CPF for foreigners in Brazil
The tax ID that opens bank accounts, property purchases, business formation and nearly every act — obtained at Receita Federal, consulates or Brazilian embassies. Service in Portuguese, English and Spanish.
5,0 · 18 Google reviewsThe CPF — Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas — is Brazil's individual taxpayer number: without it, a foreigner cannot open a bank account, buy property, sign contracts, form a company or litigate. Obtained at Receita Federal, a Brazilian consulate or a Brazilian embassy — usually same-day, free, and a prerequisite for almost everything else.
What the CPF unlocks.
- The prerequisite for everythingBank account, property purchase, contracts, business formation, litigation — the CPF is asked first.
- Obtaining it in BrazilReceita Federal units or accredited banks and post offices — usually issued same-day, free of charge.
- Obtaining it abroadBrazilian consulates and embassies issue the CPF remotely — for those who never come to Brazil.
- For non-residentsThe CPF is available without Brazilian residency — the form just asks for the foreign address.
- Regularization and suspended CPFInactive, suspended or duplicate CPFs — the regularization that restores it to active.
- The document chain that followsCPF first, then power of attorney, apostille and the underlying act.
- For minors and through a parentChildren get the CPF through a parent's request — needed for bank accounts and property in the child's name.
Without a CPF, almost nothing works in Brazil.
The CPF is the prerequisite, not the product: banks ask for it, notaries ask for it, the property registry asks for it, Receita itself asks for it. A foreigner intending to act in Brazil — buy property, form a company, sign — needs the CPF before anything else.
The routes are straightforward: in Brazil, at a Receita Federal unit or accredited banks/post offices, usually same-day and free. Abroad, the Brazilian consulate or embassy issues it remotely — the standard route for those who never set foot in the country.
The CPF is available to non-residents: residency in Brazil is not required. The form asks for the foreign address — the number is issued the same way. What matters is having a valid foreign ID document.
The CPF can fall inactive or suspended — non-filing of returns when required, data mismatch, duplication. The regularization restores it to active status; it is quick but blocks every act while pending.
How we run the case.
- Choose the routeIn Brazil at Receita or accredited offices; abroad at a consulate or embassy.
- Gather the foreign IDPassport or national ID — the basis of the application.
- Obtain the numberUsually same-day and free — the CPF is issued.
- Unlock the actsBank, property, company, contracts — the acts that needed the CPF.
What to bring to the first conversation.
Documents that speed up the review
The foreign ID and the intended acts define the application.
- Valid passport or foreign national ID
- Foreign address for the form
- Applicant's details as required by Receita
- For minors: the child's birth certificate and parent's ID
- Previous CPF documentation, for regularization
- Power of attorney, if a third party applies
- Description of the acts the CPF is needed for
Case review and a written proposal before any step is taken. Informational content under Brazilian Bar Association Rule 205/2021 — it does not replace an assessment of your case.
What clients say on Google.
“From the very start I was looked after exceptionally. The team is attentive and explains every step.”
Amanda M. · Google“Excellent, highly qualified professionals. I highlight the professionalism, the service and the honesty.”
Rita G. · Google“Very polite, patient, always with precise, accurate answers. I recommend them with no reservations!”
Thais T. · GoogleTranslations of real client reviews published on Google.
Who leads this area.
Founding partner at Falchet e Marques (OAB/SP 428.777). Postgraduate in Real Estate Law (PUC/SP) and Succession Law (PUC-Campinas), she leads the real estate, family and probate practice. Straight to the point, no legalese.
Meet Letícia MarquesCommon questions.
Can a foreigner get a CPF without living in Brazil?
Yes — residency is not required. The form asks for the foreign address; the CPF is issued the same way as for residents.
Where do I get the CPF?
In Brazil: Receita Federal units, accredited banks or post offices — usually same-day and free. Abroad: Brazilian consulates and embassies issue it remotely.
What is the CPF for?
Almost everything: bank account, property purchase, contracts, business formation, litigation. It is the individual taxpayer number and the prerequisite for most acts in Brazil.
Can a minor get a CPF?
Yes — through a parent's request. Children need it for bank accounts, property in their name and various acts.
What if my CPF is suspended or inactive?
Regularization at Receita restores it — non-filing of returns, data mismatch or duplication cause the suspension. While suspended, every act that needs the CPF is blocked.
Is there a cost?
The CPF itself is free. What may cost is the handling — consular fees in some countries, translation of supporting documents, or a lawyer handling the chain.
Is the CPF the missing piece?
Tell us where you are and what you need it for: we map the fastest route and the document chain that follows — with a written proposal, in Portuguese, English or Spanish.