Transport Voucher in Brazil (Vale-Transporte): The 6% Deduction and When to Opt Out
The transport voucher ("vale-transporte") is mandatory in Brazil for employees who use public transport to get to and from work (Lei 7.418/1985). The employer buys the fares and may deduct up to 6% of the base salary; anything above that is on the employer.
1. The deduction rule
- The deduction is 6% of the base salary, leaving out overtime, allowances and commissions.
- If the month's fares cost less than 6%, only the cost is deducted.
- The voucher is not salary: it does not count for INSS, FGTS, the 13th salary or vacation.
2. Examples
| Base salary | Fares for the month | 6% of salary | Deduction | Employer pays |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| R$ 2,000.00 | R$ 220.00 | R$ 120.00 | R$ 120.00 | R$ 100.00 |
| R$ 5,000.00 | R$ 220.00 | R$ 300.00 | R$ 220.00 | R$ 0.00 |
| R$ 1,621.00 | R$ 264.00 | R$ 97.26 | R$ 97.26 | R$ 166.74 |
Fares in the first example: 22 days × 2 trips × R$ 5.00. The lower the salary and the higher the fares, the more the employer pays.
3. When opting out makes sense
Employees can decline the voucher in writing — for example, if they walk, cycle or drive. Opting out only pays off when the 6% deduction is higher than what you would spend on fares yourself. In the second example, with a R$ 5,000.00 salary, the deduction (R$ 220.00) equals the fares: accepting or declining comes to the same, and declining only makes sense if you stop using public transport.
4. Common questions
- Can the employer pay it in cash? The rule is to provide transport credits. Cash payment appears in collective agreements; according to Brazil's Supreme Court, the benefit does not become salary even when paid in cash.
- What about vacation or absences? The voucher covers commuting days. On days with no work no fares are provided, and the deduction follows what was provided.
- Using it for something else? Declaring a false route or misusing the voucher is serious misconduct and can lead to dismissal for cause.
Do the maths
In the net salary calculator, tick the transport voucher: it deducts 6% of the base salary and shows the take-home pay. If your fares cost less than that, the real deduction is just their cost. For the other payslip deductions, see the net salary guide.
This guide covers the general rules of the law; collective agreements may offer better terms. If in doubt, ask HR or your union.
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