How to Open a Non-Resident Bank Account in Brazil (CND)
- Pontes Vieira Advogados
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Introduction
As of January 1, 2025, a new regulation — Joint Resolution No. 13/2024, issued by the Central Bank of Brazil (BACEN) and the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM) — has modernized access to the non-resident bank account in Brazil, officially called CND (Conta de Não Residente).
This reform is great news for expatriates, international investors, and foreign companies who wish to open a bank account in Brazil as non-residents.
What is a CND in Brazil?
The CND is a bank account in Brazilian reais (BRL) available to individuals or companies without tax residency in Brazil.
With the new rules, a CND now allows you to:
receive and transfer funds in BRL,
invest directly in financial assets and securities,
operate in the local currency without unnecessary foreign exchange bureaucracy,
manage your wealth and investments in Brazil with fewer legal obstacles.
👉 In other words, the CND is Brazil’s equivalent of a “non-resident bank account”, familiar in other international financial hubs.
What Changed with Joint Resolution No. 13/2024?
Before 2025, opening a bank account as a non-resident in Brazil involved heavy bureaucracy: mandatory legal representatives, electronic registration (RDE-Portfolio), and foreign exchange operations for nearly every transaction.
The new rules simplify this framework:
✅ Less mandatory currency exchange — lower costs, faster transactions.
✅ No legal representative required in some cases (for individuals using their own funds).
✅ Direct investments possible through a CND.
✅ Legal stability — no need to liquidate investments if you change your tax residency.
✅ 10-year record-keeping obligations for greater transparency.
Who Can Open a CND?
Individuals: Brazilian expatriates and foreign citizens living abroad.
Companies: foreign businesses wanting to invest or manage assets in Brazil.
👉 Key conditions:
Use of own resources (personal or corporate funds).
Monthly transfers of up to BRL 2 million per financial intermediary qualify for certain exemptions.
Benefits of a CND for Non-Residents
🔹 Direct access to the Brazilian banking and investment system.
🔹 Simplified account opening for expatriates and foreign companies.
🔹 Reduced banking and administrative costs.
🔹 Diversification in Brazilian reais, with attractive local interest rates.
🔹 Possibility of tax optimization depending on your country’s double taxation treaties with Brazil.
Points of Attention
Even with simplification, there are still rules to follow:
Compliance requirements (KYC, AML, counter-terrorism financing).
Limits to exemptions depending on your profile and transaction size.
Tax obligations in your home country — especially on income and capital gains earned in Brazil.
Why Open a CND Now?
Brazil remains one of the largest emerging markets with a dynamic financial system. With the new CND, non-residents can:
invest more easily in Brazilian assets,
secure funds in local currency,
and plan an eventual tax exit from Brazil with greater legal certainty.
Author of the Article
This article was written by Iure Pontes Vieira, a Brazilian lawyer, fluent in French and English, specialized in non-resident investment structures.
If you are a foreigner, expatriate, or international investor, you can contact him for a tailored legal consultation on:
opening your non-resident bank account (CND) in Brazil,
structuring your investments,
and ensuring international tax compliance.
Conclusion
The Brazilian Non-Resident Bank Account (CND) is now a powerful, simplified, and secure tool for expatriates and foreign investors in 2025.
👉 If you are looking for a Brazilian lawyer experienced in assisting foreigners with banking and tax matters, reach out to Iure Pontes Vieira at iurevieira@pontesvieira.com.br
