Updated April 2026 · 4 min read

Do you need a CPF to open a Nubank account?

Yes, you need a CPF to open Nubank. Here is why, how to get one, and what the process looks like for foreigners.

No CPF, no Nubank

Nubank requires a CPF to create an account. There are no exceptions and no workarounds. The CPF is the first field you enter when signing up. If you do not have one, the app will not let you proceed.

This catches a lot of foreigners off guard. They download Nubank, excited about Brazil's best digital bank, and immediately hit a wall. The good news is that getting a CPF is straightforward once you know the process.

Why Nubank needs your CPF

Brazilian financial regulations require every bank account to be linked to a CPF. This is not a Nubank policy, it is the law. The Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN) mandates CPF verification for all banking activities.

Your CPF becomes your financial identity in Brazil. It links to your credit score, your tax records, your Pix keys, and every financial transaction you make. Nubank uses it to verify your identity and comply with anti-money laundering regulations.

How to get your CPF so you can open Nubank

The CPF process takes about an hour at a Receita Federal office if you show up with the right documents. You need your passport, proof of a Brazilian address, and your mother's full legal name. Most people get their CPF number the same day and can open Nubank within minutes of walking out.

The common mistake is assuming it will be simple and showing up unprepared. About one in ten foreigners gets turned away on their first attempt because of a document issue.