The World Cup Will End. The Paperwork Won’t.

The World Cup always puts Brazil in the spotlight, and this year is no different. But if you want to buy a beach house or start a company there, you need to understand a different game. It isn’t the one being played on the field.

To do business in Brazil, you’ll need a Brazilian taxpayer identification number. If you’re an individual, that’s a CPF. You can apply for it online via the Brazilian Consulate’s website. If you’re a foreign company, that’s a CNPJ. It’s difficult to complete any business transaction without a taxpayer ID number, let alone buy a cell phone plan or make an online purchase.

You should also know who you’re dealing with before signing documents or sending money. In Brazil, a background check or due diligence report can reveal pending lawsuits, old debts, and tax liens. If there’s a problem, it’s better to know about it before you write the check.

While each World Cup tournament eventually ends, the paperwork in Brazil never does. Give yourself plenty of time to get everything done. Documents from the United States often need to be apostilled and translated by a sworn translator in Brazil before you can use them. Some transactions also require signatures before a Brazilian notary. And there’s always a missing document or a stamp you didn’t know you needed until it delays the deal.

Doing business in Brazil is a game unto itself. If you want to succeed, you’ll need to understand the rules before you make your move.