How to check a CNPJ status in Brazil

A CNPJ status in Brazil is checked directly on the Federal Revenue Service (Receita Federal) registry, free of charge, using only the 14-digit CNPJ number. The lookup returns one of five registration statuses: active, suspended, unfit (“inapta”), closed (“baixada”) or null. An active status is what most banks, clients and government portals require before accepting a contract or payment from a Brazilian company. The sections below cover where to check, what each status means, and why the status field matters more than the CNPJ number itself.

How do I check the status of a CNPJ?

The status is checked on the Receita Federal’s CNPJ registry (Comprovante de Inscrição e Situação Cadastral) by entering the 14-digit CNPJ number. The result shows the company’s legal name, trade name, registration status, size classification, opening date, legal nature, share capital, MEI status, Simples Nacional status, address and registered CNAE activities. This is the same certificate a bank or a government agency pulls when verifying a company independently, so checking the official registry directly is safer than relying on a third-party summary.

What does an “active” (ativa) CNPJ status mean?

Active means the company is operating regularly and its tax filings and registrations are up to date. This is the status most banks, clients and government portals require before accepting a contract, an invoice or a payment from a Brazilian company.

What does a “suspended” (suspensa) CNPJ status mean?

Suspended means the company is temporarily barred from operating with the Receita Federal, generally due to a pending irregularity that has not yet been resolved. A suspended CNPJ can return to active status once the underlying issue is regularized.

What does an “unfit” (inapta) CNPJ status mean?

Unfit means the company failed to meet specific registration or filing requirements and is treated as non-compliant with the Receita Federal until the pending obligation is resolved. It is a stricter irregularity than suspension.

What does a “closed” (baixada) CNPJ status mean?

Closed means the company has formally ceased operations and its registration has been cancelled with the Receita Federal. A closed CNPJ cannot issue invoices or sign new contracts.

Why does the CNPJ status matter for contracts and payments?

A CNPJ number can exist in the registry even when the company behind it is not active, which is why the status field, not just the presence of a CNPJ number, is what a counterparty needs to verify. Foreign clients and partners contracting with a Brazilian company for the first time typically request the current status alongside the CNPJ card before wiring payment or signing an agreement.