How to withdraw my FGTS in 2025?

Most Brazilians face significant financial difficulties, and any kind of extra income can make a big difference to their monthly budget. For this reason, withdrawing FGTS funds can make a significant difference for most of the population, and understanding how FGTS withdrawals work becomes crucial, as it's an alternative for quickly accessing additional money in your account. Therefore, we will show you all the necessary information so you can withdraw your FGTS, and so you know when and how to request your withdrawal in a practical and secure way. Check it out!

How does the FGTS work?

The Guarantee Fund for Length of Service (FGTS) is a benefit guaranteed to all workers hired under the Consolidation of Labor Laws (CLT). This fund functions as an account opened by Caixa Econômica Federal, where the employer deposits monthly the equivalent of 8% of the employee's salary. Withdrawal from the FGTS is the right that every worker has to withdraw part or even all of the accumulated value in their fund account, under specific situations and conditions. It is worth noting that each type of FGTS has its own rules and withdrawal conditions.

When can I withdraw my FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund)?

Workers can withdraw funds from their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) in the following situations:

Retirement: The worker can withdraw the total amount from their FGTS account, including interest and adjustments.
Dismissal without just cause: Allows you to withdraw the entire available balance from your FGTS account.
Termination due to mutual fault: Entitles you to withdraw half of the account balance.
In case of death: Dependents or heirs can withdraw the entire balance from the deceased's FGTS account.
Workplace accident: Releases the full account balance, plus interest and adjustments.
Indirect termination: Allows for full withdrawal, plus interest and adjustments.
Serious illnesses: The worker can withdraw the entire balance, with the applicable interest and adjustments.
Land purchase: Allows you to withdraw up to 50% of the available funds in the account for this purpose.
Buying a property: It will be possible to use up to 80% of your FGTS balance to purchase your own home.
Investing in Eletrobras shares: Workers can use up to 50% of their balance to invest.
Birthday withdrawal: Entitles you to withdraw a percentage of your balance annually, plus interest and adjustments.

How can I withdraw FGTS funds in cases of termination of employment?

If a worker is laid off, they can withdraw their FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) by going to a Caixa branch or using the official FGTS app, which is available for Android on the Play Store and for iOS on the App Store.

Documents required for withdrawal in case of dismissal without just cause:

Identification document (ID card, CPF [Brazilian tax ID], or driver's license)
Termination of employment contract
Work permit

For termination by mutual agreement or for just cause, the following are required:

Work permit
Contract termination agreement
Identification document (ID card, CPF [Brazilian tax ID], or driver's license)
Letter of consent from the employer (in case of agreement between the parties)

How much can I withdraw from my FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund)?

The withdrawal amount will vary depending on numerous factors, including the specific type of FGTS (Brazilian employee severance fund). See below:

Termination without just cause: Allows you to withdraw the total balance, plus a penalty of 40% on that amount.
Termination due to employer fault: Also entitles the employee to the total balance plus a 40% penalty.
In other situations, such as buying a property or withdrawing funds on your birthday, the limit can be up to 80% of the balance.

Calculation of FGTS (Brazilian Severance Indemnity Fund): How is it done?

The withdrawal amount will be equal to the ratio between the available balance and the permitted percentage. For example, if you have R$10,000.00 in your FGTS account and the percentage released is 80%, the withdrawal will be: 10,000.00 x 0.8 = 8,000.00. It's important to remember that the FGTS balance is updated monthly by the Reference Rate (TR).

How do I withdraw my FGTS (Brazilian severance pay fund) using the app?

One of the simplest and quickest ways to access your FGTS balance is through the app. See the step-by-step instructions on "how to make a withdrawal":