The New Non-Resident Account (CNR): Replacement of the CDE and Account 4373

The New Non-Resident Account (CNR): Regulatory Simplification and Security for Those Living Across Borders

Brazil has recently restructured the regime for accounts held by non-residents. The traditional Conta de Domiciliado no Exterior (CDE) and the so-called 4373 Account have been replaced by the Conta de Não Residente (CNR) — the Non-Resident Account — aligning Brazilian regulations with international standards and enhancing transparency within the financial system.

This change directly impacts foreign investors with assets in Brazil, Brazilians who have become tax non-residents, and especially digital nomads seeking flexibility to manage their resources across different jurisdictions.

What Is the Non-Resident Account (CNR)?

The CNR was created to simplify and unify the regime previously divided between the CDE and the 4373 Account. The main innovation is that, from now on, any non-resident may hold a single type of bank account in Brazil, reducing bureaucracy and providing greater clarity regarding its rules of use.

Key points include:

• The CNR can receive and send funds abroad, in compliance with the regulations of the Central Bank of Brazil and the Federal Revenue Service.

• Financial operations are subject to identification and reporting, reinforcing regulatory security.

• Investments made by non-residents in Brazil can now be managed in a more integrated way, without the former fragmentation between account types.

Tax Implications

From a tax perspective, the change does not alter the rules governing income earned in Brazil by non-residents, which remains subject to withholding income tax legislation. However, the unification under the CNR simplifies oversight and facilitates compliance with ancillary obligations.

Another important aspect is the connection between the CNR and international double-taxation treaties. The proper use of the account — along with the correct classification as a non-resident — can be decisive in preventing the same income from being taxed twice, both in Brazil and in the taxpayer’s country of residence.

Digital Nomads and the Non-Resident Account

For digital nomads — professionals who live in constant motion and work remotely — the creation of the CNR marks a significant milestone. The difficulty in defining where they truly belong, or in which country they are established, often reflects in their financial and tax management.

The CNR emerges as a tool for simplification, allowing them to maintain banking ties with Brazil without the complexity of multiple account types. In this way, they can manage income, investments, and fund repatriation more clearly and efficiently.

The mobility of digital nomads goes beyond geographical change — it also manifests in lifestyle and financial choices. In this context, the CNR provides greater predictability and organization, offering a solid financial foundation amid the flexibility that defines this way of life.

Conclusion

The replacement of the CDE and the 4373 Account by the Non-Resident Account (CNR) represents a significant regulatory advance for non-residents in general and, particularly, for digital nomads. By simplifying the rules, the Brazilian financial system creates a more transparent environment, adapted to new forms of international mobility.

Ultimately, the CNR is not merely a banking mechanism: it is also a tool that helps those living across borders maintain a financial anchor throughout their global journey.

If you are interested in professional legal services related to International Tax Consulting and opening a CNR account, our law firm specializes in this area. You can contact us at contato@trpuppioadvocacia.com.br