How to Get a CPF in Brazil and When Is Sworn Translation Required? 

Whether you're moving to Brazil, investing in real estate, studying, or doing business, there’s one small but crucial number you’ll need: the CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas). This taxpayer ID is used in nearly every official and financial activity in Brazil.

But for foreigners, getting a CPF often raises an important question: Do I need a sworn translation of my documents? In this post, we explain:

• ✅ How to get a CPF as a foreigner;
  
  

• ✅ When sworn translation (tradução juramentada) is required;
  
  

• ✅ Why Idiomatic Brasil is the ideal partner for your translations.
  
  

What Is a CPF and Why Do You Need One?

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is a personal tax identification number issued by Receita Federal (Brazil’s tax authority). It’s required for:

• Opening a bank account
  
  

• Buying or renting real estate
  
  

• Signing contracts
  
  

• Registering for a SIM card or e-commerce site
  
  

• Investing in the Brazilian stock market
  
  

• Applying for a visa or residence permit
  
  

• Enrolling in a university or job application
  
  

If you're doing any official activity in Brazil, you will likely need a CPF.

How Can a Foreigner Get a CPF?

You can apply for a CPF in two main ways:

1. Outside Brazil: At a Brazilian embassy or consulate in your country
   
   

2. In Brazil: At a local Receita Federal office or through certain banks and notaries
   
   

In both cases, you will need to provide valid identification documents — and if they are not in Portuguese, sworn translation may be required.

Documents Required to Apply for a CPF

The most common required documents are:

• Passport (mandatory)
  
  

• Birth certificate or national ID (depending on your country)
  
  

• Proof of address (Brazilian or international)
  
  

• Visa or residency documentation (if applicable)
  
  

Any document not originally written in Portuguese may need to be accompanied by a sworn translation — especially when applying directly through Receita Federal in Brazil.

When Is Sworn Translation Required?

Sworn translation (tradução juramentada) is a legally valid translation, performed by a public translator registered with the Junta Comercial in Brazil. It’s required when:

• Your documents are in English, Spanish, French, German, or any non-Portuguese language
  
  

• You're submitting documents to a Brazilian government agency
  
  

• You're applying for CPF in person in Brazil, not through a consulate abroad
  
  

• The CPF is being issued for legal, financial, or immigration purposes
  
  

Without proper sworn translation, your documents can be rejected, delaying your CPF or legal process.

Why Choose Idiomatic Brasil?

At Idiomatic Brasil, we specialize in sworn translations for foreign individuals and businesses dealing with Brazilian bureaucracy. Here’s why we’re the best choice:

🔹 Fast, legally valid sworn translations accepted by Receita Federal, notaries, banks, and government entities
🔹 Certified translators for English, Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more
🔹 Online service — no need to visit our office; receive your sworn translation by email or courier
🔹 Personalized support in multiple languages
🔹 Experience helping hundreds of clients with CPF applications, visas, real estate, and tax documents

Get Your CPF Without Bureaucratic Headaches

Don’t let translation issues hold you back from getting your CPF in Brazil. With Idiomatic Brasil, you’ll receive accurate, legally recognized translations — delivered quickly and hassle-free.

Request a free quote now and get expert guidance for your CPF and all translation needs.