Updated April 2026 · 4 min read

CPF for Canadian passport holders in Brazil

Canadian in Brazil and need a CPF? Here is what Canadian passport holders specifically need to know about the process.

Canadians and the CPF

Canada has a growing community of people spending time in Brazil, from snowbirds escaping the winter to remote workers and retirees. Canadian passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days, which simplifies the CPF process.

The process is the same as for any foreigner, but there are a few Canada-specific details that matter.

Canada-specific considerations

Bilingual passports. Canadian passports have information in both English and French. Use the name exactly as it appears on the data page, ignoring the French translation on the opposite page.

Middle names. Canadian passports often include middle names. Enter your full name exactly as printed on the passport, including all middle names.

Mother's name. This is the field that causes the most rejections globally. Your mother's complete legal name, no initials, no abbreviations. If she uses a hyphenated surname, include the full hyphenation.

After your CPF

Most Canadians in Brazil open a Nubank account immediately. For CAD to BRL transfers, Wise is the standard choice with competitive rates and no hidden markups. Your CPF never expires, so it works every time you escape the Canadian winter and come back to Brazil.

If you are a snowbird, getting your CPF on your first trip means every subsequent visit starts on day one with full access to banking, phone plans, and local services.