Brazil: New Annual Registration Requirement for Certain Tax Identification Document Holders

The Brazilian Federal Revenue Service has introduced a new registration requirement for foreign nationals over 16 years old who hold a CPF (Brazilian tax identification number) who reside outside Brazil. This measure aims to enhance the integrity of the CPF database. The CPF is required to enroll employees in the Brazilian payroll and for local insurance purposes. It is also required to conduct several administrative activities in Brazil, like opening a bank account. Effective immediately, these individuals must update their CPF information annually by December 31 using the Federal Revenue Service’s mobile application. To complete the update, they must submit a photograph taken with the application’s webcam, a copy of their passport, CPF details, date of birth, and other personal information. Nationals of Argentina, Bolivia, Colombia, Chile, Ecuador, Guyana, Paraguay, Peru, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela (Mercosur members and associated states)) may use their national civil identity cards instead of a passport for registration purposes until June 30, 2025. Foreign nationals unable to use the mobile application should visit their nearest Brazilian consular post to update their registration. They will need to provide the required documentation and any error messages generated by the mobile app. Though the government has not yet announced any associated penalties, affected individuals who fail to register their CPF annually may have their CPF suspended (and, further on, even canceled). Affected individuals should contact their immigration professional for case-specific guidance.