CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) — the tax identification number for individuals. Without it you can hardly do anything in the country: you cannot open an account, cannot buy property, cannot register a SIM card with most operators, cannot buy a domestic flight ticket with some carriers. Residence in Brazil is not required to obtain a CPF — it is issued to non-residents as well. Through a Brazilian consulate abroad and at Receita Federal itself the service is free; at partner points inside the country they charge R$ 7.
Why it's needed
- Opening a bank account — see Bank account in Brazil for a foreigner
- Any real estate transaction — see Buying property in Brazil — transaction procedure and checks (in Russian)
- Lease agreement, utilities, internet
- SIM card with operators that require identification
- Company registration, partner status in a Brazilian legal entity
- Many installment purchases and loyalty programs
A CPF grants neither the right to reside nor tax residency: it is simply an identifier in the tax database.
How to obtain while living abroad
Through a Brazilian consulate:
- Find the consulate of your consular district on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website and book the service via the e-consular system (econsular.itamaraty.gov.br). Applications are submitted in person: the Receita e-mail channel for those living abroad is intended for Brazilians, not for foreigners.
- Prepare documents:
- completed and signed FCPF form
- identity document
- birth or marriage certificate
- Submit the application at the consulate.
Cost — free. There is no set processing time; it depends on the specific consulate.
How to obtain through a representative in Brazil
An alternative for those who cannot go to the consulate: processing through a procurador — a representative by power of attorney in Brazil. You will need the completed FCPF, signed by the applicant, a copy of their passport, a power of attorney with a notarised signature (firma reconhecida) and the representative's own documents, including their CPF. Foreign documents must have an apostille or consular legalization and a sworn translation. The representative submits the package to Receita Federal in person or by e-mail; the number is sent to them.
This route is often used when buying property, when the transaction is carried out in advance, before arrival.
How to obtain while in Brazil
Free — via the Receita Federal online form, by e-mail or at its offices; by e-mail the reply arrives on average within 48 hours. Paid (R$ 7) — at partner points: cartório de registro civil, Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal and Correios. You will need an identity document with a photo, and a birth or marriage certificate if the document does not contain place of birth, parents and date of birth. For a residency holder, the CRNM serves as identification. The current procedure is set by IN RFB 2.172/2024.
Sources
- T1gov.br — CPF issuance abroad: nonresident foreigner applies in person at the consulate by appointment through e-consular; FCPF, identity document, birth or marriage certificate; free of chargegov.br · primary source
- T1gov.br, Receita Federal — CPF registration: free, except partner points (cartório, Banco do Brasil, Caixa, Correios) — R$ 7; online form, e-mail, basis IN RFB 2.172/2024gov.br · primary source
- T1Ministério das Relações Exteriores — network of consular officesgov.br · primary source
- T2Migalhas, 15 Oct 2025 — CPF and CNPJ for foreigners: consulate, representative by power of attorney (apostille or consular legalization, sworn translation, submission in person or by e-mail)migalhas.com.br · secondary source
T1 — primary: law, agency site, price list. T2 — secondary: press, specialist sites. T3 — other.
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