Updated April 2026
What is a CPF Number in Brazil? Everything Foreigners Need to Know
If you are a foreigner in Brazil, you will hear about CPF within your first week. You will need one to open a bank account, get a phone plan, rent an apartment, order food on iFood, use Pix, sign up for a gym, or buy anything online. Here is everything you need to know.
What CPF stands for
CPF stands for Cadastro de Pessoas Fisicas, which translates to "Registry of Individual Persons." It is an 11-digit tax identification number issued by Brazil's federal tax authority, the Receita Federal. Every Brazilian citizen has one from birth. Foreigners living in or visiting Brazil can also apply for one.
Think of it like a tax ID number. It is not secret or sensitive the way a US social security number is. Brazilians use their CPF constantly. Cashiers ask for it at checkout. Websites require it during sign-up. It is woven into daily life in a way that surprises most foreigners.
Why foreigners need a CPF
Without a CPF, you are locked out of most of modern Brazilian life. Here is what requires one:
- ✓ Bank accounts at Nubank, Inter, Banco do Brasil, or any Brazilian bank
- ✓ Phone plans from Vivo, Claro, TIM, or Oi
- ✓ Pix payments, Brazil's instant payment system used everywhere
- ✓ Renting an apartment through QuintoAndar or any landlord
- ✓ Food delivery on iFood, Rappi, and Uber Eats
- ✓ Online shopping on Amazon BR, Mercado Livre, and most Brazilian e-commerce
- ✓ Gym memberships, coworking spaces, and subscription services
- ✓ Ride-hailing with Uber or 99
- ✓ Health insurance and any government services
The short version: if you plan to do anything beyond staying in a hotel and paying cash, you need a CPF.
Skip the confusion
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Get started for $29How to get a CPF as a foreigner
The good news: getting a CPF is free and straightforward. You apply in person at one of two types of offices:
Correios (post office) is the easiest option. Most foreigners go here. It costs R$7 (about $1.50) for the processing fee. You walk in, fill out a form, show your passport, and receive your CPF number, often the same day.
Receita Federal offices also process CPF applications. The service is free but wait times can be longer and the process may take a few business days.
You will need your passport (original, not a copy) and proof of a Brazilian address. If you are staying with a friend or in an Airbnb, a host declaration letter works as address proof.
Common mistakes foreigners make
The CPF application is simple, but foreigners get tripped up on a few things:
- × Going to the wrong office. Not every Correios location processes CPF applications. Check before you go.
- × No address proof. If you are in an Airbnb or hotel, you need a host declaration letter. Most people do not know this until they are turned away.
- × Forms are in Portuguese. The application form is entirely in Portuguese. If you do not speak the language, you may fill it out incorrectly.
- × Bringing copies instead of originals. You need your actual passport, not a photocopy.
How GET CPF helps
GET CPF is a $29 preparation service that eliminates these problems. You fill out one questionnaire in English, and we build your Ready Pack: pre-filled forms, the correct office for your location, a Portuguese cheat sheet for the visit, a document checker that verifies everything before you go, and a host declaration letter generator if you need one.
Five minutes of preparation. One visit. Done.
Frequently asked questions
Is CPF the same as a social security number?
Not exactly. A CPF is a tax identification number, similar to a US SSN or UK NI number in function. But unlike those, a CPF is not sensitive or secret. Brazilians share their CPF number regularly for purchases, deliveries, and sign-ups.
Can foreigners get a CPF on a tourist visa?
Yes. You do not need a work visa or permanent residency to get a CPF. Foreigners on any visa type, including tourist visas, can apply for and receive a CPF number at a Correios or Receita Federal office in Brazil.
How long does it take to get a CPF?
The application itself takes about 15 minutes at the office. At some Correios locations, you receive your CPF number the same day. At Receita Federal offices, it can take a few business days to process.
Does a CPF expire?
No. Once you have a CPF number, it is yours for life. It does not expire and does not need to be renewed, regardless of your visa status or how long you stay in Brazil.
Can I get a CPF before arriving in Brazil?
In some cases, yes. Brazilian consulates in certain countries can process CPF applications. However, this varies by country and consulate. Most foreigners find it easier and faster to apply in person at a Correios office once they arrive in Brazil.
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