Seven real steps, in the right order. YOIA is going through this while writing it — the dates and numbers below are what we've found so far.
The individual taxpayer ID. Without it you can't open a bank account, sign a lease, or register a company. Apply at a Brazilian consulate before arriving, or in-country at a Receita Federal office. Foreigners can also do it via a despachante.
If you're not a citizen or permanent resident, decide your visa category. Most newcomers use tourist visa (90 days, extendable), digital nomad visa, investor visa, or marriage-based residency. This step has a timeline you don't fully control — talk to an immigration lawyer.
Brazilian banks want a CPF, proof of address, and often a visa. Nubank, Inter, and C6 are digital-first and foreigner-friendly. Traditional banks like ItaĂş and Bradesco have physical branches but stricter requirements.
Brazilian rental contracts are long-term (typically 30 months) and require a fiador (guarantor) or expensive seguro fiança (rental insurance). Furnished short-term lets in Zona Sul run R$2,500–6,000/month. Use a local realtor (imobiliária) or YOIA-curated listings.
CNPJ is the company tax ID. MEI (Microempreendedor Individual) is the fastest — for solo operators under R$81k/year. For anything bigger, go ME or Simples Nacional via a contador. Your CPF must be ready first.
Any business selling food/beverage — even packaged goods — needs Vigilância Sanitária clearance plus an Alvará de Funcionamento from the city. Your contador or a despachante handles the paperwork.
Phone (Claro/Vivo/TIM prepaid is fine for the first month), internet (Vivo Fibra or Net), utilities (Light for electricity, CEG for gas), address registration at any Correios for proof of address. Take your time — none of this blocks you for more than a week.
This page is maintained by YOIA. Updated as we go through it ourselves.
Ask YOIA about any step