Open a company in Brazil as a foreigner — the 2026 playbook
CPF, CNAE, fiscal address, social contract, CNPJ, bank account, taxes. Everything you need to set up a Brazilian LTDA from abroad — without flying in for every step.
The 6-step playbook
Each step links to the deep guide. Work through them in order — skipping one usually doubles the time on the next.
Get your CPF or RNM
A Brazilian tax ID is the prerequisite for everything else. Foreigners can apply at a Brazilian consulate, Receita Federal abroad, or in-country.
CPF for foreigners guide →Choose your company type & CNAE
Most foreign founders open an LTDA (limited liability). Picking the right CNAE codes drives taxes, licensing, and what you can legally invoice.
CNAE codes & how to choose →Secure a fiscal address
You need a registered Brazilian address for your CNPJ. Virtual office (sede fiscal) is the cheapest and fully legal path — no physical lease required.
What can run from a virtual office →Draft the social contract & register
Mandatory clauses, partner percentages, and Junta Comercial filing. If you have multiple founders, add a separate shareholders agreement.
Social contract & partner changes →Open a business bank account
Brazilian banks treat foreign-controlled companies with extra scrutiny. Know which banks accept non-resident shareholders and what documents to bring.
Business bank account in Brazil →Stay compliant: taxes, eSocial, LGPD
Simples Nacional is the cheapest tax regime if you qualify. eSocial and LGPD apply even to small companies. Skip them and the fines compound fast.
Simples Nacional tax guide →Deeper reading
Topic-specific guides written for founders who don't speak Portuguese.
Brazil tax reform 2026: foreign founder impact
TaxesSimples Nacional: brackets, annexes & DAS
ComplianceeSocial filing guide (even without employees)
ContractsPJ service contracts: 12 essential clauses
ComplianceLGPD for small businesses
SetupCNAE codes for Brazilian companies
SetupCPF for foreigners — full guide
AddressAllowed activities for virtual office
BankingBusiness bank account in Brazil
TradeImport-export & Radar Siscomex
TaxesISS service tax explained
TaxesMEI annual declaration (DASN-SIMEI)
ContractsPartner changes: entry, exit, percentage
ContractsShareholders agreement Brazil: clauses & template
FAQ
Can a foreigner open a company in Brazil without living there?
Yes. Non-residents can be shareholders and even sole owners of a Brazilian LTDA. You will need a CPF, a local administrator (or a procurador with the right powers), and a Brazilian fiscal address.
How long does it take to open a CNPJ as a foreigner?
Typically 15-30 business days from documents-ready to active CNPJ — Junta Comercial registration is the bottleneck. With everything pre-collected, it can be 10 days. Add 1-2 weeks for the bank account.
What does a virtual office (sede fiscal) cost in Brazil?
Fiscal plans start at R$ 59/month (annual paid upfront) or R$ 79/month (annual on card). Legally valid for CNPJ registration; the Junta Comercial accepts it; you save the cost of a physical lease.
Do I need to be in Brazil to open the company?
No — but you (or your procurador) must sign the social contract, and the bank account opening usually requires a physical visit. A good procurador handles 80%+ of the paperwork remotely.
Need a fiscal address to start?
A registered Brazilian address is the prerequisite for opening your CNPJ. Fiscal plans from R$ 59/month — fully legal, no physical lease.
See plans