Brazil: New Law Establishes that Public Companies, Mixed-capital Companies, Their Subsidiaries, and Controlled Companies Must Have at least 30% Women on their Boards of Directors

Law No. 15.177/2025, enacted on July 24, 2025, establishes that public companies, mixed-capital companies, their subsidiaries, and controlled companies must have at least 30% women on their boards of directors, as part of a public policy to promote diversity and gender equity. The Law came into effect on the date of its publication, July 24, 2025.

The Law also stipulates that, within this percentage, 30% of the female positions must be filled by black women and/or women with disabilities.

Compliance with this percentage will be phased in gradually as follows:

• 10% starting from the first election for the positions on the board of directors occurring after July 24, 2025;
• 20% starting from the second election for the positions on the board of directors occurring after July 24, 2025; and
• 30% starting from the third election for the positions on the board of directors occurring after July 24, 2025.

During the period in which the board of directors does not meet the required minimum percentage, it will be prohibited from deciding on any matters, and the resumption of the ability to make decisions will only occur upon regularisation.

This measure aligns with international trends in corporate governance and reinforces the need for statutory and contractual compliance by state-owned enterprises and their controlled entities.

Key Action Points for Human Resources and In-House Counsel

Affected organisations must begin planning and reviewing their processes for appointing board members, paying attention to legal requirements and transition deadlines.