What is a CPF number?
A lot of clients have the same questions about CPF, so if you’re planning to live, work, invest, or make any kind of financial move in Brazil, one of the first things you’ll need is a CPF number. Short for Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, the CPF is Brazil’s individual taxpayer identification — and it’s essential for both locals and foreigners. In this article, we’ve prepared everything you need to know to get started with clarity and confidence.
What is a CPF?
The CPF, or Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas, is a unique individual taxpayer registry identification number issued by the Receita Federal do Brasil, the Brazilian Federal Revenue Service. It is composed of 11 digits, typically formatted like this: 123.456.789-00.
Despite being called a “taxpayer number,” the CPF is not limited to tax-related purposes. It functions much like a national person identifier for both fiscal and non-fiscal activities.
The image below is an example of how a CPF number looks like.
In many ways, it’s Brazil’s equivalent of:
- The Social Security Number (SSN) in the United States
- The National Insurance Number (NIN) in the United Kingdom
- The Social Insurance Number (SIN) in Canada
Every Brazilian citizen is automatically assigned a CPF at birth or upon receiving a national ID. However, foreigners who intend to perform certain financial or legal actions in Brazil are also required to obtain one.
What is the CPF used for?
The CPF is a universal identifier that allows individuals to interact with both public institutions and private companies. Here are some of the many situations where you’ll need it:
1. Opening a bank account
Whether you’re dealing with a national bank like Banco do Brasil or an international branch such as Santander or Citibank, the CPF is a mandatory requirement. This applies to all types of accounts — including savings, checking (conta corrente), or investment accounts.
The CPF is used to register your personal information in the bank’s system and to comply with financial regulations set by the Brazilian Central Bank and Receita Federal. Without it, the bank cannot legally onboard you as a client.
Even basic banking functions such as receiving payments, making transfers, using ATMs, or accessing mobile banking apps are tied to your CPF. In most digital banking platforms, you won’t even be able to complete the registration process without entering this number.
2. Real estate transactions
If you’re an investor planning to purchase a beachfront apartment, sign a long-term lease in São Paulo, or receive property through inheritance, you’ll need a CPF. It’s a legal requirement for any real estate transaction and serves as your official identifier in Brazil’s property system.
Your CPF number is included in all critical documents, such as the property deed (escritura pública) and the real estate registry (registro de imóveis). It is also required by notary offices, legal professionals, and public agencies involved in the process.
Additionally, having a CPF is necessary for paying related taxes, including the Property Transfer Tax (ITBI) and the annual property tax (IPTU). It also links you to municipal systems that manage ownership records and fiscal responsibilities.
Without a CPF, it’s impossible to legally own or manage real estate in Brazil. This makes obtaining one an essential step for any foreigner interested in Brazilian property — from investors to expatriates and heirs.
3. Paying taxes and declaring income
Whether you’re a resident, non-resident, or occasional investor, the CPF is your official tax ID. You’ll need it for:
- Filing income tax returns (if required)
- Paying capital gains taxes (e.g., from property or stock sales)
- Claiming tax refunds
4. Online purchases and e-commerce
When making purchases through major e-commerce platforms like Mercado Livre, Magazine Luiza, Americanas, or even Amazon Brazil, you’ll be asked to enter your CPF during checkout. This number is required not only to complete the payment but also for the processing of shipping and delivery. It allows businesses and the government to trace consumer transactions for tax compliance and fraud prevention.
But it’s not just online stores — digital service apps also require your CPF. When signing up for iFood (Brazil’s leading food delivery app), your CPF is tied to your user profile for payment verification and order tracking. The same applies to Uber and 99 (a local ride-hailing app), where your CPF helps confirm your identity and is sometimes used to generate electronic receipts.
Even subscription-based services like Netflix, Spotify, and streaming platforms integrated with Brazilian banks may ask for a CPF during registration or billing. Mobile carriers, public transportation cards, and fintechs like Nubank, PicPay, and Mercado Pago also integrate CPF validation as part of user security and regulatory compliance.
5. Employment or freelance work
A CPF is required if you’re applying for a job, contracting services, or issuing invoices as a freelancer (using Nota Fiscal). It links you to the social security system and other labor registries.
6. Government services and social benefits
You may need a CPF to:
- Access public healthcare (SUS)
- Register for the Cadastro Único for social programs
- Apply for government subsidies or educational programs
7. Utilities and service contracts
You’ll often be asked for a CPF when signing up for:
- Mobile or internet services
- Utility bills (electricity, water, gas)
- Subscriptions like Netflix or Spotify in Brazil
8. Creating digital accounts or apps
Many mobile apps — including digital wallets, ride-hailing services (like Uber), and even tax filing platforms — will request your CPF during registration.
In short: If you plan to interact with Brazilian society in almost any formal way, the CPF is your gateway.
Who needs a CPF?
While all Brazilian citizens are automatically issued a CPF by law, there are several categories of foreigners who also need to obtain one:
Foreign individuals who need a CPF include:
- Property buyers or investors: Required for property registry and tax purposes.
- Heirs to Brazilian assets: Required to legally inherit real estate or money in Brazil.
- Foreign employees or freelancers: Required for payroll, contracts, and taxation.
- Students and exchange visitors: Often needed for access to student benefits, banking, or local services.
- Foreigners opening a business in Brazil: Needed to register as a legal entity’s partner or shareholder.
- Foreign individuals with Brazilian bank accounts or investment portfolios: Required by financial institutions.
Example:
A European citizen who purchases a beachfront apartment in Bahia will need a CPF to complete the property transfer and register the deed. Without it, the legal process cannot be finalized.
How do foreigners apply for a CPF number?
Applying for a CPF as a foreigner is possible through several official methods, but they can often be time-consuming and bureaucratic depending on where you are. An easier alternative is using Easy CPF, a reliable service that simplifies the process and helps you get your CPF number quickly
1. At a Brazilian consulate or embassy (Abroad)
This is the preferred method if you’re outside of Brazil for those people that doesn’t know the Easy CPF Brazil services.
Requirements:
- Valid passport
- Completed CPF application form
- Proof of residence in your home country
- Possibly a birth certificate (requirements vary by consulate)
Process:
- Fill out the CPF application form (usually available online)
- Schedule an appointment or mail your documents
- Processing times vary (from a few days to a few weeks)
2. Online through a legal representative
If you cannot apply in person, you can authorize a Brazilian individual or lawyer to apply on your behalf, this method can take time and process like assigning documents and costs hiring a lawyer.
Requirements:
- Power of Attorney (with certified translation)
- Copy of your passport
- Proof of residence
3. In-Person in Brazil
If you’re already in Brazil, you can visit:
- Correios (Post Office)
- Banco do Brasil
- Caixa Econômica Federal
Steps:
- Bring your passport and proof of entry (visa or stamp)
- Fill out a form at the service desk
- Pay a small fee (about R$7.00)
- After submission, you’ll receive a CPF receipt with your number
You can later download the official registration confirmation (Comprovante de Inscrição) online from the Receita Federal website.
How is a CPF number structured?
The CPF consists of 9 base digits + 2 check digits, totaling 11 digits.
Example: 123.456.789-09
These digits are not randomly assigned — the final two are validation digits calculated using a specific algorithm to avoid duplicates and fraud.
In the past, the 9th digit would indicate the state where the CPF was issued, but this is no longer the case with modern digital issuance.
Is it safe to share your CPF?
While the CPF is frequently used in Brazil, it is still a personal identifier and should be treated with caution. Identity theft is a concern, particularly when CPF numbers are used for unauthorized credit checks or fake accounts.
Tips:
- Only share your CPF with trusted institutions
- Avoid posting it publicly or on unsecured websites
- Use secure connections when entering your CPF online
If you suspect your CPF has been misused, you can report it to Receita Federal or the consumer protection agency (Procon).