dividend capture”. It occurs when companies with a long tradition of growing dividends are forced to cut them due to structural changes in their sectors. The case of General Electric, which drastically reduced its dividends in 2018 after more than 100 years of payments, serves as a warning. To mitigate this risk, Pocket Option recommends limiting exposure to 5% per company.
Strategies to maximize returns with international dividends
Investing in foreign stocks that pay dividends requires more than selecting companies with high yields. Well-developed strategies enhance returns and mitigate specific risks of this type of investment.
- Dividend Growth: Focus on companies with consistent dividend growth (10%+ per year), such as Visa and Microsoft
- High Yield: Concentration in traditional high-dividend sectors, such as REITs (5-6%) and MLPs (6-8%)
- Dividend Champions: Selection of companies with 25+ years of consecutive increases, such as Coca-Cola and Procter & Gamble
- Dog of the Dow: Investment in the 10 Dow Jones companies with the highest yield, rebalancing annually
Automatic dividend reinvestment is crucial and frequently underestimated. Historical data from Pocket Option shows that reinvesting dividends can represent more than 40% of long-term total return. An investment of R$ 100,000 with a 3% yield reinvested over 20 years at an annual growth of 8% would result in R$ 559,000, versus R$ 351,000 without reinvestment.
| Strategy | Investor profile | Recommended horizon | Allocation example | Historical return (10 years) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dividend growth | Growth/Accumulation | 10+ years | 70% dividend growers, 30% high yield | 9-11% p.a. |
| High yield | Income/Retirement | 5+ years | 70% high yield, 30% dividend growers | 7-9% p.a. |
| Dividend Aristocrats | Conservative/Preservation | 15+ years | 80% aristocrats, 20% dividend growers | 8-10% p.a. |
| Balanced strategy | Moderate/Balanced | 7+ years | 40% aristocrats, 30% high yield, 30% growers | 8.5-10.5% p.a. |
For Brazilian investors, the tax aspect deserves special attention. In some cases, it is more efficient to keep high-dividend stocks in accounts with favorable tax treatment. Growth stocks can stay in regular accounts. Pocket Option offers specialized consulting to optimize this structuring within legality.
Foreign stocks that pay dividends: Risks and considerations
Despite the multiple advantages, investing in foreign stocks that pay dividends also involves specific risks. These risks need to be understood and properly managed.
- Currency risk: The real oscillated between R$ 3.70 and R$ 5.80 per dollar in the last 5 years, directly affecting returns
- Regulatory differences: Each country has its own corporate governance rules
- Tax complexity: Taxes in multiple jurisdictions can reduce net returns by 15-30%
- Geopolitical risk: International tensions affect specific markets (e.g., conflicts in Eastern Europe and the Middle East)
- Operational costs: Brokerage fees (0.5-2%), custody ($2-10/month), and currency conversion (1-3%)
One of the most subtle risks is “home bias”. It’s the tendency for investors to feel more comfortable with local companies they know better. Pocket Option analyses demonstrate that this psychological comfort often leads to overly concentrated and riskier portfolios.
International diversification should be seen as a continuous learning process. Start with known global companies like Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, and Microsoft. Then gradually expand your investment horizon. This progressive strategy has proven effective for Brazilian investors exploring international stocks that pay dividends.
The role of Pocket Option in accessing international investments
For many Brazilians, the main challenge when investing in foreign stocks that pay dividends is not selecting companies. It’s overcoming operational, linguistic, and tax barriers. Pocket Option has developed specific solutions for these challenges.
| Service | Description | Benefit for the investor | Estimated savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Integrated platform | Access to 12 global markets in a single interface | Operational simplification, consolidated statements | 3-5 hours monthly of management |
| Tax advisory | Guidance and tools for international declaration | Tax compliance and optimization | R$ 1,500-3,000/year in consultations |
| Recommended portfolios | 5 thematic portfolios of dividend-paying stocks | Starting point for international diversification | Up to 2% p.a. in optimized return |
| Automatic reinvestment | Programmed dividend reinvestment system | Maximization of the compound interest effect | 30-40% more assets after 20 years |
| Integrated exchange | Automatic conversion with reduced spreads | Cost reduction in international operations | 1-2% per exchange operation |
Pocket Option recorded a 78% increase in interest in US stocks that pay dividends among Brazilian investors in 2024. This growth was especially notable after Brazilian fiscal instability at the end of 2023. This trend reflects the growing maturity of the national investor, who seeks protection against systemic risks of the local market.
Beyond the technological platform, Pocket Option promotes weekly webinars and specific courses on international dividends. This specialized educational content promotes a deeper understanding of the nuances of international investment. It also helps investors overcome “home bias” with confidence and technical knowledge.
Conclusion: Building a global dividend strategy
Investing in international stocks that pay dividends represents a natural evolution for the Brazilian investor. This strategy builds assets with lower volatility and greater resilience to local economic cycles. The combination of currency protection, sector diversification, and exposure to developed economies creates a solid foundation for consistent wealth.
Global markets offer a universe of opportunities beyond Brazilian borders. There are centennial companies that maintain traditions of payment and dividend increases for decades. US stocks that pay dividends are generally the entry point for many investors. But a truly global strategy also incorporates European, Asian, and other developed market companies.
Start your journey into international stocks that pay dividends today with just three steps:
- Open your account at Pocket Option in less than 10 minutes
- Transfer R$ 5,000 to start your international portfolio
- Select at least 5 stocks from different countries and sectors from our recommended portfolio
Thousands of Brazilians have already achieved their financial independence with international dividends. In a world of economic uncertainties, having part of your assets generating income in strong currencies is no longer an option – it’s a strategic necessity for long-term capital preservation and growth.
Pocket Option positions itself as a strategic partner in this journey of investment internationalization. We offer not only the infrastructure to access these markets but also educational and advisory support. Thus, the Brazilian investor navigates with confidence in the universe of foreign stocks that pay dividends, building a consistent source of passive income that can protect and expand their assets for decades.
FAQ
What are the main advantages of investing in international stocks that pay dividends for Brazilians?
The main advantages include: currency protection against the devaluation of the real (average of 7% p.a. in the last 10 years), exposure to sectors under-represented in Brazil (such as advanced technology and healthcare), access to companies with a secular tradition of payments (some with more than 60 years of consecutive increases), geographic risk diversification, and potential for passive income in strong currency even during local crises.
How does the taxation of dividends received from foreign stocks work in practice?
For a Brazilian who receives $1,000 in dividends from American stocks, there is an automatic withholding of $150 (15%) at source. The remaining $850 is converted and deposited in your account. In Brazil, you declare the total amount (R$ 5,000, assuming an exchange rate of R$ 5.00) as "Exempt and Non-Taxable Income" in the income tax return. The tax already paid in the US cannot be recovered or offset. For profitable sales, a 15% income tax applies on capital gains above R$ 35,000/month.
Which international dividend strategy has presented the best results in the last 5 years?
The hybrid strategy has presented the best results, with an average return of 10.5% p.a. in the last 5 years. This approach combines 40% in Dividend Aristocrats (companies with 25+ years of consecutive increases), 30% in high-yield stocks (REITs and utilities), and 30% in stocks with high dividend growth (mainly technology). Pocket Option offers this model portfolio with quarterly rebalancing for its clients.
How can I start investing in foreign stocks that pay dividends with just R$ 5,000?
With R$ 5,000 you can already start through Pocket Option by selecting 3-5 dividend-paying companies. The process is simple: 1) Open your online account in 10 minutes, 2) Send basic documents (ID and proof of address), 3) Transfer funds via bank transfer, 4) Convert to dollars on the platform itself, 5) Select stocks from our recommended portfolio for beginners. For smaller amounts, consider starting with BDRs on B3 or international investment funds.
What are the specific risks of investing in international stocks that pay dividends and how to minimize them?
The main risks include: currency fluctuations (which can reduce returns in reais), unexpected dividend cuts (as occurred with several companies during the pandemic), regulatory differences between countries, and high operational costs. To minimize these risks, it is recommended to: diversify among 8-12 companies from different sectors and countries, prioritize "Dividend Aristocrats" with proven track record, limit exposure to 5% per company, use platforms with competitive costs like Pocket Option, and adopt a regular investment strategy to take advantage of different entry points.