Brazil launches alphanumeric CNPJ system for new company registrations

Starting 31 July 2026, Brazil's Receita Federal will issue CNPJ numbers in an alphanumeric format, adding letters to the existing 14‑digit mask while keeping the structure unchanged. The change expands the pool of possible identifiers for new businesses, as the current numeric-only system approaches its capacity limit.

The new format requires software updates across many sectors. Companies, financial institutions, e‑invoice platforms and insurers must adapt their systems to recognize and validate the mixed‑character CNPJ. Bradesco Seguros announced that it has already upgraded dozens of internal applications without operational impact, exemplifying the broader corporate effort to comply with the upcoming rule. Receita Federal plans a technical rollout between 23 – 27 July, during which the agency will update its own registration systems.