Updated April 2026
CPF vs CNPJ: Which Do You Need in Brazil?
If you are a foreigner in Brazil, you have probably heard people mention both CPF and CNPJ. They sound similar and they are both tax identification numbers, but they serve very different purposes. Here is a clear breakdown of what each one is, who needs which, and why most foreigners only need a CPF.
What is a CPF?
CPF stands for Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas, which translates to "Registry of Individual Persons." It is an 11-digit tax identification number issued by the Receita Federal (Brazil's federal tax authority) to individuals. Every Brazilian citizen has one from birth. Foreigners living in or visiting Brazil can also apply for one.
A CPF is your personal tax ID. You need it for almost everything in daily life: opening a bank account, getting a phone plan, using Pix, renting an apartment, ordering on iFood, shopping online, signing up for a gym, and much more. It is not secret or sensitive the way a US social security number is. Brazilians share their CPF regularly at checkout counters, online forms, and delivery services.
Getting a CPF is straightforward. You go to a Correios (post office) or Receita Federal office with your passport and proof of address, fill out a form, pay R$7, and receive your number, often the same day.
What is a CNPJ?
CNPJ stands for Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Juridica, which translates to "National Registry of Legal Entities." It is a 14-digit tax identification number for businesses, companies, organizations, and other legal entities. Think of it as the business equivalent of a CPF.
A CNPJ is what you need if you are formally operating a business in Brazil. It allows you to issue invoices (notas fiscais), sign commercial contracts, hire employees, open a business bank account, and pay business taxes. Without a CNPJ, you cannot legally conduct business as a company in Brazil.
The registration process for a CNPJ is significantly more complex than getting a CPF. It involves choosing a business structure, registering with state and municipal authorities, and often requires the help of a Brazilian accountant (contador). It is not something you do in 15 minutes at the post office.
Start with your CPF
Whether or not you eventually need a CNPJ, you need a CPF first. GET CPF prepares everything so you can get yours on the first visit.
Get started for $29Key differences at a glance
| CPF | CNPJ | |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas | Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Juridica |
| For | Individuals | Businesses and legal entities |
| Digits | 11 | 14 |
| How to get it | Correios or Receita Federal, 15 min | Receita Federal + state/municipal registration, weeks |
| Cost | R$7 at Correios (free at Receita Federal) | Varies, often requires accountant fees |
| Prerequisite | Passport + address proof | Must have a CPF first |
| Most foreigners need it? | Yes, almost always | No, only if starting a business |
Who needs a CNPJ?
You need a CNPJ if you are doing any of the following in Brazil:
- ✓ Opening a formal business such as a restaurant, shop, agency, or consultancy
- ✓ Freelancing formally and need to issue invoices (notas fiscais) to Brazilian clients
- ✓ Registering as an MEI (Microempreendedor Individual), Brazil's simplified micro-business structure
- ✓ Importing or exporting goods commercially
- ✓ Hiring employees in Brazil
Who only needs a CPF?
If any of these describe your situation, a CPF is all you need:
- ✓ Living in Brazil and need a bank account, phone plan, or apartment
- ✓ Working remotely for a foreign company while based in Brazil
- ✓ Traveling in Brazil and want to use Pix, order food delivery, or shop online
- ✓ Studying in Brazil and need to sign up for local services
- ✓ Retiring in Brazil and need banking and healthcare access
The vast majority of foreigners in Brazil fall into one of these categories. A CPF covers everything you need for daily life. A CNPJ only enters the picture if you are formally doing business.
You need a CPF before you can get a CNPJ
This is the key point that trips people up. Even if you know you eventually need a CNPJ to start a business, you cannot skip the CPF step. The CNPJ registration requires a CPF because the Receita Federal needs to identify the individual person behind the business. Your CPF is linked to your CNPJ as the responsible party.
So regardless of your long-term plans, the first step is always the same: get your CPF.
What about MEI?
MEI stands for Microempreendedor Individual, and it is Brazil's most popular business structure for small-scale entrepreneurs and freelancers. It gives you a CNPJ with minimal bureaucracy, low monthly taxes (around R$70-80 per month), and the ability to issue invoices.
Many digital nomads and freelancers in Brazil register as MEI so they can work with Brazilian clients legally. The registration is done online through the Portal do Empreendedor, but you need a CPF and a Brazilian address to complete it. Some restrictions apply to foreigners depending on visa type, so it is worth consulting a Brazilian accountant if you are considering this route.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a CNPJ as a foreigner in Brazil?
Most foreigners do not. You only need a CNPJ if you are formally opening a business, registering as a freelancer (MEI), or operating a company in Brazil. For daily life, a CPF is all you need.
Can I get a CNPJ without a CPF?
No. A CPF is required before you can register for a CNPJ. The CPF identifies you as an individual, and the CNPJ is linked to your CPF as the responsible person.
Is a CPF the same as a CNPJ?
No. A CPF is for individuals. A CNPJ is for businesses and legal entities. They are separate registration numbers issued by the same authority.
Can I freelance in Brazil with just a CPF?
Informally, many people do. But if you want to issue invoices, sign formal contracts with Brazilian companies, or operate legally, you will need a CNPJ via MEI registration, which requires a CPF first.
What is an MEI and do I need one?
MEI is Brazil's simplified micro-business registration. It gives you a CNPJ, lets you issue invoices, and has low monthly costs. You need one if you plan to freelance formally or run a small business. You need a CPF first.
Get your CPF first -- everything else follows
Whether you need just a CPF or plan to get a CNPJ later, the first step is the same. Get it done in one visit.
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