Updated April 2026 · 5 min read

CPF annual declaration for non-residents: what you need to know

Non-residents must file an annual CPF declaration to keep it active. Here is how to stay compliant and avoid suspension.

Your CPF can be suspended if you ignore this

Most foreigners do not know this: if you are classified as a non-resident of Brazil, you must submit an annual declaration to keep your CPF active. If you do not, your CPF status changes to 'pendente de regularizacao' (pending regularization). That means your bank accounts freeze, your phone plan stops working, and every service linked to your CPF breaks.

This catches people off guard because nobody tells them about it when they get their CPF.

Who needs to file

If you left Brazil and do not maintain a permanent residence there, you are likely considered a non-resident. This applies to most tourists, temporary visitors, and digital nomads who got their CPF during a stay and then left the country.

If you live in Brazil permanently with a long-term visa, you file a regular tax declaration (DIRPF) instead, which is a different process.

The non-resident declaration is simpler: it confirms you are alive, still a non-resident, and want to keep your CPF active.

How to file it

You can file through the Receita Federal website or the Gov.br platform. The process is straightforward if you have your CPF number and access to the online system.

The declaration window is typically during the first half of the year, coinciding with the regular tax season. The exact dates change each year.

If your CPF has already been suspended, you can regularize it by filing the overdue declaration. It takes a few days to process and your CPF returns to regular status.

How to never worry about this

Set a calendar reminder for February each year. Check your CPF status on the Receita Federal site. File the declaration if needed. The whole process takes about fifteen minutes once you know where to go.

Or just keep an eye on your inbox. We send reminders to our customers when the declaration window opens.