If you plan to live, study, work, invest, or simply spend an extended period in Brazil, you will probably soon come across a very important acronym: CPF.
The Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, or Individual Taxpayer Registry, is part of many aspects of everyday life in Brazil. Despite its name and its connection to the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service, it is not exclusive to Brazilian citizens. Foreign nationals can obtain a CPF even if they do not hold Brazilian citizenship and, in certain situations, even before moving to Brazil. The Federal Revenue Service allows both Brazilian and foreign individuals, whether resident or non-resident in the country, to register for a CPF.
In this article, we explain what the CPF is, what it is used for, and how a foreign national can apply for one from within or outside Brazil.
What is a CPF?
The CPF — Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, or Individual Taxpayer Registry — is a registry administered by the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service. Each registered individual receives a unique number that is used to identify them before government authorities, financial institutions, and various private companies.
In practice, the CPF is the main form of identification in Brazil.
Although many people still refer to a “CPF card,” it is no longer necessary to have a physical card. What matters is the registration number, and proof of registration can be accessed or issued electronically.
What is a CPF used for by foreign nationals?
For anyone planning to build a life in Brazil, a CPF is commonly required or requested in many everyday situations. It may be used, for example, to open a bank account, rent or purchase property, enter into certain telephone and internet service agreements, finance or purchase goods, invest in Brazil, receive payments, enter into contracts, carry out financial transactions, and register for various public and private platforms and services.
In many cases, obtaining a CPF is one of the first steps a foreign national must take to organize their financial and administrative life in Brazil.
Does a foreign national need to reside in Brazil to obtain a CPF?
No.
The CPF is not restricted to Brazilian residents. According to the Federal Revenue Service, Brazilian and foreign individuals may apply for registration regardless of whether they reside in Brazil.
This means that a foreign national does not need to wait until they receive a residence permit to apply for a CPF. The procedure, however, varies depending on where the applicant is located.
How can I obtain a CPF while in Brazil?
Foreign nationals who are already in Brazil can begin the application process through the channels provided by the Federal Revenue Service.
The Federal Revenue Service currently allows applicants to complete an online application and also provides assistance through other channels, including Virtual Service Points (Pontos de Atendimento Virtual — PAV) and authorized partner institutions. If the online procedure generates a protocol requesting the submission or presentation of documents, the applicant must complete this step according to the instructions provided by the Federal Revenue Service.
As a general rule, applicants must present an official photo identification document. If the document does not contain all the required information—such as date of birth, nationality, or parentage—a birth certificate, marriage certificate, or equivalent foreign document may also be required. The Federal Revenue Service may request additional documents depending on the circumstances of the case.
How can I obtain a CPF from outside Brazil?
The procedure is different for foreign nationals who reside abroad.
In this case, the official guidance is to contact the Brazilian Embassy or Consulate responsible for the jurisdiction in which the applicant resides. The CPF application must be submitted in person at the Brazilian consular office.
Normally, the first step is to access the e-Consular system of the appropriate Brazilian diplomatic mission, select the service related to CPF registration, and submit the requested information for review. Once the application has been validated, the applicant may schedule an appointment to appear in person at the consulate or embassy.
Foreign nationals residing abroad are generally required to present a completed and signed CPF application form, an identification document, and a birth or marriage certificate. The consular office may request additional documents depending on the circumstances of the application.
How much does it cost to obtain a CPF?
CPF registration is free when completed directly through the official channels of the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service or at a Brazilian consular office.
In Brazil, however, when the service is provided by certain authorized institutions—such as Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Correios, or participating registry offices—the Federal Revenue Service currently indicates that a fee of R$7.00 may be charged.
Do you need help obtaining your CPF in Brazil?
Although obtaining a CPF is relatively straightforward in many cases, difficulties may arise when foreign documents contain conflicting information, required details are missing, registration records are inconsistent, or there is uncertainty about the correct procedure for applicants located inside or outside Brazil.
Migrasil assists foreign nationals with organizing their documents and completing the procedures needed to begin their lives in Brazil, including CPF registration, visas, residence permits, and other immigration services.
Are you planning to come to Brazil or do you need help organizing your documents? Contact Migrasil.
More than living in Brazil, belonging here.