Personal accounts: Brazil

Updated 5 October 2026

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Brazil is Latin America's largest economy, and any account with a Brazilian bank starts with the individual taxpayer number (CPF). Without it neither a bank, nor the tax authority, nor an employer will issue any documents. The CPF is issued by Brazil's Federal Revenue Service, and foreigners can obtain it abroad through a Brazilian consulate. Below: how to open a personal account in Brazil, how resident and non-resident accounts differ and how companies work with Brazil.

The CPF is the first step

Foreigners with economic interests in Brazil - an account, property, investments, work - register for a CPF. You can apply through the Federal Revenue Service's partner network in Brazil or a Brazilian consulate abroad. Non-resident investors also need it to register with the Central Bank of Brazil as foreign investors.

Resident and non-resident accounts

• A resident with a residence permit and a Brazilian address opens a regular account with the central bank's instant payments, cards and online banking.
• A non-resident opens an account under the Central Bank of Brazil's rules for foreigners' accounts. Few banks work with non-residents, and their checks are stricter.

For people relocating it is simpler to obtain residence first; see Brazil residence.

Which bank works with Brazil for companies

Companies trading with Brazil need a bank authorised to carry out foreign exchange in Brazil. If you do business in the country on an ongoing basis, it is more reliable to register a Brazilian company with a corporate taxpayer number (CNPJ) and open its account: payments with clients and taxes then stay inside the country. The business account is opened for the company and the personal account for the owner.

Documents

• passport and CPF;
• for residents, the foreigner's card with residence;
• proof of address in Brazil, or abroad for a non-resident;
• proof of income and source of funds.

Why applications are refused

• no CPF;
• a non-resident with no clear purpose for the account;
• an unverified source of funds;
• links to sanctioned countries.

How the account opening works

1. CPF. We obtain it through a consulate or in Brazil.
2. Status. We establish whether you open the account as a resident or non-resident.
3. Bank. We choose a bank that works with your status.
4. Documents. We prepare your passport, address, proof of income and source of funds.
5. Opening. We support the checks and online banking setup.

Taxes

Brazilian residents pay tax on worldwide income, so it is worth sorting out foreign accounts and assets before moving. More on our Brazil taxes page.

What we do

We help obtain a CPF through a consulate or in Brazil, choose a bank for a resident or non-resident, prepare documents and handle the account opening. For business we register a Brazilian company. A manager will calculate the cost in the chat.

What we do

• Personal account - opening assistance

See also

Company formation · Business account · Investment property · Country taxes · All country programs

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