INVEST IN CANOAS

Economic hub with a vision of the future

Canoas is a city in constant development, generating job opportunities, promoting innovation, strengthening commerce and the quality of life of its citizens.

Get to know Canoas on video

Here's a summary to help you get to know one of the fastest-growing cities in Rio Grande do Sul and Brazil. Canoas has everything your company needs to establish itself and thrive.
Canoas is located in the heart of the metropolitan region of the capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, which encompasses 34 municipalities.
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Population of the metropolitan region

Privileged location next to the capital

Strong trade with consumer hubs

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Population of the city

Get to know Canoas

City in the heart of the Metropolitan Region

Third largest city in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Canoas is also one of the largest industrial centers in Brazil, with a wide variety of industries, from steel mills and vehicle assembly plants to petrochemicals, refineries, and much more.

Greater Porto Alegre has the 5th largest GDP among all metropolitan regions in Brazil, and Canoas has the second largest GDP in the region. This highlights the importance of the municipality for the economic development of Rio Grande do Sul and the Southern region of Brazil.

Quality of life

The city stands out for its investments in health, sanitation, security and leisure, a strong economy, good education indicators, investments in technology and sustainability, and efficient mobility.

Employment and income

Canoas broke a record for new business openings in 2025, is experiencing a new cycle of economic growth, and is establishing itself as one of the most dynamic cities in Rio Grande do Sul for entrepreneurship and investment.

Education and citizenship

In addition to a robust network of public and private schools and three major universities, the city boasts numerous cultural activities and institutions, as well as sports and leisure areas.

Health and safety

Canoas has a wide range of healthcare infrastructure. In terms of safety, it has achieved impressive rates and is experiencing its safest period in the last three decades.
Infrastructure

Competitive advantages for your company in Canoas

Canoas recorded a historic record in business openings between January and November 2025, with more than 12,000 new CNPJs (Brazilian business registration numbers), it consolidated itself as one of the main centers of economic development in the state.

 
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Industry and innovation

Consolidated innovation and industrial complex

One of the most dynamic and robust cities in Rio Grande do Sul, characterized by a strong transition from traditional industry to a technology and innovation hub, it stands out as an important logistics and economic development center, with strong sectors in metalworking, information technology, and automation.

01

Canoas Innovation Park

It integrates the city's technology and innovation ecosystem and is a fundamental part of its economic development strategy, acting as a driver of science, technology, and innovative solutions for society and the economic ecosystem.

Click to access the website

02

Jorge Lanner Industrial Park

One of the most important in the state, it houses small, medium, and large companies from various sectors. It has available space and new expansion projects underway.

03

Canoas Municipal Development Fund

It offers economic and tax benefits for companies wishing to establish themselves or expand in the municipality. Incentives range from land donations to exemptions from property tax (IPTU) and service tax (ISSQN) on construction projects.

Click to access the law.

Some of the companies that make up the economic complex established in Canoas

Trade and services

Canoas has a comprehensive structure of commerce and services

With a diversified business environment, it functions as one of the main economic hubs of Rio Grande do Sul, with a strong emphasis on the service sector and a growing presence in technology. Being the third largest city in the state in terms of investment potential, the municipality has consolidated a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.

Shoppings e megamagazines

Shopping malls and megastore

megaempreendimentos
Canoas has two large shopping malls, ParkShopping Canoas and Canoas Shopping, in addition to the Conjunto Comercial Canoas (in the central region) and the Havan megastore, forming part of the consumer ecosystem along with the other commercial areas of the city.
Calçadão central

Central promenade

city center
Located in the "heart" of Canoas, it is one of the city's main commercial hubs, with high pedestrian traffic and a large concentration of shops, banks, and services. The location connects the city to the main intercity train station in Canoas.
Supermercados e atacarejos

Grocery stores and wholesale

five large stores
The city has a strong presence of grocery stores and wholesale chains, notably including Rede Unisuper, Stok Center, Via Atacadista, as well as UniAtacadista and Zaffari grocery store, establishing the city as a strong consumer hub.
Comércios e serviços de bairros

Neighborhood businesses and services

seven great neighborhoods
They stand out as an essential pillar of the Canoas economy and serve both the local population and people from other cities in the region, with a wide range of activities, from health and education to gastronomy. It has a consolidated network of hospitals, clinics, schools, and universities.
Cidade de Canoas
Entrepreneurs opinions

What entrepreneurs say about Canoas

People that invest and do business in Canoas get to know the city's potential firsthand. Check out what business owners who have already chosen Canoas have to say about opportunities, infrastructure, and development.

"Canoas is a land of opportunities. CICS Canoas, home of the entrepreneurial investor, connects companies, ideas, and development. Invest in Canoas and grow with those who drive the economy."

Dautro Rogério Ribeiro Santos CICS Canoas President

“Our story in Canoas began in 1985 and, since then, we have grown along with the city. The combination of solid infrastructure, qualified human capital, and a favorable business environment confirms Canoas as a strategic hub for industry, prepared to attract and develop new investments.”

Antonio Gobbi Founding partner of Full Gauge

"Canoas has a privileged geographical position: the main highways pass through the city. This location strengthens business and competitiveness in a diverse city with a skilled workforce and high quality of life."

Simone Leite President of the Women Entrepreneurs Council of FEDERASUL

"We came to Canoas attracted by the creation of the PCI - Canoas Innovation Park, where we have been located for 8 years. The incentives received from the city hall and the privileged location of the municipality were equally decisive in our choice. With the consolidation of the PCI, we are certain that we are in the right place to innovate, cooperate and prosper, delivering our products manufactured in Canoas globally."

Marcos Dillenburg CEO of Novus Produtos Eletrônicos Ltda, a pioneering company in PCI.
Publications about Canoas

Find out more about Canoas

Get more information about the city of Canoas by reading the publications below.

Edition 2025

Information and Data on Canoas

Revista Canoas - dados da cidade
Edition 2025

Canoas - fastest growing city in Rio Grande do Sul

Revista Canoas - dados da cidade
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