You Need a CPF in Brazil

As of October 2023, Brazil is no longer following the process described below for foreigners who wish to obtain a CPF number in Brazil while in the United States. For information about the current process, read our blog article "Brazil Tightens CPF Application Process for Foreigners”.

***

If you want to get married or buy a house in Brazil, there’s one thing you must do first: get a CPF. Similar to a social security number in the US, a CPF in Brazil is a tax ID number that allows you to transact business. You’ll need it for just about everything from opening a bank account to forming a company.

The easiest and quickest way to get a CPF is by requesting it in person (or by power of attorney) at a branch of the receita federal (federal tax authority). But there’s also an online option for anyone not in Brazil, including foreigners.

You can request a CPF in Brazil by completing the receita federal’s online CPF request form. You’ll need to provide basic personal information and then send the completed and signed form by e-mail to cpf.residente.exterior@rfb.gov.br.

You’ll also have to provide a copy of a government issued ID that has your name, date of birth, and nationality. This will likely be your passport. A copy of your birth certificate with your parents’ names on it may be required as well. And lastly, don’t forget to include a selfie of you holding your ID to prove your identity.

If you do it all right, you should get your CPF number in days. Not too bad for a service that used to take months. For specific instructions on how to get a CPF in Brazil, check out the requirements on the website for your Brazilian Consulate.