What is your Tax ID in Brazil? | How to Obtain a CNPJ

By Easyco Updated October 9, 2026

Brazil is the biggest country in South America in terms of territory, and it is also the biggest economy in the region. This attracts companies around the world as it is a perfect starting point for businesses interested in expanding to South America.

If this fits your plans and you’re looking to open a company in Brazil, or are already in the process of completing the incorporation, you may have some questions about the Tax Identification Number, what is it?, how to obtain it?, and more. In this blog article, we explain what the CNPJ is, how it differs from the CPF, and the role of the ‘Receita Federal’.

What is the Tax ID in Brazil?

In Brazil, the Tax Identification Number for companies is called ‘Cadastro Nacional de Pessoa Juridica’ or National Registry for Legal Entities. The Federal Revenue Bureau (‘Receita Federal’) is the government agency that issues this number. A new company receives it automatically when it registers with the Junta Comercial through REDESIM. The company needs it to issue invoices, file taxes, hire staff and open a corporate bank account.

The CNPJ has 14 characters: an 8-character base number, a 4-character code for the head office or branch, and 2 check digits. Since 31 July 2026, new CNPJs can include letters as well as numbers (the alphanumeric CNPJ), and existing numbers stay valid.

What government agency provides the CNPJ?

The agency in charge of providing the CNPJ in Brazil is the Federal Revenue Bureau or ‘Receita Federal’. Created in 1968, it is part of the Ministry of Finance (Ministério da Fazenda) and is responsible for federal taxes and customs. They can also provide you with a CPF or ‘Cadastro de Pessoa Física’, which is also a tax identification number but for a natural person.

Foreigners need a CPF to be a partner in a Brazilian company, open a bank account, buy property or invest in Brazil.

What’s the difference between a CNPJ and a CPF?

The main difference between a CPF and a CNPJ is that a CPF is assigned to a natural person, while the CNPJ is assigned only to legal entities. Both are issued by the Receita Federal. Foreign individuals can request a CPF from abroad through a Brazilian consulate or the Receita Federal. Foreign companies that hold shares or quotas in a Brazilian company need their own CNPJ as a foreign entity, naming their beneficial owners and a legal representative in Brazil.

How do I obtain a CNPJ or Tax Identification Number for my company in Brazil?

A new Brazilian company does not apply for its CNPJ separately. When its articles are filed with the state Junta Comercial (Board of Trade) through REDESIM, the integrated federal registration system, the company receives its registry number, called ‘Número de Identificação do Registro de Empresa’ (NIRE), and its CNPJ from the Receita Federal in the same process. The company then completes its state registration (for ICMS) or municipal registration (for ISS), depending on its activities.

What documents are required?

To file the company and receive its CNPJ, you usually need:

The articles of association (contrato social) or bylaws, signed by the partners or their attorney
The CPF or CNPJ of every partner, and apostilled and translated powers of attorney for partners who live abroad, naming a legal representative in Brazil
For corporate partners: their incorporation documents, proof of good standing and beneficial-ownership details
The REDESIM application, including the viability check for the name, activities (CNAE codes) and address
Details of the administrators, each with a CPF

Do I need a Brazilian company to get a tax ID in Brazil?

Not always. Individuals use a CPF, which foreigners can get without a company. The CNPJ is for legal entities: a Brazilian company receives one when it registers, and a foreign company that invests in a Brazilian company gets one as a foreign entity. To invoice, hire and operate in Brazil, you need a Brazilian company with its own CNPJ.

The main steps to open a company in Brazil:

Choose the company type (usually a Ltda.)
Get a CPF or CNPJ for each foreign partner
Appoint the administrators and a representative in Brazil
Apostille and translate the documents
Run the viability check for the name, activities and address
Sign the articles of association
File with the Junta Comercial and receive the NIRE and CNPJ
Complete the tax registrations and choose the tax regime
Report the investment to the Banco Central and open a bank account

Full guide: how to open a company in Brazil.

Get Assistance from Easyco Experts!

Easyco handles company formation, tax, accounting and payroll in Brazil. Read how to open a company in Brazil or contact us for a quote.

At Easyco, we make company formation in Brazil easy; our team of corporate experts has vast experience helping companies and individuals register their business in Brazil, with a proven track record of success across all of our services. Easyco aims to tackle the complex company formation processes across LATAM. We make business registration easy by handling the process for you. Start your company in Brazil today!

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