What is a CNPJ? A complete guide to Brazil's company registry
Understand what the CNPJ is, what it is for, how it is structured and how to look up data on any Brazilian company at the Receita Federal.
The CNPJ (Cadastro Nacional da Pessoa Jurídica, the Brazilian company registration number) is the unique record that identifies a company with the Receita Federal, Brazil's federal tax authority. Just as the CPF identifies individuals, the CNPJ is the identity document of any legal entity in the country — from an individual MEI to a multinational with dozens of branches.
What is the CNPJ for?
The CNPJ is mandatory for a company to operate legally in Brazil. Without it, a company cannot:
- Issue invoices
- Open a business bank account
- Hire employees under the formal employment regime
- Take part in public procurement bids
- Sign contracts with other companies
- Import or export goods
The CNPJ is also the key to looking up public information about any Brazilian company, such as its legal name, address, economic activity, registration status and ownership structure.
How is the CNPJ number structured?
The CNPJ consists of 14 digits in the format XX.XXX.XXX/YYYY-ZZ, divided into four parts:
For example, if a company holds the CNPJ 12.345.678/0001-95, its first branch will have the CNPJ 12.345.678/0002-76 — same root, different order.
What information is linked to a CNPJ?
The Receita Federal database contains more than 67 million company records. For each CNPJ, a wide range of public information is stored:
- Legal name: the official name registered with the Receita Federal
- Trade name: the company's commercial name (not always present)
- CNAE: the code for the main and secondary economic activities
- Address: street, neighborhood, city, state and postal code (CEP)
- Registration status: whether the company is active, closed, unfit, etc.
- Opening date: when the company started its activities
- Share capital: the declared amount invested in the business
- Legal nature: the company's type of incorporation (LTDA, S.A., MEI, etc.)
- Size: the size classification (MEI, ME, EPP, Demais)
- Ownership structure: partners and administrators
- Simples Nacional: whether the company has opted into Simples Nacional or MEI
How to look up a CNPJ
The fastest way to look up any CNPJ is to use a specialized platform like Inddex. Just type the CNPJ number or the company name to get all the information in real time:
You can also search directly on the Receita Federal website, but the interface is limited and offers no search by name or advanced filters. Platforms like Inddex combine the official data with extra features such as search by name, filters by state, city and economic activity, and access to the full ownership structure.
Can you look up a CNPJ by company name?
Yes. Although the CNPJ is a number, you can find companies by searching for their legal name or trade name. On Inddex, the name search uses smart matching that finds results even with approximate spellings, abbreviations or partial terms.
What is the difference between CNPJ and CPF?
| Feature | CPF | CNPJ |
|---|---|---|
| Identifies | Individual | Legal entity |
| Digits | 11 | 14 |
| Issuing agency | Receita Federal | Receita Federal |
| Public data | No | Yes (registration data) |
Frequently asked questions
Is the CNPJ public?
Yes. The registration data linked to a CNPJ is public information, made available by the Receita Federal through the government's Open Data portal. Anyone can look up the legal name, address, economic activity and registration status of any registered company.
How long does it take to get a CNPJ?
For MEI, the process is instant and can be completed online through the Portal do Empreendedor. For other company types, it takes 2 to 15 business days, depending on the state, the legal nature and whether additional requirements apply.
Can one person hold more than one CNPJ?
Yes. An individual can be a partner in several companies, each with its own CNPJ. The only restriction is that a person can hold only one MEI registration as an individual micro-entrepreneur.
What happens when a CNPJ is closed?
Closing a CNPJ formally ends the company's activities with the Receita Federal. The number remains in the registry (with "Closed" status), but the company can no longer operate, issue invoices or keep a business bank account. Learn more about the registration status types in the article CNPJ registration status.