Updated April 2026 · 4 min read

CPF for Japanese passport holders in Brazil

Japanese passport holder in Brazil? Here is what you need to know about getting a CPF, including name formatting and specific tips.

The Japan-Brazil connection

Brazil has the largest Japanese diaspora in the world, with over 1.5 million people of Japanese descent. This deep connection means that many Receita Federal offices, especially in Sao Paulo and Parana, are very familiar with Japanese passports and naming conventions.

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

Japan-specific considerations

Name romanisation. Japanese passports use the Hepburn romanisation system for names. The CPF form requires your name exactly as it appears in your passport's romanised form. Do not attempt to use kanji or katakana.

Name order. Japanese passports now list the surname first in uppercase (e.g., TANAKA Yuki). Enter it in the order printed on your passport.

Mother's name. Enter your mother's full romanised name as it would appear on her passport. If you are unsure of the exact romanisation, check her passport or Japanese family register (koseki tohon) for the standard form.

After your CPF

The Japanese-Brazilian community is strong, and many businesses in Sao Paulo's Liberdade district cater to Japanese speakers. With a CPF, you can access all of Brazil's digital services. For JPY to BRL transfers, Wise offers the best rates. Your CPF works indefinitely, linking you to both your Japanese identity and your Brazilian life.