What is CPF?
Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas is Receita Federal's individual register. The number is unique and permanent. Brazilians and foreigners, whether resident in Brazil or not, can register.
RIO GUIDE · BEFORE YOU TRAVEL
CPF for foreigners and travelers
If you come to Brazil, sooner or later you will encounter three letters: CPF. It is a personal number administered by Receita Federal and, although having one does not make you a resident, it can make life much easier if you are staying for a while, shopping online, signing up for certain services or registering as a customer at Brazilian stores.
It is neither residency nor a visa
This matters: obtaining a CPF does not regularize your immigration status, replace a passport, visa, RNM or CRNM, or automatically give you the right to live or work in Brazil. It is a separate register.
What can it be useful for?
In everyday Brazilian life, CPF is used as an identifier in many systems. It may come up when opening accounts or signing up for services, shopping online, buying tickets, registering phone lines or apps, issuing invoices and completing other procedures. Each business may also require other documents or conditions.
CPF on receipts and discounts
In supermarkets, pharmacies and other stores, you may be asked “CPF na nota?” or for a CPF to create a customer account. These are different things: one links the purchase to your CPF, while the other enrolls you in the store's loyalty program. Having a CPF may let you register for promotions or customer prices where the store allows it, but discounts depend on each chain's rules.
Online shopping
Many Brazilian stores and platforms structure checkout around CPF. Having one may remove a registration barrier, but it does not guarantee a purchase will be accepted: the store may require a Brazilian address, local phone number, compatible card or other information.
CPF and Pix are different things
CPF can be used as a Pix key, but Pix is the payment system and CPF is your tax identification. To use Pix, you need an account or provider offering access; obtaining a CPF alone does not create a Pix account.
Is a tourist required to have a CPF?
Not simply because you are visiting Brazil. Receita Federal itself distinguishes people required to register from those who may do so voluntarily. You may never need it on a short trip; for longer stays or more everyday life in Brazil, it can be useful.
Who can apply?
Receita Federal states that Brazilian and foreign individuals, whether resident in Brazil or not, can apply for registration. Minors can also have a CPF; there is no general minimum age for obtaining one.
If you are in Brazil
Receita Federal maintains official registration channels. Depending on your documents and circumstances, the process may be electronic or require assistance. For foreigners whose only identification is a passport, Receita Federal warns that an in-person appointment may be necessary. Always check the current channel before traveling there.
If you are still abroad
For foreigners living outside Brazil, the official guidance is to apply in person at the relevant Brazilian consular representation and use the e-consular system where the post requires it. Do not confuse this with the CPF email for residents abroad: Receita Federal clarifies that this email does not handle first-time registration for foreigners outside Brazil.
How much does it cost?
Receita Federal states that registration is free through its free channels; partner offices may charge a fee. You do not need to pay an intermediary just to obtain the number.
Documents
Documents depend on where you apply and your circumstances. Receita Federal publishes identification options for foreigners and may require additional documents. Foreign documents do not always need translation, but an apostille, consular legalization or sworn translation may be requested depending on the case.
After obtaining it
Keep the number and check your registration status through the official channel. The confirmation document can now be issued online; do not rely on a physical card. The CPF number remains associated with the person.
Protect your data
CPF is widely used personal information. I would not send a passport photo, selfie or documents to a stranger promising to “get a CPF” faster. Start with Receita Federal, gov.br or the relevant consular representation.
How to apply: official links
Here are the links I would use before any intermediary. As procedures can change, these buttons lead directly to the Brazilian authorities.
Connect this information to your trip
I prepared this page as an introduction. From here, you can understand payments, Pix, internet and apps without repeating the same information on four different pages.
