What you need to open a bank account in Brazil
To open a bank account in Brazil, you will need a valid ID document, proof of address, and a tax registration number called a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas). If you are a Brazilian citizen or permanent resident, you already have a CPF or can get one quickly. If you are a foreigner, you can open an account with a passport and a temporary tax number, though some banks make this harder than others.
The actual process takes about 30 minutes in person at a branch, or longer if you do it online — some banks ask for video verification or additional documents. You do not need to have money in the account to open it. Most banks will let you choose whether you want a checking account, a savings account, or both at the same time.
Key Takeaways
- You will need a CPF (tax ID number), a valid ID document, and proof of your address to open an account at any Brazilian bank.
- Foreigners can open accounts with a passport and a temporary CPF number, but some banks are easier to work with than others.
- Going to a branch in person is usually faster than opening online, especially if you are new to the Brazilian banking system.
- Most banks offer both checking and savings accounts, and you can open both at once or choose just one.
- Bring original documents and copies — banks will not accept photocopies without seeing the originals first.
Getting a CPF if you don't have one
If you are a Brazilian citizen and do not yet have a CPF, you can request one at any branch of the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) or through their website. The process is free and takes a few days. You will need to bring your birth certificate and a valid ID.
If you are a foreigner living in Brazil, you can get a temporary CPF at the Federal Revenue Service office in your city. Bring your passport, a signed declaration of your address in Brazil, and a completed form (available at the office or online). This temporary number works for opening a bank account and will be converted to a permanent one if you stay in Brazil long-term.
If you are a foreigner visiting Brazil or planning to stay only a short time, some banks will open accounts with just a passport and without a CPF, though this is becoming less common. Call ahead to ask which banks in your city will do this.
Which documents to bring to the bank
Bring originals and copies of: your CPF card or tax registration document, your passport or national ID, and a recent utility bill or rental agreement showing your current address. The address document must be in your name or show your name clearly — a bill addressed to "Resident" will not work. If you live with family or in shared housing, bring a signed letter from the person whose name is on the bill, confirming you live there.
Some banks also ask for proof of income, such as a recent paycheck stub or a letter from your employer. This is not always required for a basic account, but having it ready speeds things up. If you are self-employed or do not have a regular employer, a bank statement from another country or a letter explaining your income source can work.
Bring the originals even if you also bring copies — the bank staff will photocopy them for you and need to see the originals to verify they are real.
Opening an account in person versus online
Opening in person at a branch is usually faster and simpler, especially if you are new to Brazilian banking or do not speak Portuguese fluently. A staff member will walk you through the forms, answer questions, and verify your documents on the spot. You can leave with your account number the same day, though your debit card will arrive by mail a few days later.
Opening online through a bank's app or website takes longer because the bank cannot verify your documents in real time. Many banks now require a video call with a staff member to confirm your identity, which can take several days to schedule. Some also ask you to upload photos of your documents and wait for manual review. The advantage is that you can do it from home, but the process often takes a week or more.
If you are opening an account as a foreigner, going to a branch is strongly recommended. Online systems sometimes reject foreign passport numbers or addresses, and a staff member in person can override these issues or find a workaround.
The main Brazilian banks and what they offer
Banco do Brasil, Caixa Econômica Federal, Bradesco, and Itaú are the four largest banks in Brazil and have branches in most cities. All four offer checking and savings accounts with no monthly fee for basic accounts. Banco do Brasil and Caixa are government-owned and often easier for foreigners to work with. Bradesco and Itaú are private and have more branches and ATMs in cities.
Nubank, Inter, and C6 Bank are digital-only banks with no physical branches. They are faster to open online and have lower fees, but you cannot walk into a branch if you have a problem. These banks work well if you are comfortable using apps and do not need in-person help. They are popular with younger people and expats who already understand how Brazilian banking works.
For your first account, a traditional bank with branches is usually the safer choice. You can move money to a digital bank later once you understand how the system works.
What happens after you open the account
Your debit card will arrive by mail within 5 to 10 business days. You will receive a temporary PIN in a separate envelope. When the card arrives, you must set up it — most banks let you do this through the app, at an ATM, or by calling a phone number on the card. Until you set up it, you cannot use the card to withdraw money or pay at stores.
Your account will be active when ready, even before the card arrives. You can receive money transfers, set up direct deposits from an employer, and pay bills through the bank's app or website. You can also withdraw cash at the bank's ATMs using your account number and PIN, even without the physical card.
Most banks charge a monthly fee for checking accounts, but the fee is waived if you meet certain conditions — such as receiving a salary deposit each month, maintaining a minimum balance, or having a credit card with the bank. Ask about these conditions when you open the account so you know how to avoid fees.
Common problems and how to avoid them
The most common problem is bringing the wrong address document. Utility bills must be recent (usually from the last three months) and in your name. If you just moved, bring a rental agreement or a letter from your landlord instead. Do not assume a bill addressed to a family member will work — it will not.
Another frequent issue is that foreigners' passport numbers do not match the bank's system, especially if you have a temporary CPF. If this happens at an online bank, you will need to call or visit a branch to fix it. This is why opening in person is safer for foreigners.
Some banks also ask unexpected questions about the source of your money or why you are opening an account. This is normal and required by Brazilian law. Be honest and straightforward — if you are opening the account to receive a salary, say that. If you are opening it to receive money from family abroad, say that. Banks are not trying to trick you; they are following anti-money-laundering rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I open a bank account in Brazil if I am not a citizen?
Yes. You will need a passport, proof of address in Brazil, and a temporary CPF number. Some banks are easier to work with than others — Banco do Brasil and Caixa Econômica Federal are generally more welcoming to foreigners. Digital banks like Nubank may reject your process if your passport number does not match their system, so a traditional bank with branches is safer for your first account.
How long does it take to open an account?
In person at a branch, about 30 minutes to an hour. Online, usually 5 to 10 business days because the bank needs to verify your documents and may require a video call. Your debit card arrives by mail 5 to 10 days after the account opens, but you can use the account before the card arrives.
Do I need to have money to open an account?
No. You can open an account with zero balance. You do not need to make a deposit on the day you open it. However, many banks waive monthly fees only if you receive a salary deposit or maintain a minimum balance, so ask about these conditions when you open the account.
What if I don't have a CPF yet?
You can get a temporary CPF at the Federal Revenue Service office in your city. Bring your passport and proof of address. The process is free and takes a few days. Some banks will open accounts without a CPF if you have a passport, but this is becoming rare — it is better to get the CPF first.
Can I open a bank account online if I am a foreigner?
It is possible but often slower and more complicated. Many online banks reject foreign passport numbers or ask for additional verification. Going to a branch in person is faster and more reliable, especially for your first account in Brazil.