Updated March 2026 · 5 min read

CPF for South African passport holders in Brazil

South African in Brazil trying to get a CPF? Here is the basic process and the specific things South Africans need to watch for.

South Africans and the CPF

South Africans can absolutely get a CPF in Brazil. The process is the same as for any foreigner but there are a few nationality-specific details worth knowing. South African passports are well recognised and generally processed without issues.

The biggest challenge most South Africans face is the same one everyone does: showing up at the right office with the right documents in the right format. The specifics of what 'right' means depend on your city, your living situation, and how your name appears on your passport.

Visa considerations

South Africans typically enter Brazil on a tourist visa or through other arrangements. Your visa type affects some details of the CPF process. The core requirements remain the same but certain documentation approaches work better depending on your immigration status.

If you are planning to stay long-term, getting your CPF sorted early makes everything else easier, from banking to phone plans to apartment hunting.

After you get your CPF

Once you have your number, the first thing most South Africans do is open a Nubank account. Free, app available in English, and you can start using Pix immediately. Then a proper SIM card, which is dramatically cheaper than roaming on a South African plan. Your CPF never expires, so it works every time you return to Brazil.