What is MoraLá - Relocation Services?

MoraLá - helps foreigners move to Brazil with CPF registration, bureaucracy assistance, housing guidance, and relocation support.

Can US citizens get a CPF in Brazil?

Yes. US citizens can apply for a CPF regardless of whether they are currently in Brazil or in the United States. There are no restrictions based on nationality.

Where do US citizens get the apostille for a CPF Power of Attorney?

The apostille must be obtained from the Secretary of State's office in the US state where the document was notarized. Each state handles its own apostilles. The process typically takes 5-15 business days, with expedited options often available for same-day or next-day processing.

Do US citizens need a visa to apply for a CPF in Brazil?

No. The CPF is a tax registration number and is not related to immigration status. You can apply for a CPF as a US citizen from the United States, without needing to visit Brazil or hold any visa.

Can a US citizen apply for a CPF at a Brazilian consulate?

Potentially, but it depends on the specific consulate. Brazilian consulates in the US vary in their willingness to process CPF applications for non-Brazilian nationals. The remote application via Power of Attorney is more reliable and does not require a consulate visit.

How much does it cost to get a CPF as a US citizen?

The Receita Federal does not charge a fee for CPF registration. The costs involved are: Secretary of State apostille fee ($5-25 depending on state), notary fee ($10-50), certified Portuguese translation (typically $50-150) and any service fee if using an authorized representative like MoraLá (€149 for the done-for-you service).

CPF for US Citizens - How to Get a Brazilian CPF from the United States 2026

The US-Specific Process

The United States joined the Hague Apostille Convention, so the apostille process is straightforward - though it varies by state. Each state's Secretary of State office handles apostilles for documents notarized within that state.

01
Draft the POA with correct language
The POA must explicitly authorize CPF registration with the Receita Federal. Use the MoraLá template - applications with generic POA language are rejected due to insufficient documentation.
02
Notarize at a US notary public
Any licensed notary public in your state can notarize the document. UPS Store, banks, libraries and law offices all typically offer notary services for $5-20.
03
Get the apostille from the Secretary of State
Submit the notarized document to the Secretary of State's office in the state where it was notarized. Processing: 5-15 business days standard, 1-3 days expedited (available in most states). Fee: $5-25 depending on state.
04
Get a certified Portuguese translation
A tradutor juramentado (sworn translator registered in Brazil) must translate the POA. Brazilian-accredited translators are available to work remotely.
05
Submit to Receita Federal via representative
Your representative in Brazil submits the complete package. Receita Federal processing: 5-14 business days.

Documents Required

Valid US passport (must not be expired)
Proof of US address (utility bill, bank statement - issued within 90 days)
Notarized and apostilled Power of Attorney with CPF registration language
Certified Portuguese translation of the POA

Realistic Timeline for US Citizens

POA notarization1-2 days

Secretary of State apostille (standard)5-15 business days

Secretary of State apostille (expedited)1-3 business days

Certified Portuguese translation3-7 business days (can run in parallel)

Receita Federal processing5-14 business days

Total (expedited apostille)Approximately 2-4 weeks

Total (standard apostille)Approximately 4-6 weeks

Why US Citizens Need a CPF

A CPF is required for American citizens who want to:

Open a Brazilian bank account (Nubank, Inter, Bradesco, Itau)
Invest in Brazilian stocks on the B3 exchange or real estate funds (FIIs)
Buy property in Brazil - no notary will process a deed without it
Sign a rental contract
Register a company in Brazil - every partner needs a CPF
Get a Brazilian SIM card or phone contract

Frequently Asked Questions

About the Author

Béla Christiansen

Founder of MoraLá | German national based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil

Personally completed the CPF process as a foreigner
German national based in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
Helped multiple foreigners obtain their CPF
Direct communication - no outsourcing
Not affiliated with the Receita Federal or any Brazilian government body

Béla moved to Brazil from Germany at 22 and has been navigating Brazilian bureaucracy firsthand ever since. This guide reflects that direct experience - what actually works for a foreigner without local connections, not a theoretical walkthrough. MoraLá is an administrative assistance service for foreigners navigating Brazilian bureaucracy, primarily focused on CPF registration. It is not a financial services firm. Most recent review: June 2026.

MoraLá is not providing legal advice, legal representation or any service reserved for licensed professionals. It is not a law firm, accounting firm or entity affiliated with the Receita Federal or any Brazilian government body. Nothing on this page constitutes legal or immigration advice.

Get Your CPF Handled from the US

MoraLá provides the POA template, document review and handles the Receita Federal submission. Fully remote. English throughout. Fixed fee: €149.

Done-For-You CPF Service - €149

MoraLá assists with the process but cannot guarantee the outcome, since the final decision is made by the Brazilian authorities.

Last updated: June 2026.

CPF Guides by Country

UK Citizens German Citizens Canadian Citizens Australian Citizens Full CPF Guide

Related Guides

Other essential resources for foreigners in Brazil:

How to Get a CPF in Brazil as a Foreigner CPF Through Power of Attorney CPF Processing Times CPF for UK Citizens CPF for German Citizens CPF for Canadian Citizens CPF for Australian Citizens Moving to Brazil - Complete Relocation Guide