How to Buy Apple and Google Stocks Through the Brazilian Stock Exchange - You'll get a simple understanding of what BDRs are and how they represent Apple and Google shares on B3.
You'll see the main advantages and limitations, the risks (such as exchange rates and liquidity), costs and taxes, the step-by-step process for opening an account and buying, and how to choose the right broker with practical tips for getting started safely.
Key Takeaways
- Buy BDRs to have Apple and Google in your wallet.
- Check fees and taxes before investing.
- Consider the exchange rate risk that can affect your returns.
- Diversify and don't put all your money in these two stocks.
- Choose a reliable broker and keep up with company news.
Understand what BDRs are and the difference between BDRs and American shares
BDRs (Brazilian Depositary Receipts) are certificates traded on B3 that represent shares issued by companies abroad. To understand the basic definition and operation of BDRs, see an introductory guide on what is BDR.
This allows you to invest in Apple and Google without opening an account outside Brazil. Trading is done in reais, by your broker, and prices follow foreign stocks, adjusted for exchange rates and fees.
A diferença prática entre um BDR e uma ação americana é a forma de acesso. Com a ação americana você negocia nos EUA, lida com dólar, custódia internacional e horários diferentes — para saber mais sobre investir no exterior consulte o material sobre how to invest abroad.
With the BDR, you buy on B3, with local settlement, Brazilian rules and, normally, without the right to vote at the foreign company's meeting.
If you're looking for “BDRs: How To Invest In Apple And Google At B3”, the path is simple, but there are details that impact return and risk: liquidity, brokerage fees and the ratio between BDR and underlying stock. For official information on the rules, issuance and types of BDR, see How BDRs work at B3.
| Item | BDR (on B3) | American action (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Currency | Real (BRL) | Dollar (USD) |
| Where you trade | B3 | NYSE / NASDAQ |
| Voting rights | Generally no | Yes, as a direct shareholder |
| Custody | Local via depository institution | International custody |
| Timetable | B3 timetable | US market hours |
| Tax | Withheld in Brazil; IR on capital gain | May have different rules and declaration in Brazil |
How BDRs represent foreign shares on B3
An institution abroad holds the original shares in custody; a depository in Brazil issues the BDRs based on these shares.
When you buy a BDR, you get a certificate that reflects the position of that share out there. The price of the BDR tends to follow the share, but can differ due to exchange rates, time and liquidity.
Steps:
- Foreign company issues shares.
- Custodian holds the shares.
- Depositary in Brazil issues the BDRs.
- You buy the BDR on the B3 through your broker.
Tip: check the ratio (e.g. 1 BDR = 1 share or 1 BDR = 0.25 share) and the liquidity history. This affects price and ease of sale.
Advantages and limitations of BDRs in your portfolio
Benefits: access to global companies without leaving the Brazilian market, trading in reais and operational simplicity - ideal for Apple and Google via B3.
Limitations: many BDRs do not give voting rights; liquidity may be lower than in the US (increasing spreads); price influenced by time and exchange rate.
- Advantages: access to large companies, trading in reais, simplicity.
- Limitations: no vote, possible low liquidity, impact of exchange rates and fees.
Key terms: sponsored, unsponsored and liquidity BDRs
Sponsored BDRs have formal backing from the foreign company and better public information; unsponsored are issued without direct agreement. Liquidity is the ease of buying and selling without moving the price too much - the higher, the better.
Step by step to investing: BDRs: How to invest in Apple and Google at B3
Buying BDRs allows you to have Apple and Google in your wallet without opening an account abroad. But exchange rates, fees and liquidity all affect your results. Below is a practical guide - from account opening to order execution - and tips for buying Apple and Google BDRs.
First, open or use your broker that offers BDRs. You need an active account with TED/PIX transfers. Check the specific rates for BDRs and whether the home broker shows clear quotations in reais.
If you're starting from scratch, it's worth checking out guides on How to start investing from scratch e how to get started on the stock market.
Step by step - from the current account:
- Open an account with the broker and validate your details.
- Transfer funds (TED/PIX).
- Look for the company name (Apple, Google) or the BDR code.
- Choose order type: limit (maximum price) or market (immediate execution).
- Set the quantity and send the order.
- Monitor the execution and record the operation for IR.
How to invest in Apple's BDR and Google's BDR at B3
Search for the name or ticker on your platform and confirm that it is a BDR listed on B3. Check the price, premium and liquidity before buying - the price of the BDR may vary from the price of the share abroad due to exchange rates and local supply.
To understand the steps of buying in practice, see the guidelines on how to buy shares e how to invest in shares.
Before you buy, check:
- Brokerage fees and any administrative costs.
- BDR liquidity (turnover).
- How dividends and withholding taxes are handled.
- Currency conversion and price impact.
| Features | Apple (BDR) | Google (BDR) |
|---|---|---|
| Reference currency | Dollar (USD) | Dollar (USD) |
| Payment of dividends | Can occur; converted to reais | Rare; converted to reais |
| Typical liquidity | Variable; generally higher | Variable; check with your broker |
| Impact of the exchange rate | Yes - affects price in reais | Yes - affects price in reais |
Documents, deadlines and execution
To open an account: CPF, ID, proof of residence and sometimes proof of income. Settlement of variable income at B3 is usually D2. Market order = fast execution; limit order = specific price. Follow until confirmation.
ATTENTION: Income tax and dividends - gains from BDRs are subject to capital gains tax. Dividends paid by foreign companies may be subject to withholding tax.
Record all operations in order to declare correctly; consult the practical guide on income tax return to avoid mistakes.
How to choose the right broker: broker to buy BDRs on B3
Choosing a broker starts with understanding your objective: to buy Apple and Google BDRs easily and cheaply.
If your goal is “BDRs: How To Invest In Apple And Google At B3”, prefer brokers with clear access to the BDR market, information on each asset and good order tools.
Check registration at CVM and using B3 for execution - this protects your money. See also materials on How to choose a reliable broker.
Compare total costs: brokerage, custody fees, emoluments and extra fees. Seemingly cheap brokers may have hidden costs. Paying a little more for fast execution and information may be worth it.
Test the experience: open an account, browse the app, place a simulated or small order and check out the customer support. Usability, clarity of quotes and speed of execution matter.
Quick tip: before migrating all your capital, make a small first purchase to check real costs and settlement times.
What to compare in a broker: fees, platform and service
- Fees: brokerage per order, fixed/variable fees, custody, exchange spread.
- Platform: watchlist, alerts, order types and history.
- Service: chat, telephone and e-mail.
Tip: ask about access limits to certain BDRs or minimum amounts per order.
Popular brokers in Brazil for BDR Apple/Google
Names like XP, Rico, Clear, Modalmais, Inter and NuInvest offer BDRs. Each one has strong points: research, simple app or low brokerage. Choose according to your profile: beginner, sporadic or active.
Practical tips for opening an account and testing the platform:
- Check ID and proof of residence.
- Deposit a minimum amount to test orders.
- Place a small BDR order to check actual costs.
- Test withdrawals and transfers.
- Evaluate support during business hours before operating further.
Understand fees, costs and taxes on BDRs in Brazil
Before investing in BDRs (for example, to have Apple and Google in your portfolio via B3), analyze taxes - they reduce your profitability.
In addition to the broker's fees, there are B3 fees, custody fees and exchange spreads. Add it all up to compare brokers correctly.
Taxes: Income tax on capital gains and taxes withheld abroad can reduce returns. Make simulations with all the items before continuing with “BDRs: How to Invest in Apple and Google at B3”.
For those who deal with variable income, I recommend consulting the guides on investing in equities e equities for beginners.
Fees and costs: brokerage, custody and emoluments
- Brokerage: amount per executed order (fixed/variable).
- Custody: keeping registered assets.
- B3 fees: small fees per trade.
- Exchange rate spread and conversion rates.
Caution: calculate the total cost per operation - small repeat fees erode your return.
Taxes: IR on capital gains and dividends
Sale for profit: typical rate of 15% on gain; 20% for day trade. Calculate and pay via DARF by the last working day of the following month or use GCAP and then annual declaration.
Dividends/profits from abroad may be subject to withholding tax and must be reported on the Brazilian tax return. In many cases it is possible to offset tax paid abroad - consult an accountant and materials on investing abroad.
For official details on IRPF obligations and procedures, see Income tax rules for investors.
| Type of gain/profit | Typical rate in Brazil |
|---|---|
| Capital gain (ordinary sale) | 15% |
| Capital gain (day trade) | 20% |
| Dividends from abroad | Varies according to retention in the country and IRS rules |
How to declare BDRs in the IR and avoid common mistakes:
- Record BDRs under “Assets and Rights” with date and cost of acquisition.
- Use GCAP to calculate earnings and generate DARF when tax is due.
- Report dividends and income, indicating any tax paid abroad.
Avoid declaring the wrong purchase price, forgetting the exchange rate used or omitting to withhold tax abroad - these mistakes generate fines.
Exchange rate risk when investing in BDRs and other sources of risk
When you buy BDRs you are exposed to the company's performance and the variation in the dollar. If the stock out there rises, but the dollar falls against the real, the gain in reais can disappear.
In addition: market volatility, risk of the issuing country and liquidity at B3 can affect your put options. For a clear explanation of how exchange rate variations impact international investments, see Understanding exchange rate risk in investments.
If your goal is “BDRs: How To Invest In Apple And Google At B3”, remember that you are buying international exposure with local convenience - and risks.
- Main risks other than foreign exchange: market risk, liquidity risk, issuer risk.
How the dollar affects the price of BDRs and their yields
BDR price in reais ≈ foreign share price × exchange rate. Simplified example:
| Movement of the dollar | Effect on BDR price in BRL | Effect on the dividend in BRL |
|---|---|---|
| Dollar rises 10% | BDR price tends to rise ~10% | Dividend in BRL increases ~10% |
| Dollar falls 10% | BDR price tends to fall ~10% | Dividend in BRL decreases ~10% |
| Stock rises 10%, dollar falls 5% | Net gain ~5% | Dividend adjusted for exchange rates |
Market, liquidity and issuer risk
Market risk: prices rise and fall according to results and news. Liquidity: some BDRs have low volume; selling may face high spreads. Issuer risk: legal problems, debt or weak governance can bring down the share and the BDR.
Simple strategies to reduce exchange rate risk and protect your investment
- Keep part of your portfolio in real assets.
- Use ETFs or exchange-traded funds to reduce direct exposure to the dollar - check out guides on investing in ETFs e index funds. There are also launches of BDRs of ETFs for international diversification, such as the recent options analyzed in BDR launches of ETFs.
- Make gradual contributions (DCA).
- Review liquidity before buying and set loss limits.
Tip: hedging 20-30% of international value with assets in reais can reduce shocks without cutting earning potential.
Evaluating Apple and Google: the best BDRs to invest in Apple Google
Investing in Apple and Google via BDRs offers exposure to the dollar and the simplicity of trading in reais. For “BDRs: How To Invest In Apple And Google At B3”, compare liquidity, fees and type of BDR (sponsored vs. unsponsored). Understand the ratio to know how many shares are equivalent to one BDR.
Think horizon and exchange risk: Apple and Google are solid, but subject to fluctuations. Use BDRs as part of your strategy (diversification, protection or capital gain). To support your fundamental analysis, review materials on investing in shares and indicators such as P/L and cash flow.
Indicators you should look out for in BDR Apple/Google
- P/L, revenue growth and free cash flow.
- Daily volume, spread and BDR ratio.
- Local costs: brokerage, custody and income tax.
How to compare BDRs with American shares before deciding
Confirm ticker and ratio. Convert the price into USD→BRL and compare with the BDR price. If there is a big difference for no apparent reason, it could be a lack of arbitrage/low liquidity. Consider trading hours, taxes and tracking error.
Quick checklist:
- Ticker and ratio.
- Liquidity and spread.
- Financial indicators (P/L, growth, FCF).
- Costs (brokerage, custody, IR).
- Horizon and exchange rate tolerance.
Practical tip: simulate the conversion of the US→BRL share price and compare it with the BDR. If the difference is small and the costs are acceptable, you can go ahead.
Conclusion: How to Buy Apple and Google Shares on the Brazilian Stock Exchange
BDRs are a practical and affordable way of having Apple and Google in your portfolio through B3 - a window onto the American market without having to open an account abroad. However, fees, liquidity, exchange rates and income tax are details that can turn a good deal into a headache. Check everything before you buy.
Follow simple steps: open an account, confirm the ratio, make a small purchase to test the broker and monitor execution. Start slowly, diversify and use gradual contributions (DCA) to reduce exchange rate risk. With information and discipline, you increase your chances of a good result.
Want to keep learning? Read more at Wealth Formula.
Frequently Asked Questions
BDRs give you access to foreign shares via B3. You can invest in Apple and Google without opening an account abroad.
Open an account with a broker that offers BDRs, find the BDR ticker and place the order as if it were an ordinary share - see also where to buy shares and platforms at where to buy company shares.
Brokerage, emoluments, custody and exchange spread. IR on capital gains; dividends may be withheld abroad - consult guidance on tax returns.
Market and exchange rate risk, as well as liquidity and issuer risk. Research and diversify; for fundamentals and basic concepts, see what are shares.
No. You can start with low amounts and increase as you feel confident. For starting guidelines, see how to get started in investments e How to start investing from scratch.
