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How to Get the CPF as a Foreigner: Everything You Need to Know

How to Get the CPF as a Foreigner: Everything You Need to Know

What is the CPF and why is it important?

The CPF is a registry maintained by the Federal Revenue of Brazil that gathers citizens' personal information. Although widely used in Brazil, its importance also extends to foreigners who have financial, legal or property interests in the country.


Among the cases in which the CPF is necessary are:

  • Opening a bank account in Brazil;
  • Purchase or sale of properties, vehicles, vessels or aircraft;
  • Registration of equity interests in companies;
  • Investments in the Brazilian financial market.

However, it is essential to highlight that the CPF is not a travel document and does not grant any right to enter or stay in Brazilian territory.


Who should request the CPF?

All foreigners, regardless of age, can and, in many cases, must obtain a CPF, including:

  • Those who reside in Brazil or abroad;
  • Foreigners of any age who own assets or rights in Brazil subject to public registration, such as real estate or vehicles;
  • Foreigners interested in participating in financial or business activities in Brazil.

Furthermore, minors under 16 years of age can have their CPF issued, as long as the request is made by their legal guardians.


How to request the CPF?

1. In-person application for foreigners

The CPF request for foreigners must be made in person in Brazilian consular offices abroad or in Federal Revenue units in Brazil. Abroad, consular assistance is scheduled through the system e-consular.

For consulars who do not use e-consular, the interested party will be redirected to the competent consulate's website, where they will find detailed information about the process.


Required documents:

Required documents may vary slightly depending on the consular jurisdiction, but generally include:

CPF Registration Form : Filled out on the Federal Revenue website (characters with accents or cedillas, such as “á” or “ç”, are not accepted). After filling out, a protocol number will be generated, which must be printed or written down.

Valid identification document: Foreign passport is accepted. For minors under 16, it is also necessary to present a birth certificate or equivalent document proving affiliation, in addition to the presence of parents or guardians.

Brazilian or foreign marriage certificate (with sworn translation): If applicable, the document must prove the name of the applicant's parents.


See also: Which visas will allow you to live in Brazil in 2026 — and what the data reveals about where to live in Rio de Janeiro

2. Application for foreigners residing abroad

Foreigners living outside Brazil can request the CPF at Brazilian consular offices. For specific situations, such as changing or regularizing registration data, the request can be made by email directly to the Federal Revenue Service (cpf.residente.exterior@rfb.gov.br).

Exceptional cases, such as those involving foreigners who have diplomatic immunities, can also be handled remotely.


CPF delivery

The CPF is generated instantly and delivered on the same day of service, as long as the Federal Revenue systems are operational. It is worth noting that the issuance of physical CPF card. The number must be kept securely as it will not be reissued in printed format.


Urgent cases

For those who need the CPF urgently, an alternative is to appoint an attorney in Brazil to carry out the request. This representative must present a power of attorney drawn up at a public notary in the country of origin, apostilled (in accordance with the Hague Convention) and translated into Portuguese by a sworn public translator.

Step by step for the request

  • Gather the required documents: Make sure you have your completed registration form, valid identification document and, if necessary, additional documents such as a marriage or birth certificate.
  • Access the e-consular system: Make the initial request and wait for the consulate to return with approval of the application.
  • Schedule in-person service: After approval, set a date to appear at the consular section in your jurisdiction, taking the required documents.
  • Go to the consulate: On the scheduled day, complete the process by delivering the documents and signing the form.
  • Receive the CPF: The number will be informed on the same day, and confirmation will be sent to the registered email.

Questions and contact

If you have questions or encounter difficulties, you can contact the responsible consular sector. For example, citizens in Zurich can send email to: eleitor.cgzurique@itamaraty.gov.br.

FAQ

Is it possible to request the CPF remotely?

No. Foreign citizens must make the request in person, except for specific cases of change, consultation or regularization, which can be handled directly by email with the Federal Revenue Service.

ViaDoes it cost to issue the CPF?

The CPF registration process is completely free.

Is the CPF mandatory for foreigners in Brazil?

Yes, whenever the foreigner intends to carry out any activity involving goods, rights or financial transactions in the country.

NOTE: Obtaining the CPF is an essential step for foreigners who intend to operate in Brazil in a legal and safe way. With the number in hand, it will be possible to carry out financial transactions, invest in the Brazilian market and register assets with peace of mind.