Santa Catarina, One of the Most Competitive States in Brazil and Ready to Lead

The newly released 2025 Competitiveness Ranking of Brazilian States confirmed what forward-looking investors already know: Santa Catarina is one of the best places in Brazil to do business. The state once again secured the second position nationwide, just behind São Paulo and ahead of economic giants such as Minas Gerais and Rio de Janeiro.

For foreign companies and investors seeking stability, innovation and competitiveness, Santa Catarina stands out as a natural choice.

Why Santa Catarina leads in competitiveness

The ranking evaluates critical factors for business attraction including infrastructure, fiscal soundness, human capital, innovation, sustainability, education and public security. Santa Catarina performs consistently well across these dimensions. The state ranks first in public security and human capital, second in innovation and third in market potential. It has also advanced three positions in environmental sustainability. Importantly, the gap between Santa Catarina and São Paulo has narrowed, showing the state’s growing strength in competitiveness.

Northern Santa Catarina: Industrial and Technological Powerhouse

While Florianópolis is well known as a startup hub, Northern Santa Catarina is the region that truly showcases the state’s industrial and technological strength. Cities such as Joinville, Blumenau, Jaraguá do Sul and Itajaí form a strategic corridor where industry, technology and international trade converge.

-Joinville: largest city, multinationals, R&D and engineering hub.

-Blumenau: software and IT leader.

-Itajaí/Navegantes: dynamic port complexes, global connections.

-Jaraguá do Sul: diversified industry, advanced manufacturing.

This mix of technology, industry and logistics makes the region strategic for companies aiming to scale and export innovation worldwide.

Lower costs, higher quality of life

Santa Catarina offers strong economic performance plus a high standard of living. Above-average safety, healthcare and well-being translate into talent retention, low turnover and productivity.

A gateway for global investors

Brazil can be challenging, but Santa Catarina proves competitiveness, stability and innovation are possible. With industrial efficiency, tech excellence and world-class logistics, it is a prime platform for expansion in Latin America.

At Forvm, we guide international investors through this ecosystem, from opportunity analysis to operations. For companies seeking competitiveness in Brazil, Santa Catarina is the right place to start, and Forvm is the right partner to make it happen.