In 2025, France and Brazil celebrate 200 years of diplomatic relations. This is the perfect opportunity to discover a Brazilian tradition that makes paychecks dance: the Décimo Terceiro Salário, or 13th month salary.
Established by law in 1962, this right applies to all formal employees with a signed contract and is equivalent to one month’s salary, excluding bonuses and paid leave.
In true samba style, the payment is done like a two-step dance. The first one is between February 1 and November 30 of the same year, without social security deductions or tax. The second one is paid before December 20, with social security contributions and income tax.
Much more than a small Christmas gift, this mandatory payment would inject around 291 billion reais—the national currency—or 2.7% of Brazil’s GDP!
Tudo bem*? We must not forget the other side of the coin: Brazil is a country where informal work remains very prevalent. In 2023, around 39.2% of the working population, or almost 40 million workers, were employed without a signed contract and therefore never saw the color of the 13th month salary. In France, this bonus is more often a one-off, depending on collective agreements and sectors… Two ways of setting the pace, but both based on the same principle: wage recognition.
Ordem, Progresso, direito**…
aerige helps you keep the tempo !
*Everything’s fine ?
**Order, Progress, law…
