The Work and Social Security Card (CTPS) is essential for any professional who wants to work formally in Brazil. This document records the employee's entire work history and guarantees access to rights such as FGTS, unemployment insurance and retirement.
In recent years, the CTPS has undergone modernization, and since 2019, the digital version has been prioritized, making processes more agile and accessible.
But how does the CTPS work for foreigners? Just like Brazilians, foreign workers need this registration to work formally in Brazil. However, the issuance process has some differences, especially after the implementation of the Digital Work Permit or Work Booklet, as it is known internationally.
Digital CTPS: what has changed?
The main change was the transition from physical to digital format. Previously, issuing the card required the worker to be present at a Ministry of Labor office, but now the process takes place online, reducing bureaucracy and speeding up registration.
Benefits of the Digital CTPS:
- Easy access: quick consultation via the "Carteira de Trabalho Digital" app or the gov.br website.
- Fast issuance: while the physical format could take weeks, digital is processed in minutes.
- More security: integration with government systems reduces fraud.
- Complete record: work history stored electronically, eliminating the need for a paper version.
How does the CTPS work for foreigners?
Foreigners who want to work in Brazil also need a Digital Work Permit. However, unlike Brazilians, who already have a valid CPF for registration, foreigners must present additional documents.
A Digital CTPS for foreigners is granted to foreigners with a permanent residence permit in Brazil, foreigners under the Mercosur Temporary Residence Agreement, formal workers with a registered contract and/or qualified professionals, such as scientists and professors, with authorization to work in Brazil.
Documents required for foreigners
To obtain the Digital Work Permit, foreigners need to present the following documents:
- CPF (Individual Taxpayer Register);
- RNM (Registro Nacional Migratório), formerly RNE;
- Valid passport;
- Document proving residence permit in Brazil.
The CTPS is issued automatically by the government system after the CPF and RNM have been regularized.
How to issue the Digital CTPS?
The process is simple and can be carried out by the worker themselves, whether Brazilian or a regularized foreigner, just by following the steps below:
- Access the gov.br portal or download the "Carteira de Trabalho Digital" application.
- Log in with CPF and password registered with Gov.br.
- Confirm your details personal and labor.
- Check your employment already registered.
The digital version replaces the physical one in most cases. Now, it is enough to inform the employer of the CPF so that the records can be made directly by eSocial.
The Digital CTPS has modernized the labor market in Brazil, simplifying processes and facilitating access to labor information. Likewise, for foreigners, it guarantees security and regularization in formal employment.
So if you are a foreigner and want to regularize your employment situation in Brazil, you can count on specialists to help you through the process. Get in touch with us and ensure that your documentation is correct so that you can act without complications!
