How to get a Brazilian CPF (Tax Identification Number) 2018 Guide

CPF is the Brazilian abbreviation for Cadastro De Pessoas Físicas.
Cadastro De Pessoas Físicas translates to Individuals registration. A CPF is equal to a U.S  tax identification number.  A CPF is used in Brazil to open a bank account, get a line of credit, employment, start a business, pay taxes, buy real estate, investments, furniture, cell phone plan and e-commerce (online shopping).
A CPF is fairly easy to get outside of overcoming a few hurdles. If you are not a Brazilian citizen no worries. Non-Brazilian citizens can get a CPF number without being a permanent resident or citizen living in Brazil. Non-Brazilian citizens or foreigners can get a CPF by visiting a Brazilian consulate in their own country if one is available. Just follow these easy steps and you can have a CPF with no problem.

1. You need to have copy of your birth certificate (original or certified) and a valid passport.​
2. Locate the nearest Brazilian consulate. In the United States of America Brazilian consulates are in these major cities: Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Hartford, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, San Francisco, and Washington, D.C. Note: You may need to schedule an appointment every consultant is different.

​   3. Visit the website of the Brazilian consulate nearest to your current  location. Each consulate has its own website. They look the same but each one operates differently.
      4.  Once you have located the proper website find the CPF tab/services on the home page. There you will find a link to the Federal Revenue form/Receita federal form.

      5. Complete the Federal Revenue form/Receita federal form. Your reason for completing the form is for “Registration” purposes. Complete all that is applicable: Name, sex, birth date, mother's maiden name (Name before marriage), address, nationality, phone number and e-mail. Leave everything else blank.
    6. Print out the form and take it to the Brazilian consulate. Note: There is no application fee for requesting a CPF number. Again every consulate is different. In Chicago, no appointment, there is no application fee and the CPF number is given to you the same day the application is processed. It might help to already have a Brazilian Visa which includes a background check etc.
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I hope the information provided was helpful and/or resourceful in obtaining your CPF number.
P.S The Brazilian consulates are no longer issuing CPF ID cards just a sheet of paper with your CPF number. You need to have it memorized, stored in a safe place or you can get if from a CPF app via Receita Federal. 

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