Getting a CPF

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is the Brazilian individual taxpayer registry number. In daily life it works less like a tax number and more like a key. Opening a bank account, signing a lease, buying a phone plan, getting a parcel through customs: many of these steps ask for a CPF.

The good news is that foreigners can get one, and the government page states it is free. This guide covers what the official gov.br service page says about getting a CPF, especially from outside Brasil.

Why you need one

The gov.br service page states that a CPF is required for activities such as:

• Buying or selling property.
• Buying or selling vehicles.
• Opening bank accounts.
• Making investments.

In practice, it is asked for in many other places too. If you plan to live in Brasil, or to do business, rent, or bank there, get your CPF early.

Getting a CPF from abroad

For foreigners who live outside Brasil, the gov.br page describes applying through a Brazilian consulate:

1. Book an appointment. The page directs you to the consulate's scheduling system, e-consular. Check your consulate's page for how it handles CPF requests.
2. Fill in the form. The page refers to the FCPF form, the CPF registration form.
3. Bring your documents. The page lists an identity document and, depending on your situation, a birth or marriage certificate. Check the official page for the full list that applies to you.
4. Attend in person. The page describes an in-person service at the consulate.

The service is free. Be suspicious of any site that charges you to "issue" a CPF.

Getting a CPF in Brasil

If you are already in Brasil, the CPF can also be requested domestically. The ways to do it, and which offices handle it, are listed on the Receita Federal's CPF service pages. Check the official page, because the channels for foreigners in Brasil have changed over the years.

What you receive

For people living abroad, the gov.br page states that no card is issued. The proof of your CPF is the printed status confirmation, the Comprovante de Situação Cadastral, which you can get from the Receita's CPF service. Print it, save a PDF, and keep the number in your phone.

Keeping it valid

A CPF has a status. If your information is out of date, or certain obligations are not met, the status may become irregular, and some institutions will refuse it. You can check your status on the Receita's public CPF lookup. If it is not regular, the Receita's pages explain how to fix it.

Your name and the number

Make sure your name on the CPF record matches your passport exactly. Mismatches with middle names, accents or hyphens cause friction later with banks and landlords. If something is wrong, correct it early.

Practical habits

• Memorize the number, or keep it somewhere you can reach without signal. You will be asked for it often.
• Keep a printed and a digital copy of the status confirmation.
• Use it on parcels. Carriers generally ask for the recipient's CPF to clear customs. See Duties on packages and online orders.
• Never post the number online or send it in a public message.

Checklist

• Decide where to apply: consulate abroad, or in Brasil.
• For a consulate, book through e-consular.
• Prepare the FCPF form and identity documents.
• Attend the appointment.
• Print the Comprovante de Situação Cadastral.
• Check your status on the Receita site.

With a CPF in hand, the next steps get easier. See Bank accounts and cards abroad and Renting an apartment.

Common questions

Do I need a CPF just to visit? Not to enter the country. But if you want to buy a local SIM plan, shop online, or use some services, you may be asked for one even as a visitor.

Can I get it on behalf of my family? Rules for minors and representatives are set out on the official page. Check it before booking an appointment for several people.

Does the number ever change? A CPF is issued once. If you lose the printout, you can get a new status confirmation; the number stays the same.