Proof of residence: which documents are accepted?

There is hardly anyone who at some point in their life has needed a proof of residence, and went through a lot of trouble to get it.

The main cases tend to be hiring a company, opening an account, purchasing a property, among others.

Therefore, this document, which serves to prove where you live, is one of the most important and challenging documents in some situations, considering that a large part of the Brazilian population lives in rented accommodation.

Therefore, due to the importance of proof of address, in this article you will see what serves as proof, to be able to protect yourself against possible situations.

Proof of residence: how many people rent in Brazil?

Initially, according to the National Household Sample Survey (PNAD) According to IBGE, released in 2023, 21.1% of the Brazilian population lives in rented properties.

This represents around 15.7 million people, and this number has been gradually growing since 2016, when the percentage was 18.5%.

What is proof of residence?

A proof of address is an essential document in many situations.

For example, opening a bank account, applying for a credit card, taking out loans, enrolling in school, registering with public agencies, among others. 

In short, this document officially proves the address at which the person resides.

The main types of proof of acceptance are:

• Utility bills (electricity, water, gas, landline telephone);
• Rental agreement;
• IPTU (Urban Property and Land Tax);
• Correspondence with the address (bills, bank statements, official correspondence);
• Declaration by the property owner, with notarized signature.

It is worth noting that the proof must be in the name of the holder or one of the family members residing at the address. 

Therefore, otherwise, a statement from the holder authorizing the use of the document may be required.

It is important to keep the proof of residence updated, as some institutions may request a recent document, usually from the last 3 months. 

Furthermore, the lack of this document may compromise the completion of various bureaucratic procedures.

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How do I prove my address if I have nothing in my name?

Firstly, for those who have nothing in their name to prove their address, the most viable and practical option would be a declaration of residence.

In this sense, this declaration must be completed and signed by the owner of the property where you reside.

Then, the holder must have the signature notarized, then attach a copy of a proof of residence of the holder (electricity, water, telephone bill, among others).

However, if you rent the property, the contract in your name serves as proof.

If the contract is in someone else's name, ask the tenant for a declaration of residence (as described in item 1) and attach it to the copy of the contract.

Proof of residence: Which documents are accepted?

Several documents can be used as proof of address in 2024, but acceptance may vary depending on the purpose. 

See what types of receipts you can use:

• Consumption accounts: electricity, water, gas, landline or cell phone (due no more than 3 months ago);
• Bank statement: with updated address;
• credit card: with up-to-date invoice and updated address;
• Bank correspondence: with updated address;
• Store invoices: with updated address;
• Annual Income Tax Declaration: (individual or legal entity) with updated address;
• Paycheck: issued by a public body with an updated address;
• Birth or marriage certificate: with updated address (only for minors);
• ID card: with updated address (only for those over 18 years old);
• Rental agreement: in your name or in the name of the landlord, accompanied by a declaration of residence from the landlord and a copy of proof of residence in the landlord's name;
• Declaration of Residence: signed by the owner of the property where you reside, with notarized signature, accompanied by a copy of proof of residence in the owner's name;
• Your FGTS statement;
• The IPTU guide or IPVA booklet;
• Traffic fines;
• Vehicle licensing certificate.

The requirement and documents accepted as proof of residence may vary depending on the institution.

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How important is it to have proof in my name?

THE proof of residence in your name is a fundamental document for many everyday situations, as it proves your connection to a specific address.

For example, open bank accounts and apply for credit cards, banks and financial institutions require proof to confirm your residential address.

This will ensure the security of transactions.

To the hire internet, telephone and cable TV services, Companies need proof to verify the feasibility of the installation and charge for delivery to the correct location.

Also, if you go enroll in schools and universities, educational institutions request proof of address from the student and correctly register their data.

Another important situation is if you want to obtain social benefits and government programs.

Many programs require proof of residence to ensure that the benefits go to the actual residents of the locality.

Obtain an identity card and other documents, public bodies may request proof to confirm your residential address and issue documents with your updated data.

What do you want? participate in public tenders and selection processes, in some cases, proof of residence is necessary to see if you meet the requirements of the competition or selection process.

Finally, among other situations, proof of voter registration is mandatory for voting in elections, as it proves your place of electoral domicile.

Conclusion

THE proof of residence has great importance in our lives.

It makes it easier to carry out various procedures and speeds up the issuance of documents, registrations, competition registrations, among other situations.