CPF
Av. Olegário Maciel, 2360 - Lourdes/Santo Agostinho
Getting Your CPF in Brazil your guide
Why this matters, and why the order trips people up
First thing you do is follow the link below to fill out your form.
Make sure that your institution has provided you with some information and read the whole page before beginning the step by step.
Most guides for foreigners jump straight into the Federal Police / RNM registration, because it has a hard 90-day deadline and feels urgent. But there's a step that usually needs to happen **before** that, and almost nobody flags it clearly: the CPF
- CPF (Cadastro de Pessoa Física) = your tax ID number, issued by the Receita Federal (Brazil's IRS). It's what identifies you for money-related things.
- RNM/CRNM = your immigration registration, issued by the Federal Police. It's what proves your legal migratory status.
They're independent documents, but in practice you'll want the CPF first, because it's the one that unlocks everyday life: opening a bank account, signing a lease, getting a phone plan, or even enrolling somewhere often requires a CPF not an RNM. So while your 90-day RNM clock is running, having the CPF sorted early means you're not stuck waiting to do basic things.
What you need to bring
- Valid passport, ideally showing your Brazil entry stamp (proves you're actually in the country)
- Proof of address in Brazil this trips people up because they just landed and don't have a utility bill yet. In practice, a signed lease, a hosting/accommodation letter, or a declaration from your school or employer is usually accepted. Ask the specific location beforehand if you're unsure.
You generally do not need sworn translations or apostilles for the passport itself — that's more commonly required for supporting documents issued abroad, not for this process.
Where you can go
You have a few options pick based on convenience, since they all issue the same CPF:
- Banco do Brasil branch; usually fastest, and you don't need to be a customer
- Caixa Econômica Federal branch; same as above, widely available
- Receita Federal office; free and thorough, but often has longer lines/requires scheduling
- Correios (select branches); convenient if nearby, but not all branches offer this, so call ahead
For someone in BH, a Banco do Brasil or Caixa branch near where you're staying is usually the path of least resistance, versus dealing with the Receita Federal queue.
Step-by-step
- Step 1: (Optional) Start online. Go to gov.br/cpf, create a gov.br account if you don't have one, and fill out the CPF registration form (personal data, address, document info). This gets you a protocol number, which can speed up your in-person visit but it's not mandatory to start this way.
- Step 2: Go in person. Bring your passport and proof of address (plus the protocol number, if you have one) to whichever location you chose.
- Step 3: Document validation. Staff will check your documents; in some cases you'll also go through biometric verification (photo/fingerprint).
- Step 4: Receive your CPF. In most cases it's issued the same visit. The number is typically active in the national banking system within 2–4 hours meaning you could open a bank account the same day.
- Step 5: Save your confirmation. Download the PDF confirmation from the Receita Federal website. This document alone is accepted almost everywhere as proof of your CPF: you don't strictly need the physical plastic card.
Good to know
- It's free when done directly through the Receita Federal. Banks or Correios may charge a small optional fee (roughly R$20–40) only if you want a physical card skippable if the PDF works for your purposes.
- **CPF never expires.** No renewals, ever even if your visa later expires, the CPF number stays valid and usable.
- **CPF ≠ visa ≠ RNM.** Having a CPF does not replace your obligation to register with the Federal Police within 90 days of arrival. They serve different purposes and are checked by different institutions.
- **You can request it before traveling**, at a Brazilian consulate in your home country but it's slower (20–30 days) and involves a consular fee. Because of the wait, most people find it simpler to just handle it after arriving in Brazil.
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