Brazil Launches Alphanumeric CNPJ Numbers

What exactly is changing with Brazil's CNPJ?

Brazil's Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) began issuing alphanumeric CNPJ numbers on July 31, 2025. Until now, all CNPJs consisted solely of digits. Under the new model, new registrations can combine letters and numbers — but the total length stays fixed at 14 characters.

How is the 14-character structure organised?

The internal layout remains the same: the first eight positions identify the company, the next four identify the establishment (head office or branch), and the final two digits are always numeric and serve as verification digits. Only the character set in the first 12 positions changes.

Do existing businesses need to do anything?

No. Companies that already hold a CNPJ keep their current number unchanged. There is no requirement to request a new registration, update documents, or amend contracts. The change applies only to brand-new registrations issued after July 31.

Will both formats be accepted?

Yes. During the transition period, numeric and alphanumeric CNPJs will coexist and both will be accepted by government agencies, banks, commercial registries and other institutions. Even new registrations may still receive all-numeric CNPJs while millions of purely numeric combinations remain available.

Why did Brazil need this change?

According to the Receita Federal, approximately 69 million of the nearly 100 million possible all-numeric combinations have already been used. With the steady growth in company openings, a new format was necessary to ensure continuity of CNPJ issuance for years to come.

What should businesses and developers do now?

Although entrepreneurs do not need to change their own CNPJs, the Receita Federal recommends that companies, banks, public bodies and software developers update their systems and databases to accept registrations containing letters. Failing to adapt could cause processing errors when dealing with new business partners that hold alphanumeric CNPJs.