Work and entrepreneurship strategies: Brazilian migrants living in Switzerland and Germany

Abstract

Purpose

Switzerland and Germany have become increasingly relevant as destination countries for Latin American migrants, reflecting evolving global migration dynamics. This study investigates the sociodemographic profiles, motivations, migration strategies and challenges – particularly gendered dimensions – of Brazilian migrants in both countries.

Design/methodology/approach

The study explores their motivations for migrating, migration strategies and post-migration experiences related to employment, entrepreneurship and adaptation, with attention to gender-specific aspects and strategies. An explorative online survey was conducted with 617 Brazilian migrants in Switzerland and 652 in Germany.

Findings

The findings highlight the feminization of migration, with a large portion of respondents aged between 31 and 40 and possessing a high level of education. Among women, family reunion and marriage emerged as the dominant migration strategies, while men more commonly obtained work visas before departure. Both groups face challenges in language acquisition and cultural adaptation. Despite these difficulties, the majority express intentions to settle permanently. Gendered strategies result in distinct migratory and settlement experiences across both countries.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited to Brazilian migrants in Switzerland and Germany and is based on a single survey round. It does not capture the full migration trajectory or longitudinal developments. Future research should address these gaps, particularly focusing on gendered strategies over time.

Practical implications

The study illuminates the Brazilian migration and the intersection of human resources, employment and self-employment. It shows different migration strategies, settlement barriers and the role of institutional frameworks. It contributes to understanding gender in migration, opportunity-necessity strategies, and settlement concerns in two European host countries, suggesting numerous actions for policy and migration management.

Social implications

The Brazilian migration is linked to marriage-, work- and study migration illustrating gendered patterns, and very limited entrepreneurship. There are policy implications for addressing migrants’ entrepreneurial potential already before migrating. Resource- and talent development of Brazilian migrants and better economic participation of all socioeconomic profiles, e.g. women, are recommended.

Originality/value

Migration from emerging economies, like Brazil, to the German-speaking EU is increasing while these mechanisms and strategies remain under-explored. This study highlights differences between gender and age and underlines missing entrepreneurship among Brazilian migrants in the post-migration era.

Keywords:

Migration decision-making, Brazilian diaspora, Migration behaviour, Migration strategy, Europe, Survey