Can the O-1 visa allow me to open an American CNPJ?

Yes, with one important caveat. There is no CNPJ in the United States (that is a Brazilian business registry); the equivalent is forming a U.S. company, such as an LLC or a corporation. No rule prevents an O-1 visa holder from forming such a company.

The caveat is about work. O-1 status is tied to the role and the employer or entity that sponsored the petition. Forming the company does not, by itself, authorize you to work in it: the activity you perform must align with the conditions of your visa.

• Forming the company (LLC or corporation): generally, no restriction.
• Investing passively: typically compatible with the status.
• Taking on active management or operations: may conflict with the terms of the O-1.

For that reason, before taking on an operational role in your own business, it is worth reviewing the setup with a specialist and confirming the current rules with USCIS. That way you can distinguish what is permitted (forming and investing) from what requires authorization (actively working) and avoid putting your status at risk.

About the author

Victoria Harper

Editor-in-Chief

Meet the author

As a journalist and lead editor at Visto n’ Visa, Victoria helps ensure that immigration topics are covered in a clear, trustworthy, and easy-to-understand way. Her focus is on delivering useful, human, and relevant content for people exploring new paths abroad.