CPF for FOREIGNERS

Whether you’re moving to Brazil, starting a business, or simply managing property remotely, having a CPF opens the door to a wide range of formal transactions. It acts as your identification in the Brazilian system and is often requested in everyday processes like signing contracts or opening utility accounts.

Who should apply for a CPF in Brazil

If you’re a foreign citizen looking to handle financial, legal, or administrative matters in Brazil, you may need to register for a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) — Brazil’s individual taxpayer registry. This number is essential for foreigners who want to invest, acquire property, or open bank accounts in the country.

Why you might need a CPF

A CPF is required for any foreign citizen, regardless of age, who:

Owns or intends to own real estate, vehicles, boats, or aircraft in Brazil
Has or wants to have corporate shares or interests in Brazilian companies
Needs to open a Brazilian bank account
Intends to invest in Brazilian stock or financial markets
Will sign any legally binding documents, such as contracts, leases, or registrations

Even if you’re not living in Brazil full-time, holding any financial interest in the country usually requires a CPF. Without it, many processes — even simple ones like booking certain accommodations or making large purchases — may be blocked.

Important facts about the CPF

The CPF number is unique and permanent. It is issued only once in a lifetime.
CPF cards are no longer provided; instead, a digital confirmation is given.
Your number should be kept secure, as there is no replacement card.
Recovery must be done in Brazil, not through embassies or consulates abroad.

This makes safeguarding your CPF number essential. If lost, recovering it can be time-consuming and may require appointing someone in Brazil to act on your behalf using a notarized power of attorney.

Is a CPF required to travel to Brazil?

No, a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is not required to enter Brazil as a tourist. To visit the country, you only need a valid passport and, depending on your nationality, a visa.

That said, if you intend to stay longer, open a bank account, rent a property, or engage in certain financial or legal activities, a CPF may be necessary.

Tourists can also obtain a CPF if it’s needed for specific purposes, such as purchasing high-value items or activating a Brazilian SIM card.

Can you apply for a CPF before entering Brazil?

Yes, it is possible to apply for a CPF before arriving in Brazil. Some people have successfully done so through a Brazilian consulate or embassy in their home country.

Technically, there’s no restriction preventing you from applying early, as long as your documentation is in order. However, consular staff might notice if your accommodation booking (such as an Airbnb) begins in the future, which could raise questions.

There are reports from digital nomads and expats in WhatsApp groups who managed to get their CPF while still abroad, so it can work.

Can you get a SIM Card in Brazil after receiving a CPF?

If you’re planning to stay in Brazil for more than just a short trip, getting a local SIM card is often one of the first things you’ll want to do. However, many travelers wonder: Can you get a SIM card in Brazil right after receiving your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas)?

The CPF and SIM Card connection

While having a CPF is often a requirement to buy a SIM card from major Brazilian carriers, simply having the number isn’t always enough. This is because the CPF is linked to Brazil’s national credit and identity system. When you first receive your CPF, it won’t have any associated credit history—similar to receiving a Social Security Number in the U.S. without any credit profile attached.

As a result, some mobile carriers may not recognize your CPF immediately or may reject SIM card purchases due to a lack of credit history in the system.

Prepaid SIM Cards are often the cheapest solution

Despite these limitations, many foreigners successfully purchase prepaid SIM cards from carriers like Claro, TIM, Vivo, and Oi. In our case, we were able to get prepaid Claro SIM cards using our CPF numbers, even though our details hadn’t fully updated in the system yet. We’ve been topping up credit and data monthly without any issues.

Experiences can vary widely. Some travelers report difficulty buying SIM cards even with a valid CPF, while others face no problems at all. The key difference often lies in the specific store or representative you deal with.

Here are a few tips:

Visit official carrier stores rather than third-party kiosks.
Bring your passport along with your CPF number.
Ask specifically for prepaid (pré-pago) plans, which usually have fewer restrictions.

Getting a SIM card in Brazil without a CPF

If you’re visiting Brazil for a short stay or just passing through, getting a local SIM card without a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) can sometimes be challenging. Luckily, there are convenient alternatives that don’t require a CPF at all.

Use an eSIM for easy connectivity without a CPF

One of the easiest ways to stay connected in Brazil without a CPF is by purchasing an eSIM from providers like Holafly. An eSIM is a digital SIM card that you can download and activate on your smartphone without needing a physical SIM card or a CPF.

You can buy and set up the Holafly eSIM before you even leave your home country, so you have unlimited data ready to go as soon as you arrive in Brazil. This option allows you to use essential apps like Google Maps, Uber, WhatsApp, and browse the internet freely—without worrying about data limits or needing local documents.

Why choose an eSIM for short visits?

No CPF required: Perfect for tourists and short-term visitors who don’t have or don’t want to apply for a CPF.
Instant activation: Activate your eSIM the moment you land at the airport.
Unlimited data plans: Avoid the hassle of finding stores and dealing with paperwork.
Convenience: Works seamlessly with compatible smartphones and eliminates the need for physical SIM swaps.

Why does everything require a CPF in Brazil?

In Brazil, the CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is required for many activities because it serves as a centralized system for identifying individuals in financial, legal, and administrative matters.

The Brazilian government uses the CPF to monitor and manage a person’s interactions with both public and private systems, ensuring transparency and accountability.

1. Tax and financial tracking

The CPF links individuals to their financial activities, such as paying taxes, making investments, and earning income. This connection helps the government enforce tax laws and prevent fraud.

2. Legal identification

While the CPF is not a substitute for an official photo ID, it acts as a unique identifier in legal and contractual matters. This helps reduce identity theft and ensures secure record-keeping.

3. Streamlined systems

Many institutions—including banks, healthcare providers, and utility companies—use the CPF to unify and simplify their processes. It allows these organizations to quickly identify clients and access relevant information.

4. Universal accessibility

The CPF system applies to residents, non-residents, and foreigners alike. This makes it a universal tool that promotes fairness and accessibility to public services and private markets.

5. Mandatory for certain transactions

Many important activities require a CPF, such as opening a bank account, filing taxes, buying property, signing contracts, and even shopping online. This requirement ensures transparency and accountability in financial and legal matters.

By centralizing identification through the CPF, Brazil reduces bureaucratic complications and strengthens the integrity of its systems.

Online application with Easy CPF

For those who want to skip the trip to a consulate or avoid dealing with complex forms, Easy CPF offers a fully remote solution. You don’t need to visit any office or speak Portuguese — we handle the entire process for you.

With Easy CPF, you can submit your application from anywhere in the world. Our service includes:

Guided document review to avoid errors
Pre-filled forms and protocols
Full support throughout the process
Direct submission through authorized channels
Updates on your application status

If there are any issues — such as missing documents or additional requirements from the Receita Federal — we help you resolve them quickly, without delays or confusion.

Applying from abroad: consular services

According to COCAD/COGEA Joint Ordinance No. 53/2023, foreign nationals living outside Brazil must apply for their CPF through a Brazilian consulate. The service is provided free of charge, ensuring accessibility regardless of location.

If you’re currently living in a country like Canada, the appropriate office — such as the Consulate General of Brazil in Toronto will assist you with your application. This decentralized service model helps streamline the process for people who are unable to travel to Brazil.

Required documents and process at the consulate

To submit a CPF request, you’ll need to prepare the following:

1. CPF application form

Access the Federal Revenue’s website and fill out the online form. Once submitted, a protocol number will be generated. Print this form or take note of the number in case the print fails.

Disabling your browser’s pop-up blocker is important; otherwise, the form might not be submitted correctly. The protocol number serves as proof of application and must be presented during your appointment.

2. Valid identification

Bring both the original and a copy of your passport. A birth certificate showing both parents’ names is also recommended, especially for those who wish to include parental information in their CPF registration.

This extra document, while optional for adults, can be important for administrative and legal purposes. For minors, it is not optional — it’s mandatory.

3. Registration form (FCPF)

This form will be signed at the consulate during your appointment. If the applicant is a minor (under 16), they must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at the time of signing.

Additionally, when filling out the application form, leave the “Título Eleitoral” (voter registration) field blank — it’s not applicable to foreign applicants.

Final thoughts

Getting a CPF is an important step for anyone who wants to invest, buy property, open a bank account, or take part in legal or financial processes in Brazil. It’s your official identification number for dealing with Brazilian institutions.

While the process is generally straightforward, delays or issues can happen if documents are incorrect, incomplete, or if your information doesn’t match official records. In some cases, the Receita Federal may request additional documents or clarifications, which can slow things down. For example, name differences between your passport and birth certificate, or missing parental information, can lead to complications.

That’s where Easy CPF comes in. We help you complete the process remotely, so you don’t have to visit a consulate in person. Our team assists you with every step — from filling out forms to reviewing your documents — to make sure your application is accurate and ready for approval. And if anything unexpected comes up, we’re here to help solve it quickly and professionally.