Updated April 2026 · 4 min read

CPF for French passport holders in Brazil

How French passport holders can get a CPF in Brazil. Documents, process, and France-specific tips.

French citizens in Brazil

France has deep historical ties with Brazil and a significant French expat community. Whether you are in Rio for work, Sao Paulo for business, or Florianopolis for lifestyle, a CPF is your ticket to functioning like a local.

French passport holders do not need a visa for stays under 90 days.

France-specific considerations

Accented characters. French names with accents (e, e, a, c) are handled inconsistently by the Brazilian system. Your passport uses the ICAO standard which removes accents. Use the passport version on your CPF form.

Mother's maiden name. In French administrative culture, the mother's maiden name (nom de jeune fille) is standard. For the CPF form, use your mother's full current legal name. If she kept her maiden name, use that. If she took her husband's name, use that.

Proof of address. If you are in a rental, the contrat de location is the equivalent of what Brazil wants. A utility bill (facture) in your name also works.

After your CPF

French expats in Brazil typically use Nubank for daily banking and Wise for EUR/BRL transfers. If you are planning to buy property, your CPF is required for all real estate transactions. The French-Brazilian tax treaty may affect your obligations, so consult a tax advisor if you have income in both countries.