Opening a business bank account in Brazil normally requires a registered Brazilian company with a CNPJ tax identification number. Many digital banks offer a business account, known as a conta PJ, with no monthly maintenance fee, while traditional banks bundle services into paid packages. Non residents generally need a local entity and a Brazilian resident representative.
- Can a non resident open
- A non resident individual generally cannot open a company account directly. You normally need a registered Brazilian entity with a CNPJ and a Brazilian resident representative with a CPF. A separate non resident account regime exists; verify with the provider.
- Typical timeline
- Company and account setup commonly takes a few weeks, and longer when foreign documents must be apostilled and translated. Verify with the provider.
- Free account available
- Yes. Several digital banks offer a business account with no monthly maintenance fee as of 18 June 2026.
- Most providers
- Several traditional and digital business accounts
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How business banking works in Brazil
Business banking in Brazil is built around the CNPJ, the national tax identification number for companies. Once a company is registered and has a CNPJ, it can open a conta PJ, the Portuguese term for a business account. The market includes large traditional banks with branch networks and a strong group of digital banks. The instant payment system Pix is widely used and is free for individuals, while businesses may pay a fee depending on the provider. As of 18 June 2026 many digital providers offer business accounts with no monthly maintenance fee.
Who can open a business account
A registered Brazilian company with a CNPJ can open a business account. The owners and the legal representative usually need a CPF, the personal tax identification number. Foreign owned companies can hold an account, but the company must be registered in Brazil and usually needs a Brazilian resident representative with a CPF and a power of attorney. A non resident individual generally cannot open a company account directly. Verify your situation with the provider, as of 18 June 2026.
Traditional banks compared with neobanks
Traditional banks offer branch access and a full range of services, often bundled into monthly packages that carry a fee, although the central bank requires a basic essential services package. Digital banks commonly offer a conta PJ with no monthly maintenance fee, free or low cost Pix, and fast online opening, though some do not offer the full range of a large bank and deposit protection arrangements differ. Compare features and protections for your needs, as of 18 June 2026.
Requirements and documents
Requirements vary by provider and by whether owners are resident in Brazil. Typical items include the following. Verify with the provider
- A registered Brazilian company with a valid CNPJ, together with the company formation documents.
- The CPF and identity documents of the owners and the legal representative, with a Brazilian resident representative and a power of attorney where owners are abroad.
- Proof of the company address and, for foreign issued documents, apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation. Verify the current list with the provider.
How to open an account
- Register your Brazilian company and obtain its CNPJ, and make sure the owners and representative have a CPF.
- Choose a provider and compare the conta PJ options, checking monthly fees, Pix and transfer costs, supported entity types, and deposit protection.
- Apply online or in branch with the company and personal documents, complete the provider checks, and confirm current terms before you start using the account.
Compare business accounts available in Brazil
These providers accept business customers in Brazil. Fees and eligibility shown as of 18 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about business banking in Brazil
Do I need a CNPJ to open a business account in Brazil?
Can a foreigner or non resident open a business account in Brazil?
Are there free business accounts in Brazil?
What is Pix and can businesses use it?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 18 June 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.