OBJECTIVES: This review was designed to synthesize information about the impact of major depressive disorder (MDD) on functionality, work performance, and potential stigma in the emerging markets of Brazil, China (including Taiwan) and Russia.  METHODS: Studies indexed in MEDLINE (2004-2014) and abstracts from relevant conferences were screened with search terms including “depression/MDD,” “productivity/employment,” “functionality,” and “stigma.”   RESULTS: Sixteen studies were extracted for Brazil, 18 for China and 5 for Russia.  There was significant study heterogeneity in the study populations and outcome measures in the literature. The negative correlation of MDD with functionality and work performance was evident across countries.  In Brazil, depression increased the risk of unemployment by 39% (OR 1.39; 95% CI 1.15-1.67) in one study and was significantly predictive of worse hrQoL among subpopulations sampled in other studies (P ≤ .001).  Depression was associated with decreased work performance (OR 0.91; 95% CI 0.87-0.95) in Chinese enterprises. In Taiwan, MDD patients experienced an average 5.8-61 sick-leave days annually.  Depressed (vs non-depressed) Chinese had a higher risk of impairment in activities of daily living (RR 2.20-4.29; 95% CI 1.33-8.86). A Russian study reported that depression impacted employment for 31.7% of urban-dwelling adults; 12.2% reduced working hours, 17.1% became unemployed and 24.4% took an average 74 ± 54 sick-leave days annually.  Stigma caused by cultural and social factors was an obstacle to help-seeking, MDD diagnosis and treatment in China and Russia but not in Brazil.  CONCLUSIONS: MDD is correlated with impaired functionality and work performance in Brazil, China and Russia.  Stigma specific to national environment should be addressed to remove barriers to MDD treatment.  Future longitudinal inquiry is needed to comprehensively evaluate the consequences of MDD.  New research investigating the impact of MDD and its treatment on functionality and work performance among working adults without comorbidities is needed in emerging markets.