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Brazil/Is a CPF required?

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Expert: Ken Rapoza Cruz - 5/28/2008


Question
Hi Ken! I'm in Brazil on a work visa for 4 months.  I acquired an RNE within the required 30 day time frame. Now, I've been informed that I'm required to get a CPF.  Am I required by law to get a CPF if I'm staying in Brazil for less than 183 days? If so, will I have to pay a late fee because I'm trying to acquire it after being here for more than 30 days?

Answer
A CPF is required if you want to rent an apt in your name, or get a bank account in your name. It is also required for any bills you will have in your name, such as electricity, gas, cable, and internet or cell phone. CPFs are free, or are a marginal cost. No fine. You can get them at any Brazilian post office.

Ken

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Volunteer

Ken Rapoza Cruz

Expertise

I can help would be travelers find places to go, help them decide whether or not they should book tour packages in their home country or wait til they arrive in Brazil, and other relevant info about the country and its travel amenities. General questions about Brazil and living in Brazil.

Experience

Ken Rapoza is a former contributing editor at International Living, a monthly magazine about travel and real estate. Rapoza has also given speeches about Brazil travel and real estate offerings at Int'l Living conferences in the US. He now covers Brazil for a major U.S. news agency in New York City. He lives in Sao Paulo.

Publications
International Living, The Boston Globe, The Sun Sentinel, The Washington Times, The Wall Street Journal and many others.

Education/Credentials
BA -- Antioch College
MFA -- Vermont College

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