Brazil Bank Account for Foreigners: The Complete 2026 Guide
Foreign nationals and non-residents can open a bank account in Brazil, but the process and available options differ significantly depending on residency status and intended use.
Can Foreigners Open a Bank Account in Brazil?
Foreign nationals with a valid CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) can open bank accounts in Brazil regardless of residency status. Non-residents have access to select banks and digital fintechs, while permanent residents face fewer restrictions. As of 2025, Banco Central guidelines require proof of identity, a CPF, and a local address or fiscal representative.
The CPF is Brazil's individual taxpayer identification number and the gateway to every financial transaction in the country — including bank accounts, property purchases, and Airbnb payouts. Without a CPF, no Brazilian bank, traditional or digital, will open an account. Apply before you do anything else.
Non-Residents vs. Permanent Residents
Non-residents — defined as foreign nationals who do not hold permanent residency or a Brazilian visa allowing indefinite stay — can open accounts at most digital banks and select traditional banks. The key distinction is that non-resident accounts at traditional banks may require a fiscal representative (representante fiscal) based in Brazil to act on the account holder's behalf for tax matters.
Permanent residents (portadores de visto permanente) face far fewer restrictions. They are treated similarly to Brazilian citizens for banking purposes and can access credit cards, mortgages, and investment products on the same terms.
Foreign property investors who do not hold a residency visa most commonly use a combination of a CPF-linked digital bank account for personal transactions and a CNPJ-linked company account under their Brazilian LTDA for Airbnb income. This setup is the most tax-efficient structure available to non-residents.
What Documents Do You Need to Open a Bank Account in Brazil?
Required documents typically include a valid passport, your CPF number, proof of address (either Brazilian or foreign), proof of income or source of funds, and a completed account-opening declaration. Some banks require an in-person visit; digital banks complete the process via app with a video selfie and document upload.
Standard Document Checklist
The exact document list varies slightly between banks, but the following set covers virtually every institution in Brazil:
1. Valid passport — original or certified copy. Some banks accept a national identity card (RG) if you hold Brazilian residency.
2. CPF number — the single most important requirement. Applies to every bank without exception.
3. Proof of address — a Brazilian address is preferred (utility bill, rental contract) but many digital banks accept a foreign address with a translated, notarized document.
4. Proof of income or source of funds — required by traditional banks under Banco Central anti-money laundering rules. Pay slips, bank statements (3 months), or a declaration of assets typically satisfy this requirement.
5. Account-opening declaration — completed at the branch or digitally. You declare your tax residency status and whether you are a PEP (politically exposed person).
Foreign-language documents submitted to traditional banks in Brazil must be translated by a sworn translator (tradutor juramentado) recognized by the state judiciary. Machine translations are not accepted. Digital banks are more flexible and often accept clear photos of foreign-language documents for initial account opening.
If you are planning to buy property in Rio de Janeiro, your property purchase guide will confirm that the cartório (notary) requires all documents in Portuguese — so having sworn translations prepared early saves time at closing.
Which Traditional Banks Accept Foreign Account Holders in Brazil?
Banco do Brasil, Bradesco, Santander, and Itaú all accept foreign account holders, with varying requirements. Banco do Brasil and Santander are most foreigner-friendly, offering non-resident accounts with a valid CPF and passport. Caixa Econômica Federal generally requires Brazilian residency. Branch visits are mandatory at all traditional banks for identity verification.
| Bank | Type | Non-Residents | Branch Visit | Opening Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Banco do Brasil | Traditional | Yes | Required | 1–3 days |
| Santander | Traditional | Yes | Required | 1–3 days |
| Bradesco | Traditional | Yes | Required | 2–5 days |
| Itaú | Traditional | Limited | Required | 3–10 days |
| Caixa Econômica | Traditional | Residency req. | Required | 3–7 days |
| Nubank | Digital | Yes (CPF only) | None | 24–48 hrs |
| Banco Inter | Digital | Yes (CPF only) | None | 24–72 hrs |
| C6 Bank | Digital | Yes (CPF only) | None | 24–72 hrs |
Which Traditional Bank Is Best for Non-Residents?
Among the big five, Banco do Brasil and Santander have the most established processes for non-resident account opening. Banco do Brasil in particular has branch staff experienced in handling foreign clients — especially in larger cities like Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo with significant expat populations.
The main advantage of a traditional bank account over a digital account is access to broader credit products, higher transfer limits, and official banking letters (cartas bancárias) that are sometimes required for visa applications and property transactions. For ongoing remote Airbnb management, however, digital accounts are sufficient for day-to-day operations.
Can Foreigners Use Brazilian Digital Banks Like Nubank or Inter?
Nubank, Banco Inter, and C6 Bank all allow foreigners to open accounts using only a CPF and passport — no branch visit required. The process is completed via smartphone app with document upload and facial recognition. Accounts are typically active within 24–72 hours. Nubank is the most widely used option among expatriates and non-resident property owners.
CPF number — applied for at the Receita Federal before account opening
Valid passport photo — front page photo and a selfie holding the passport
Facial recognition scan — live selfie taken inside the app at time of application
Brazilian or foreign mobile number — used for SMS verification and two-factor authentication
Nubank vs. Banco Inter vs. C6 Bank
Nubank is the clear first choice for most foreign investors. It has no maintenance fees, a fully English-supported app (in addition to Portuguese), and Pix (Brazil's instant payment system) built in. Nubank has over 100 million customers and is licensed as a full bank by the Banco Central do Brasil, meaning deposits are covered by the FGC (Fundo Garantidor de Créditos) up to R$250,000.
Banco Inter is a strong second option, particularly if you plan to invest in Brazilian assets. It offers a brokerage, investment products, and international transfers in addition to standard banking. Acceptance of foreign applicants has been reliable since 2023.
C6 Bank is a solid alternative with competitive exchange rates for international transfers. It also integrates with Pix and offers a global account feature useful for receiving funds from abroad.
For most foreign Airbnb investors managing rental income, Nubank for personal use and a separate CNPJ-linked account for the operating company is the standard setup.
How Do Foreigners Receive Airbnb and Rental Income in Brazil?
Airbnb pays out to a Brazilian bank account or via international transfer. Owning property through a Brazilian LTDA company simplifies income collection: the company holds its own CNPJ-linked bank account, receives Airbnb payouts, and pays corporate taxes via the Simples Nacional regime. Individual CPF-linked accounts also work but are subject to carnê-leão income reporting.
CPF Account vs. CNPJ Company Account
Foreign investors managing Airbnb apartments in Rio de Janeiro typically choose one of two income-receiving structures:
Individual CPF account: Airbnb payouts go directly to your personal CPF-linked Brazilian bank account. You must declare each payout monthly using the carnê-leão system via the Receita Federal's portal and pay progressive income tax at rates up to 27.5%. This is simpler to set up but has a higher tax burden at volume.
LTDA company account: An LTDA company registered in Brazil holds its own bank account under the company's CNPJ. Airbnb payouts go to the company. The company files under Simples Nacional at effective rates of 6–14.4% on gross revenue — significantly lower than individual income tax. This is the preferred structure for investors with multiple properties or annual Airbnb revenue above R$80,000.
Airbnb requires the bank account holder name to match the CPF or CNPJ registered in your host profile. If you open a company account, update your Airbnb payout settings to the company's CNPJ before your first payout — mismatches cause payment delays of 3–10 business days while Airbnb's finance team verifies the discrepancy.
For condominium fee payments, utilities, and property maintenance costs, a local Brazilian bank account with Pix capability is essential. All Brazilian service providers accept Pix. Wire transfers from abroad are slower and carry exchange rate risk — paying directly from a Brazilian account eliminates both issues.
Need help structuring the full setup from abroad — CPF, bank account, LTDA, and Airbnb listing — in one guided process? See the investor setup guide for how I assist foreign property owners remotely.
What Is the Step-by-Step Process to Open a Bank Account in Brazil?
Step one is obtaining your CPF from the Receita Federal — this can be done at a Brazilian consulate or online. Step two is choosing your bank: digital banks are faster and require no branch visit. Step three is submitting documents via app or in person. Accounts at digital banks activate within 24–72 hours of approval.
Apply at the Receita Federal website (receita.fazenda.gov.br), at a Brazilian consulate in your country, or at a Correios office inside Brazil. The online process takes 15 minutes and the CPF number is issued immediately. For applications abroad, consular processing takes 5–10 business days. Your CPF application guide covers this in full.
For remote opening with no branch visit, choose Nubank, Banco Inter, or C6 Bank. For a traditional account (needed for mortgage access or official banking letters), schedule an appointment at Banco do Brasil or Santander. Have your CPF and passport ready before contacting any bank.
Digital banks: download the app, enter your CPF, upload your passport photo, and complete the facial recognition scan. Traditional banks: attend your branch appointment with original documents. If documents are in a foreign language, bring sworn Portuguese translations.
Once your account is open, register your CPF as a Pix key inside the app or at the branch. Pix is Brazil's instant payment system used by every business, landlord, and service provider in the country. Without an active Pix key, you will be asked to use slower TED/DOC transfers for most local payments.
Log into your Airbnb host account, go to Payout Preferences, and add your new Brazilian bank account. Enter the bank's ISPB code, your branch number (agência), account number (conta), and account type (corrente for current account). Airbnb will make a small verification deposit within 1–3 business days to confirm ownership.
- 1Every foreigner needs a CPF before opening any Brazilian bank account — apply at a consulate, a Correios office inside Brazil, or via the Receita Federal's online portal at receita.fazenda.gov.br.
- 2Digital banks (Nubank, Banco Inter, C6 Bank) are the fastest route: no branch visit required, the process is entirely via smartphone app, and accounts are active within 24–72 hours of document approval.
- 3Traditional banks (Banco do Brasil, Santander, Bradesco, Itaú) accept non-resident foreigners but require an in-person branch appointment with original documents and may take up to 10 business days.
- 4Property investors with a Brazilian LTDA can open a company account under the CNPJ, receiving Airbnb payouts directly into the company for cleaner income separation and Simples Nacional tax rates of 6–14.4%.
- 5Activate Pix immediately after account opening — every Brazilian landlord, utility provider, and maintenance company uses Pix as the default payment method, and without it you will face unnecessary payment delays.