CPF
Yearly CPF update for foreigners living abroad
If you're a foreigner with a CPF and an address abroad, the Receita Federal asks you to confirm your details once a year. It's free and takes a few minutes in the Receita Federal app.
In short
Foreigners with a CPF, an address abroad and aged 16 or over must update their CPF once a year, between 1 January and 31 December. It's free in the Receita Federal app: enter your CPF and date of birth, then photograph your face and passport. If the app can't do it, a Brazilian consulate can. If you miss it, your CPF may be suspended.
Source: Receita Federal Normative Instruction 2.172/2024, art. 23-A ↗
- Who
- Foreigners with an address abroad, aged 16 or over
- When
- Every year, between 1 January and 31 December
- How
- Free, in the Receita Federal app
- If you miss it
- Your CPF may be suspended
Who has to update
- Foreigners who hold a CPF, have an address abroad and are 16 or over.
- Not Brazilians living abroad: the rule covers foreigners only.
- Every year since 2025. In 2024 it was optional.
How it works
- Open the Receita Federal app on your phone.
- Enter your CPF number and your date of birth.
- Take a photo of your face and of your passport in the app.
- If the app can't complete it, ask a Brazilian embassy or consulate. Bring the message the app showed you and the documents the Receita lists, such as your passport.
- If your CPF was suspended, the same update, done late, puts it right. After 90 days of suspension the Receita may cancel it.
Documents
- Your CPF number
- Your passport
- A phone with the Receita Federal app
The update is free. The rule is in the Receita Federal's Normative Instruction 2.172/2024, art. 23-A, added in November 2024.
Related free guides
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Official sources
Receita Federal Normative Instruction 2.172/2024, arts. 12, 13 and 23-A ↗
Update your CPF details, gov.br ↗
Checked against official sources on October 25, 2026. Emigro gives preliminary guidance, not legal advice. Emigro is a private company, not affiliated with the Brazilian government, the Federal Police, Itamaraty, the Ministry of Justice or the Receita Federal. Emigro is not a law firm and does not provide legal services. Lawyers listed are independent, registered with the OAB, and solely responsible for their advice.
Common questions
Do Brazilians living abroad have to do the yearly CPF update?
No. The yearly update applies to foreigners with an address abroad who are 16 or over.
What happens if I miss the yearly CPF update?
Your CPF may be suspended. Doing the update late, in the app or at a consulate, puts it right; after 90 days of suspension the Receita may cancel the CPF.
Does the yearly CPF update cost anything?
No. It's free in the Receita Federal app.
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