Understand the Changes with the Alphanumeric CNPJ and How to Adapt Systems and Processes to Ensure Compliance and Mitigate Risks.
Starting in July 2026, the alphanumeric CNPJ will come into effect, introducing a new standard that combines letters and numbers in the registration of Brazilian companies. The goal of this change is to address a practical issue: the exclusively numeric combinations are nearing their limit due to the growing number of legal entities in the country.
The key point is that this update will directly impact the daily operations of companies, as the transition requires comprehensive adjustments, ranging from documentation and forms to systems and software. All platforms that utilize the CNPJ must be prepared.
In light of this scenario, early planning is essential. In this guide, you’ll find the key information needed for a smooth migration.
The alphanumeric CNPJ is the new format adopted for the National Registry of Legal Entities (CNPJ). This change was officially established by the Brazilian Federal Revenue's Normative Instruction RFB No. 2,229, dated October 15, 2024. The regulation introduces the inclusion of letters (A to Z) alongside numbers (0 to 9) in new company registrations, maintaining the 14-character standard but with a new structure: AA.AAA.AAA/AAAA-DV.
Unlike the previous model, which used only numbers (e.g., 12.345.678/0001-95), the new format combines letters and numbers, resulting in a CNPJ like this: 12.ABC.345/01DE-35. This change will take effect starting July 2026 and applies exclusively to new registrations. Existing CNPJs will remain valid and unchanged.
The coexistence of both formats (numeric and alphanumeric) is outlined in the regulation to ensure a safe and transparent transition without impacting already registered companies. Article 3 of the Normative Instruction specifies that no updates or actions are required from taxpayers with active CNPJs prior to the new rule.
Brazil has been experiencing significant growth in the formalization of businesses year after year. According to the Business Map Bulletin published by the Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce, and Services (MDIC), the country reached over 22 million active companies in 2024.
Amid this growth, the Federal Revenue identified an imminent risk: the exhaustion of possible numeric combinations for CNPJs in the current format. By incorporating letters into the code, the alphanumeric model exponentially increases the possible combinations, ensuring the continuity of the company registration process without compromising the uniqueness and security of tax identification.
Additionally, the new format enhances the national registration infrastructure, promoting system interoperability, record standardization, and the expansion of corporate databases—key elements for public policies, economic analyses, and the development of data-driven technologies.
The transition to the alphanumeric CNPJ goes far beyond merely altering a format. It requires companies to thoroughly review their technological architecture, including adjusting legacy systems, updating validation rules, revising third-party integrations, and ensuring databases, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and third-party APIs are prepared to handle the new standard.
This process demands a systemic vision, specialized technical knowledge, and coordinated execution. Companies that treat this adaptation as a simple adjustment risk operational failures, fiscal inconsistencies, and even disruptions in integrations with partners and regulatory bodies.
To support organizations during this transition, act digital offers tailored solutions for system modernization and digital transformation. With a specialized team and proven expertise in regulated environments, the company conducts comprehensive technical diagnostics, dependency mapping, automated testing, and customized implementations.
One standout feature of act digital is the Tech AI Hub—a center of technological excellence that leverages artificial intelligence to accelerate adaptation processes and identify vulnerabilities with greater precision. With this infrastructure, act helps companies not only meet the Federal Revenue's requirements but also turn this obligation into an opportunity for efficiency gains, cost reduction, and technological advancement.
act digital is internationally recognized by the ISG Provider Lens™ as a leader in digital transformation and boasts a robust portfolio of projects focused on modernizing complex systems.
Key Differentiators
With this framework, we help organizations adopt the new alphanumeric standard securely, efficiently, and with minimal operational disruption.
The transition to the alphanumeric CNPJ will occur progressively and systematically, as defined by the Brazilian Federal Revenue. The new format will come into effect starting in July 2026, but the technical adaptation process is already underway. Companies and service providers are advised to begin preparations as early as possible. Below are the key points of the change.
The adoption of the new format will not be retroactive. This means that only CNPJs created after the implementation date will follow the new structure with letters and numbers. Existing registrations will remain valid and unchanged, even for companies that opt to keep their registration data as is.
For an indefinite period, both formats—numeric and alphanumeric—will coexist. For instance, companies opening branches after July 2026 may have a primary CNPJ in the old format and secondary CNPJs in the new standard. This coexistence is expected and considered normal during the transition process.
The Brazilian Federal Revenue also plans a phased implementation by groups or sectors, with a gradual schedule based on the type of company or economic activity. The goal is to ensure a safe and stable migration, avoiding system overloads or registration inconsistencies. Specific details about this schedule are yet to be released.
Branch numbering may also include letters in the order field. This means a company with headquarters registered under the old numeric model could have branches with CNPJs in the new alphanumeric format. For example:
All systems that use the CNPJ as an identifier—whether public or private—will need to be adjusted to accept the new format. This includes government platforms such as state tax collection systems and the REDESIM network, as well as internal company solutions like enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, e-commerce platforms, databases, and third-party APIs.
The Federal Revenue has already announced that it will provide calculation routines for the new Check Digit in widely used programming languages to facilitate technical adaptation by technology teams.
To avoid failures in fiscal, commercial, and operational processes, it is essential to conduct a comprehensive adaptation involving various IT areas. Below, you'll find a checklist of best practices to ensure a secure, efficient transition that complies with the new regulation.
Before starting any adaptations, it is crucial to identify all instances where the CNPJ is used across the company's systems.
Best practice: Use code scanning tools or database mapping solutions to ensure no fields are missed.
The CNPJ is a widely used identifier in integrations with partners, suppliers, government systems, and external APIs.
Best practice: Develop a dependency matrix to visualize which systems may impact or be impacted by format changes.
With the inventory and mapping completed, the next step is to plan the transition based on priorities, deadlines, and operational impacts.
Best practice: Implement a rollback plan for each stage to ensure system safety in case of reversions.
Ensuring system robustness post-changes requires a well-structured testing strategy.
Best practice: Automate tests to allow for rapid re-executions throughout development and approval stages.
The transition to the new format affects not only technical teams but also departments like tax, legal, sales, and customer service.
Best practice: Create a dedicated communication channel for updates, alignment, and transition monitoring.
The complexity of adapting to the alphanumeric CNPJ demands technical expertise, systemic vision, and coordinated execution. Partnering with specialized consultants can accelerate the process and mitigate risks.
Best practice: Choose consultancies that utilize artificial intelligence and advanced techniques to accelerate system mapping, identify vulnerabilities, and validate test scenarios with greater precision.
The transition to the alphanumeric CNPJ reflects the growth of Brazil's business landscape. Although it does not affect existing registrations, the change requires all companies to update or migrate their systems to ensure security and compliance at every stage. Anticipating this scenario is a proactive way to mitigate operational risks, avoid process disruptions, and leverage the opportunity to enhance your organization's technological infrastructure.
Our team is ready to help your company tackle this challenge with agility, security, and efficiency. We operate at every stage of the process: from system and integration mapping to the implementation of adjustments and testing in complex environments. Speak with our specialists to learn how we can support your operations in adapting to the alphanumeric CNPJ.
