CPF in Brazil for Americans: Why U.S. Citizens Need It and How to Get One Easily

If you’re a U.S. citizen planning a trip to Brazil — whether for vacation, business, remote work, or long-term stays — you’ve probably come across a document called the CPF. Short for Cadastro de Pessoa Física, the CPF is one of the most important identification numbers in Brazil. And here’s the surprising part: foreigners, including Americans, often need it even for basic everyday tasks.

In this guide, you’ll learn why Americans need a CPF, what it’s used for, and the easiest ways to apply — whether you’re still in the United States or already in Brazil.

What Is a CPF in Brazil?

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) is a taxpayer identification number issued by Receita Federal do Brasil — the Brazilian equivalent of the IRS.

Although the CPF was originally designed for tax purposes, it has become a universal ID number used for almost everything in Brazil:

• banking
• e-commerce
• utilities
• real-estate
• digital services

It plays a role similar to the Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States — but in Brazil, it’s required for far more day-to-day transactions.

Why Americans Need a CPF in Brazil

Many U.S. travelers assume the CPF is only for Brazilian residents. In reality, non-residents, tourists, and investors often need it as well.

Here are the most common reasons Americans need a CPF:

1. Opening a Brazilian Bank or Digital Account

Planning to open an account with Brazilian banks like Nubank, Inter, or Banco do Brasil?
A CPF is mandatory. No bank can process an application from a foreigner without it.

2. Buying a SIM Card or Registering Online

To purchase a Brazilian SIM card or sign up for local online services (Amazon Brazil, Mercado Livre, delivery apps, streaming platforms), you’ll usually need a CPF.

3. Renting or Buying Property

Whether you’re renting an Airbnb long-term, leasing an apartment, or purchasing property in Brazil, the CPF is required for contracts, registration, and tax documentation.

4. Working, Studying, or Paying Taxes

Remote workers, digital nomads, professionals, and exchange students all need a CPF to be included in Brazilian financial and employment systems.

5. Investing in Brazil

If you plan to invest in:

• Brazilian stocks (B3)
• real estate
• government bonds
• local businesses

…you must have a CPF — even as a non-resident living in the United States.

How Americans Can Get a CPF

There are three main ways for U.S. citizens to apply for a CPF, depending on where you are.

1. Apply Through a Brazilian Consulate in the United States

If you’re still in the U.S., you can request a CPF through a Brazilian Consulate (such as in Miami, New York, Houston, Los Angeles, or Boston).

Brazilian Consulate-General in Atlanta

• Address: 3500 Lenox Road, Suite 800, Atlanta, GA 30326
• Phone: (404) 949-2400
• Fax: (404) 949-2402
• Website: http://atlanta.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cg.atlanta@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Tennessee

Brazilian Consulate-General in Boston

• Address: 175 Purchase St., Boston, MA 02110
• Phone: (617) 542-4000
• Fax: (617) 542-4318
• Website: http://boston.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: contato.boston@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont

Brazilian Consulate-General in Chicago

• Address: 401 North Michigan Ave., Suite 1850, Chicago, IL 60611-4207
• Phone: (312) 464-0245
• Fax: (312) 464-0299
• Website: http://chicago.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: central.chicago@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin

Brazilian Consulate-General in Hartford

• Address: One Constitution Plaza, Hartford, CT 06103
• Phone: (860) 760-3100
• Website: http://hartford.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cghartford@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Connecticut and Rhode Island

Brazilian Consulate-General in Houston

• Address: 1233 West Loop South, Suite 1150, Houston, TX 77027
• Phone: (713) 961-3063
• Fax: (713) 961-3070
• Website: http://houston.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: consular.houston@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas

Brazilian Consulate-General in Los Angeles

• Address: 8484 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 300, Beverly Hills, CA 90211
• Phone: (323) 651-2664
• Fax: (323) 651-1274
• Website: http://losangeles.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cg.losangeles@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Arizona, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, Utah, and Wyoming.
  California counties: Imperial, Kern, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura.

Brazilian Consulate-General in Miami

• Address: 80 SW 8th Street, 26th floor, Miami, FL 33130
• Phone: (305) 285-6200
• Fax: (305) 285-6232
• Website: http://miami.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cg.miami@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Florida, Puerto Rico, and U.S. Virgin Islands

Brazilian Consulate-General in New York

• Address: 225 East 41st Street, New York, NY 10017-6927
• Phone: (212) 827-0976
• Fax: (212) 827-9225
• Website: http://novayork.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cg.novayork@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Bermuda Islands, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania

Brazilian Consulate-General in San Francisco

• Address: 300 Montgomery Street, Suite 1160, San Francisco, CA 94104
• Phone: (415) 981-8170
• Fax: (415) 981-3628
• Website: http://saofrancisco.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cg.sfrancisco@itamaraty.gov.br
• Jurisdiction: Alaska, Oregon, and Washington.
  California counties: Alameda, Alpine, Amador, Butte, Calaveras, Colusa, Contra Costa, Del Norte, El Dorado, Fresno, Glenn, Humboldt, Inyo, Kings, Lake, Lassen, Ladera, Marin, Mariposa, Mendocino, Merced, Modoc, Mono, Monterey, Napa, Nevada, Placer, Plumas, Sacramento, San Benito, San Francisco, San Joaquin, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Shasta, Sierra, Siskiyou, Solano, Sonoma, Stanislaus, Sutter, Tehama, Trinity, Tulare, Tuolumne, Yolo, and Yuba.

Brazilian Consulate-General in Washington, D.C.

• Address: 1030 15th Street NW, Suite 280W, Washington, DC 20005
• Phone: (202) 461-3000
• Fax: (202) 461-3001
• Website: http://cgwashington.itamaraty.gov.br
• Email: cons.cgwashington@itamaraty.gov.br

You’ll need:

• your U.S. passport
• a completed CPF application form
• a small fee

Processing usually takes a few business days, and your CPF number is sent via email.

2. Apply Online (Using Authorized Services)

Foreigners can submit CPF requests fully online through authorized channels connected to Receita Federal.
This is the fastest option if you need your CPF before traveling, especially for:

• investments
• visa applications
• property transactions
• remote work preparations

3. Apply In Person After Arriving in Brazil

Once you’re in Brazil, you can request your CPF at:

• Banco do Brasil
• Caixa Econômica Federal
• Correios (post offices)

Just bring your passport, fill out the form, and you’re done. Your CPF is typically available within a few days.

Fastest Option: Apply Online Through EasyCPF

For most U.S. citizens, the simplest method is EasyCPF, a service designed to help foreigners obtain a CPF using the official Receita Federal channels.

With EasyCPF, you can:

• apply 100% online, from anywhere in the U.S.
• get your CPF in just a few days
• receive full English-language support
• ensure the process follows official Brazilian rules

It’s ideal if you’re planning your trip, investing remotely, or need your CPF before entering Brazil.

Why the CPF Is So Important Today

As Brazil continues its digital transformation, the CPF has become the country’s universal identifier. You’ll be asked for it when:

• checking into hotels or rentals
• using Brazilian apps
• renting a car
• shopping online
• signing contracts

For Americans, having a CPF smooths almost every interaction — especially if you plan to visit Brazil more than once or engage in financial activities.

Tips for U.S. Travelers

• Apply early: If you know you’ll need a CPF, request it before landing in Brazil.
• Keep it safe: Your CPF never expires — you can use it for years.
• Check your status: You can verify if your CPF is valid anytime on Receita Federal’s website.