A non resident individual generally cannot open a company account in Brazil directly. You normally need a Brazilian registered company with a CNPJ and a Brazilian resident representative with a CPF and a power of attorney. A separate regime exists for accounts held by parties domiciled abroad, used for specific purposes. As of 19 March 2026 a central bank rule also lets eligible companies with foreign owners hold foreign currency accounts.
- Non resident individual
- Generally cannot open a company account directly. A local entity and a resident representative are normally needed.
- Foreign owned company
- Can hold an account where registered in Brazil with a CNPJ, usually with a resident representative and a power of attorney
- Non resident regime
- A regime exists for accounts held by parties domiciled abroad, for specific purposes. Verify with the provider.
- Documents abroad
- Foreign documents usually need an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation
General information, not financial, legal, or tax advice. Verify current terms and eligibility with the provider before applying.
How non resident banking works in Brazil
Business banking in Brazil is built around the CNPJ and the CPF. A conta PJ requires a registered Brazilian company, and the people who operate the account usually need a CPF. For that reason a non resident individual generally cannot open a company account directly. The common route is to register a Brazilian entity, appoint a Brazilian resident representative with a CPF and a power of attorney, then open the conta PJ in the name of that company. Foreign owners can hold the company, but the company itself must be registered in Brazil. As of 19 March 2026 confirm the requirements with the provider, since they vary by entity type and by provider.
The non resident account regime
Separately from a company conta PJ, Brazil has a regime for accounts held by parties domiciled abroad, governed by central bank rules and used for specific purposes such as certain investments and transfers. This is not the same as a everyday business account, and the detail depends on the purpose. As of 19 March 2026 a central bank rule also widened which companies can hold foreign currency accounts inside Brazil, including some with foreign owners and certain foreign entities, though not for everyday domestic payments. Confirm what applies to your situation with the provider or your adviser.
What a non resident usually needs
To bank as a foreign owner in Brazil, prepare for these points, as of 19 March 2026. Verify with the provider
- A Brazilian registered company with a CNPJ, since a conta PJ is opened in the name of the company.
- A Brazilian resident representative with a CPF and a power of attorney to operate the account.
- Foreign documents prepared with an apostille and a sworn Portuguese translation, plus identity and beneficial ownership details.
Compare business accounts available in Brazil
These providers accept business customers in Brazil where the company is registered locally. Fees and eligibility shown as of 19 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.
Compare business accounts →Questions about non resident accounts in Brazil
Can a non resident open a business account in Brazil?
Can a foreign owned company hold a business account in Brazil?
What is the non resident account in Brazil?
Can a non resident company hold foreign currency in Brazil?
Fees, features, and eligibility change and vary by region. This page was last reviewed on 19 March 2026. Confirm current terms with the provider before applying.