PIX for Foreigners and Expats in Brazil

Living in Brazil? Here's how to get full PIX access

Three Types of Foreign Users

🏖️

Tourist (Short Visit)

→ Mercado Pago with foreign card
→ No CPF needed

PIX Tourist Guide →

🏢

Expat / Long-term (3+ months)

→ Full PIX via CPF + Brazilian bank
→ Best experience

🌏

Long-term Resident / Permanent

→ Full access like Brazilian citizens
→ All features unlocked

Getting CPF as a Foreigner

The CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) is Brazil's individual taxpayer number. Every foreigner can apply — it is the prerequisite for a Brazilian bank account and PIX.

Requirements

• Valid passport
• Brazilian entry stamp (or visa)
• Proof of address (optional for basic registration)
• Cost: Free

Online (cpf.receita.fazenda.gov.br)

— Easiest for most foreigners
— Takes 1–10 business days

Brazilian consulate abroad

— Before arriving in Brazil
— Best option for planning ahead

Receita Federal office in Brazil

— In person
— Immediate in some cases

Opening a Brazilian Bank Account

Requirement	Tourist	Expat	Resident
CPF	✅	✅	✅
Passport	✅	✅	✅
Brazilian address	⚠️	✅	✅
Proof of income	❌	⚠️	⚠️

🏦 Nubank

Digital

Foreigners: ✅ With CPF

• 100% digital, no branches needed
• English support available
• No monthly fees

Best for: Most foreigners

🏦 Banco do Brasil

Branches

Foreigners: ✅

• Widest branch network
• Good for non-digital users

Best for: Rural areas

🏦 Itaú

Premium

Foreigners: ✅ With CPF

• Premium service
• Good English support

Best for: Professionals

🏦 Caixa Econômica Federal

Government

Foreigners: ✅

• Government bank
• Wide ATM network

Best for: Government interactions

Registering PIX Keys

1
Open your banking app
2
Go to PIX → "Minhas Chaves"
3
Register up to 5 keys per account: CPF, Brazilian phone number, email address, random key (UUID)
4
Confirm via SMS/email
5
Keys active within minutes!