Working in Brazil
General Information
Number of occupational therapists in Brazil
25,000
Main language(s) spoken in Brazil
Portuguese
Registration
Occupational therapists are required to register with a federal/national organisation to practice
Required
Occupational therapists are required to register with a state/regional organisation to practice
Required
It is compulsory to join the Associação Brasileira dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais (ABRATO) in order to practice as an occupational therapist
No
Practicing Requirements
Graduation from a WFOT approved programme is required to register to practice
No
There are curriculum guidelines approved by the Ministry of Education. These guidelines, however, contemplate the minimum standards recommended by the WFOT.
Language(s) that are required for occupational therapists to practice
Portuguese
Employment Opportunities
Occupational therapy is recognised as a shortage occupation
Yes
Sources of information for occupational therapist employment opportunities
Immigration
Immigration regulations or visa requirements to practice
Occupational Therapy Assistants
Occupational therapy assistants exist in Brazil
No
Disclaimer: This information was provided by Associação Brasileira dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais (ABRATO) and was last updated on 14th July 2025. WFOT is not liable for any inaccuracies, omissions, or changes in the information provided. This information is intended as a guide and should be independently verified before making any decisions.
Definition of Occupational Therapy in Brazil
Associação Brasileira dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais (ABRATO)'s definition of occupational therapy in own language
É um campo de conhecimento e de intervenção em saúde, educação e na esfera social, reunindo tecnologias orientadas para a emancipação e autonomia de pessoas que, por razões ligadas a problemática específica (físicas, sensoriais, mentais, psicológicas e ou sociais), apresentam temporária ou definitivamente dificuldade na inserção e participação na vida social. As intervenções em Terapia Ocupacional dimensionam-se pelo uso da atividade, elemento centralizador e orientador, na construção complexa e contextualizada do processo terapêutico.
Associação Brasileira dos Terapeutas Ocupacionais (ABRATO)'s definition of occupational therapy in English
Occupational Therapy is a field of knowledge and intervention in health, education, and in the social sphere, bringing together technologies oriented to the emancipation and autonomy of people who, for reasons related to specific problems (physical, sensorial, mental, psychological, and/or social), present temporary or permanent difficulties in inclusion and participation in social life. The interventions in Occupational Therapy are dimensioned by the use of the activity, a centralizing and guiding element, in the complex and contextualized construction of the therapeutic process.
Definition date: May 2017
Publications
Brazilian Journal of Occupational Therapy
It is intended for the dissemination of unpublished work from original scientific research in the field of Occupational Therapy, in dialogue with the areas of Health, Education, Culture and Social Service, as well as Occupational Science.
Education Programmes
WFOT Approved Programmes in Brazil
20