Foreigners can open a bank account in Brazil, but whether you can open an account as a non-resident depends on the bank and the type of account.
This guide explains the main requirements, available services, and differences between regular resident accounts and non-resident accounts in Brazil.
Non-Resident Bank Accounts in Brazil
Rules governing non-resident accounts were established under Joint Resolution No. 13, dated December 3, 2024, issued jointly by the Banco Central do Brasil (BCB) and the Comissão de Valores Mobiliários (CVM). The regulation came into effect in 2025 and allows financial institutions to offer accounts to non-residents, with services and costs broadly similar to those available to Brazilian residents, depending on the institution.
Through a Conta de Não Residente (CNR), non-residents can receive and make payments in Brazilian reais, use PIX, and maintain certain investments offered by the financial institution where the account is held.
These may include:
- PIX payments and transfers
- Domestic payments and transactions in Brazilian reais (TED Transfers)
- Domestic and international transfers
- Foreign exchange and currency conversion
- Savings accounts
- Certificado de Depósito Bancário (CDB) and other fixed-income products
- Other financial services offered by the institution, depending on the account and customer eligibility
Can foreigners open a bank account in Brazil without being Brazilian residents?
Yes, you surely can. But you must understand the requirements, most importantly the importance of a CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas).
CPF: The Brazilian Tax ID You Need
For opening a non-resident bank account, you will need a Brazilian CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas).
The CPF is a Brazilian taxpayer identification number and is required for many financial and legal transactions. It is similar in function to a National Insurance number in the UK or a Social Security number (SSN) in the U.S.
A CPF may be required for activities such as:
- Opening a Brazilian bank account
- Investing in Brazil
- Purchasing property
- Investing in Brazilian government bonds
- Accessing PIX and other financial services
- Accessing some apps and services.
You can apply for a CPF whether you are in Brazil or abroad (often handled at a local Brazilian consulate). Once issued, your CPF is valid for a lifetime and requires no renewal.
Check the Brazilian Finance Guide on How to obtain a CPF as a foreigner in Brazil if you need more details on the application process.
Resident vs. Non-Resident Bank Accounts
The main difference between the two types of accounts is the customer’s tax residency status, rather than nationality.
Regular Bank Account — Resident
Who is it for?
- Brazilian tax residents
- Foreigners who are legally resident in Brazil
- Foreigners with are in the imigration process a valid CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) or other documentation accepted by the bank
Non-Resident Bank Account
Who is it for?
- Brazilians who live and are tax residents outside Brazil
- Foreigners who want access to the Brazilian financial system while maintaining tax residency in another country
For Brazilians who become non-residents, the bank may request evidence of their departure from Brazil, including the Declaração de Saída Definitiva do País (DSDP).
Documents Needed
Requirements vary by bank, but a non-resident applicant may be asked to provide:
- Valid passport
- Valid visa or proof of legal entry, where applicable
- CPF (Brazilian tax ID)
- Tax identification number from your country of residence, such as a U.S. SSN or an NIF in many European countries
- Proof of address abroad, such as a utility bill, bank statement, rental agreement, or other official document showing your residential address. (Standard requirement for Brazilian financial institutions.)
- Proof of income or source of funds, such as a foreign tax return, employment contract, or recent payslips. (Standard requirement for Brazilian financial institutions.)
Some banks may request additional documents depending on the customer’s nationality, tax residency, source of funds, and intended use of the account.
Because non-resident accounts are still a relatively new and specialized banking product, not all Brazilian banks offer them, and the application process and available services can vary significantly between institutions.
Comparing Non-Resident Accounts With International Accounts
One of the biggest differences between a Brazilian non-resident account and an international account is where the account is held and which local services it can access.
International financial platforms such as Wise, Revolut, Nomad, Wanderwallet, and other international financial platforms can be useful for foreigners visiting Brazil, particularly for currency exchange and international transfers. However, they do not necessarily provide the same access to Brazil’s domestic financial system as a CNR.
The biggest difference for many travelers is PIX.
Some international accounts do not provide access to Pix at all. In other cases, Pix availability may depend on the user’s country of residence, account structure, or whether the account is linked to a Brazilian financial institution (typically restricted to Brazilian accounts).
Some digital wallets allow foreigners to make PIX payments, but may not provide other services available through a Brazilian financial institution, such as domestic transfers, Brazilian investment products, or cards denominated in Brazilian reais.
A Brazilian CNR, by contrast, is specifically designed to provide non-residents with access to services within Brazil’s financial system, including PIX and domestic transactions.
In contrast, a Brazilian Non-Resident Account (CNR) is specifically designed to provide non-residents with access to services within Brazil’s financial system. A CNR provides access to local banking, including:
- Unrestricted Pix: Send and receive instant payments without residency barriers.
- Full Payment Capabilities: Easily pay boletos, barcode-based bills, and QR codes, complete with scheduling options.
- Broad Financial Access: Unlock domestic transfers and Reais-denominated cards that standard digital wallets lack.
This can make a CNR particularly useful for foreigners who spend extended periods in Brazil, have recurring expenses in the country, or need to receive and make regular payments in Brazilian reais.
| Traditional Banks CNR (Bancão) | Banco Rendimento CNR | Digital & international accounts | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Opened remotely | Depends on the bank | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Brazilian documents | Possibly (RNE, RNM, RG, CNH) | No | No |
| PIX | Yes | Yes | Depends on the provider |
| TED | Yes | Yes | Generally not available |
| Card | Debit and credit (credit subject to approval) | Prepaid, debit, and credit cards in Brazilian Reais (BRL), subject to account eligibility. | Debit, depends on provider and country |
| Brazilian investments | Yes, depends on the bank | Yes (fixed income, CDBs) | Generally no |
| Foreign exchange | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| English-language support | Depends on the bank | Yes — dedicated support for diplomatic bodies and non-resident accounts | Generally yes |
Brazilian Finance research based on information from Brazilian financial institutions and service providers. Availability of services may vary by provider, account type, eligibility, and country of residence.
The main difference is that a CNR is an actual Brazilian bank account for non-residents, while international digital accounts and payment wallets are designed primarily to facilitate spending, currency exchange or transfers without establishing a full banking relationship in Brazil.
Skip to options overview
- Traditional Brazilian Banks
- Digital and Other International Accounts
- Banco Rendimento Non-Resident Specific Account
Bancões — Traditional Brazilian Banks
Traditional Brazilian banks may offer non-resident accounts, but the application process can be more demanding. As explained above, not all major Brazilian banks offer CNR accounts.
Available services
Depending on the bank and account type, services may include:
- Foreign exchange
- PIX
- Domestic transfers
- Debit card
- Credit card
- Brazilian investment products
Credit card availability is generally subject to additional requirements and the bank’s approval.
Additional Documents:
Depending on the bank and the applicant’s circumstances, additional Brazilian identification documents may be requested, including:
- RNE (National Registry of Foreigners)
- RNM (National Migration Registry)
- RG (Brazilian identity card)
- CNH (Brazilian driver’s license)
Can it be opened remotely?
It depends on the bank. Some institutions may allow the process to be completed remotely, while others may require an in-person visit or assign a dedicated account manager to handle the application.
TED? (Bank Transfer)
Yes, all bank accounts have access to standard transactions. Fees depend on the bank and account type.
PIX? (Instant Payment)
Yes. PIX is widely available through Brazilian financial institutions, although availability, limits, and account eligibility can vary depending on the institution and account type.
Can you have a card?
Yes. Most traditional banks offer physical and digital cards, although availability, fees, and benefits depend on the bank and account type.
Investment options?
Yes. Investment options depend on the bank and account type.
Digital and Other International Accounts
Available services
Typical services include:
- Currency exchange
- International transfers
- In-app financial services
- Debit cards, depending on the provider and country
Additional Documents:
None.
Can it be opened remotely?
Yes. These accounts are generally designed to be opened and managed remotely through an app or website.
TED? (Bank Transfer)
Generally not available as standard features.
PIX? (Instant Payment)
Depends. Availability depends on the provider and the specific account.
Some providers may offer PIX, while others do not. If PIX is important to you, check the provider’s current terms and eligibility requirements before opening an account.
Can you have a card?
Generally yes. Availability depends on the type of account, provider, and country of residence.
Investment options?
Generally no, Most international accounts do not provide access to investment products.
The option of Digital Wallets and PIX
For travelers who primarily need PIX, services such as Wanderwallet may provide a useful alternative to a traditional Brazilian bank account, depending on their current product offering and eligibility requirements.
However, access to PIX alone does not necessarily provide the same functionality as a Brazilian CNR.
A CNR can provide access to a broader range of Brazilian financial services, including domestic transactions and certain Brazilian investment products, depending on the financial institution.
Banco Rendimento
Banco Rendimento offers a specialized digital account for non-residents in Brazil, making it an option for foreigners who need broader access to Brazil’s financial system without becoming Brazilian tax residents.
The bank’s non-resident account provides access to services such as foreign exchange, PIX, domestic and international transfers, and selected Brazilian investment products, depending on the customer’s eligibility and account conditions.
Another relevant advantage for international customers is Banco Rendimento’s dedicated service channel for embassies, diplomats, and consulates, supported by bilingual specialists. The bank also provides English-language support for non-resident accounts, which can make the application and account management process easier for customers who do not speak Portuguese.
Available services:
Depending on the account and customer eligibility, Banco Rendimento may offer:
- Foreign exchange
- International and domestic transfers
- PIX
- Fixed-income investments
- CDBs and other investment products
- Debit card in Brazilian reais
- English-language support for non-resident customers
Additional Documents:
None beyond the documents listed above, although Banco Rendimento may request additional information or documentation depending on the application.
Can it be opened remotely?
Yes. The non-resident account can be opened remotely, subject to Banco Rendimento’s application, documentation, and verification procedures.
TED? (Bank Transfer)
Yes. The account supports TED and other domestic transfers in Brazil, subject to the applicable account conditions and fees.
PIX? (Instant Payment)
Yes. Customers with an eligible account can use PIX for payments and transfers in Brazil.
Can you have a card?
Yes. A debit card in Brazilian reais may be available, subject to the applicable account and eligibility requirements.
Investment options?
Yes. Banco Rendimento allows eligible customers to invest in fixed-income products and other assets denominated in Brazilian reais.
Banco Rendimento Non-Resident Account Guide
Banco Rendimento is one of the main options available to foreigners looking for a non-resident bank account in Brazil, offering access to services such as PIX, Brazilian real transactions, foreign exchange, domestic and international transfers, and selected investment products.
Because of its specific focus on non-resident customers, Brazilian Finance has prepared a dedicated step-by-step guide to Banco Rendimento, covering the application process, required documents, available services, and what foreigners should know before opening an account.
Read our complete Banco Rendimento Non-Resident Account Guide
Conclusion: Do You Need a Non-Resident Bank Account in Brazil?
A non-resident bank account can be useful — and in some situations necessary — if you make frequent or extended trips to Brazil and need regular access to Brazilian financial services.
The main advantage is that a CNR can give a non-resident access to many of the financial services available within Brazil’s domestic banking system, while maintaining their tax residency outside Brazil.
It can make it easier to:
- Hold Brazilian reais
- Receive and make local payments
- Use PIX
- Transfer money within Brazil
- Exchange foreign currency
- Access certain Brazilian investment products
For occasional travelers, however, an international account may be sufficient for basic spending and currency exchange.
The right option ultimately depends on how often you visit Brazil, whether you want to use PIX, whether you need to receive domestic transfers, and whether you plan to invest or receive payments in reais.
More Guides for Foreigners in Brazil
How to Open a Banco Rendimento Account
We have prepared a dedicated step-by-step guide explaining how foreigners can open a Banco Rendimento account, the documents required, and the services available.
Read the full Banco Rendimento guide
How Does PIX Work for Foreigners?
PIX is Brazil’s instant payment system and is one of the most useful financial services for foreigners spending time in Brazil.
Our PIX Guide for Foreigners explains how PIX works, who can use it, and how foreigners can make payments and transfers in Brazil.
How to Obtain a CPF as a Foreigner in Brazil
A CPF is a mandatory tax identification number for anyone looking to invest, buy property, or open a bank account in Brazil.
Our complete guide walks you through exactly how to apply for your CPF from abroad or within the country, completely step-by-step.
How to Get a Brazil Tourist Visa as a U.S. Citizen
Navigating the visa process is the first step to visiting Brazil.
We break down the current tourist visa requirements for U.S. passport holders, detailing the exact documents you need, the application timeline, and how to ensure your approval goes smoothly.
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