How to open a business account in Brazil, steps and requirements

Snapshot

To open a business account in Brazil you register a company, obtain a CNPJ, make sure the owners and the legal representative have a CPF, then apply online or in branch with the company and personal documents. A digital conta PJ can open in a few business days, while foreign owned companies take longer when documents must be apostilled and translated.

Core documents: CNPJ and company formation documents, plus CPF and identity for the owners and the legal representative
Typical timeline: Often a few business days for a digital conta PJ, longer for foreign owned companies
Can a non resident open: Generally only through a Brazilian registered company with a resident representative. Verify with the provider.
Most providers: Several traditional and digital business accounts

Fees and features as of 17 February 2026Last reviewed 17 February 2026

General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.

Opening a business account in Brazil generally means registering a company, obtaining a CNPJ, and making sure the owners and the legal representative hold a CPF, then verifying identity and the company documents. As of 17 February 2026 digital banks such as Nubank, Banco Inter, C6 Bank and Cora open a conta PJ online within a few business days, while traditional banks and foreign owned structures can take longer. Confirm current requirements with the provider.

The steps to open a business account in Brazil

The process follows a familiar order. Register the company and get its CNPJ, make sure the people involved have a CPF, choose an account that fits how the business trades, prepare the documents, then complete identity and compliance checks. The detail and the timeline differ between a digital conta PJ and a traditional bank, and foreign owned companies have extra steps, so confirm the current process with the provider you choose.

Register the company and tax identifiers

A business account in Brazil is built around the CNPJ, the national tax identification number for companies. Register the company with the relevant board of trade, obtain the CNPJ from the federal revenue service, and make sure the owners and the legal representative hold a CPF, the personal tax identification number. A freelancer can register as a Microempreendedor Individual, or MEI, to get a CNPJ. As of 17 February 2026 a CNPJ is commonly required to open a conta PJ, so set this up first. Verify the requirement with the provider.

Prepare documents and verify identity

Gather the company formation documents, the CNPJ, and the CPF and identity for the owners, the legal representative and any signatories, plus proof of the company address. Banks and payment institutions run anti money laundering checks. As of 17 February 2026 a digital conta PJ is usually opened online, while a traditional bank may ask the representative to verify identity in branch. Where owners are abroad, foreign documents usually need an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation. Confirm the current document list with the provider.

What you usually need to apply

Before you apply for a business account in Brazil, prepare these items, as of 17 February 2026. Verify with the provider

A registered Brazilian company with a valid CNPJ and the company formation documents.
The CPF and identity documents of the owners and the legal representative, with a resident representative and a power of attorney where owners are abroad.
Proof of the company address and, for foreign issued documents, an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation.

How to open the account

Register the company and obtain its CNPJ, and make sure the owners and representative have a CPF, before you apply.
Choose an account that matches how the business trades, checking monthly fees, Pix and boleto costs, supported entity types and deposit protection.
Complete the application and identity checks online or in branch, then confirm the current requirements and timeline with the provider.

Compare business accounts available in Brazil

These providers accept business customers in Brazil and several open online. Fees and eligibility shown as of 17 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.

Compare business accounts →

Questions about opening a business account in Brazil

What do I need to open a business account in Brazil?

You usually need a registered Brazilian company with a CNPJ, the company formation documents, and the CPF and identity of the owners and the legal representative, plus proof of the company address. As of 17 February 2026 the exact list varies by provider. Confirm the current requirements with the provider before you apply.

How long does it take to open a business account in Brazil?

A digital conta PJ can often open within a few business days once the company has a CNPJ and identity is verified. Foreign owned companies can take longer, sometimes a few weeks, when documents must be apostilled and translated. As of 17 February 2026 timelines vary. Confirm with the provider.

Can I open a business account online in Brazil?

Yes. As of 17 February 2026 digital banks such as Nubank, Banco Inter, C6 Bank and Cora open a conta PJ online, while traditional banks may ask for a branch visit for some structures. Confirm the current process with the provider.

Do I need a CNPJ to open a business account in Brazil?

In almost all cases yes. A conta PJ requires a registered Brazilian company with a CNPJ, and the owners and legal representative usually need a CPF. As of 17 February 2026 verify the requirement with the provider before applying.

Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 17 February 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.