CPF For Brazilian Citizens

Important Information

Law No. 14,543/23 makes the Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF) the unique number for personal identification in public service databases in Brazil. The law came into force on January 11, 2023 and set a deadline of 12 months (January 11, 2024) for governmental bodies to adapt the systems and procedures for serving citizens, to adopt the number of registration with the CPF as identification number.

With the new law, therefore, the CPF will be the only identification number required from citizens to provide public services.

In addition, citizens of any age who own or wish to own, in Brazil, assets and rights subject to public registration, including real estate, vehicles, vessels, aircraft, corporate interests, bank accounts, must register with the CPF.

The CPF number is issued only once (unique and definitive), and it is not possible to register twice. The CPF number will be generated upon registration and recorded on the receipt provided to the applicant. The number must be kept in a safe place or memorised, as "CPF cards" are no longer issued.

Due to tax privacy regulations, those who have lost / forgotten their CPF number must retrieve it directly at one of the units of the Federal Revenue (Receita Federal) in Brazil, as this matter cannot be solved at the Embassy. Further clarifications can be obtained by email: cpf.residente.exterior@rfb.gov.br.

The service is free of charge.

Registration

The Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF) registration is currently made by e-mail by the Federal Revenue (Receita Federal). In order to send your request by e-mail, please see the instructions below:

1)      Fill in the online CPF form (Please note that you must allow pop-up windows in your internet browser in order to submit the form). A protocol number is generated once you finish completing the form and click on "submit".

2)      Send your CPF registration application to cpf.residente.exterior@rfb.gov.br. Please attach digital copies of the documents below (PDF or JPEG documents only):

- CPF online form receipt (printed and signed);

- Valid passport;

- Full birth certificate containing both parents’ names (this document is optional, but recommended in order to show the parents’ names in the registration). If the certificate has been issued in Syria, it must be legalised and translated.

- Photo of the applicant’s face holding the valid passport, in which the photograph and document number must be legible, so that the applicant can be correctly identified. Applicants under 16: valid passport and "selfie" of father or mother holding his/her valid passport.