CPF for dummies

what is this CPF everyone keeps talking about?


Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas. this means registration of physical persons, literally translated.


basically, this is your social security number here in brazil.


here's the official site: http://www.receita.fazenda.gov.br/PessoaFisica/cpf/CadastroPf.htm


why do i need it?


your CPF will allow you get everything you'll need to have a regular life. this includes but is not limited to:

• bank accounts
• cell phones
• internet access
• big purchases
• rentals (house, car, etc.)
• credit cards
• anything you need to do with the government
• etc.

without it, you will be severely limiting yourself to what you can do here in brazil as far as making a life for yourself.

how do i get it?

first you will want to go to the post office. there you can register yourself and start the process for obtaining the CPF. it costs around 6-7 reais. after that, ask the post office where the nearest Receita Federal is. after you sign up for the CPF it will take about 2-3 days to get into the system before you can finalize the deal. next....

you will need to go the Receita Federal (after the 2-3 days). every major city has one. ask around (for success asking where its at, refer to my other post about asking for directions)

once you get there you will need to present a few documents, regardless of what the actual website tells you to bring. if you want to leave the Receita Federal with a CPF number bring:

• passport
• birth certificate
• a mailing address here in brazil (make sure its a place you KNOW it will get to)
• smiles and patience

they say it only takes a passport to get this done. however, you will soon find out that it is helpful to bring as MUCH documentation as you possibly can. trust me on this. this is the land of always lacking ONE document to get anything done.

when you get done doing the deed at Receita Federal they should issue you a CPF. it should (and i stress should) take about a month to be delivered via mail.

the next thing you should do, is visit this site:

Comprovante de Inscrição e de Situação Cadastral no CPF

and print out proof of your CPF. this will come in extremely handy until you receive your actual card. this will aid you in getting some things done and acting as proof of your CPF.

getting your CPF is an excellent primer in dealing with the brazilian system. you really have no excuse for not getting one.

now... once you get your number. don't give it out to just anyone! its as important as your social security number. with it, people can take out cell phones in your name among other things. i also would recommend leaving the card at home unless you really need it. if lost, it can be a pain to get another one reissued.

questions? leave 'em in the comments!