A CPF is your personal identification number, so that you can function as a legal entity, whether you are an individual or started a business. Just a number so Government can track your income, asset alocation, for taxation purposes.. Way far removed from China's Social Credit Policies.
So, as they say in America, don't sweat brow.
Buying your home or apartment...
First off, full disclosure on my end is overdue....
I am a licensed Real Estate Broker, so my piece advice comes from my understanding on how the real estate market works here. Also , I practiced Real Estate in Massachusetts for three years. In Sao Paulo for the past ten years, all of them as a broker.
About that apartment...
It depends entirely on availability of funds, how often you will find yourself moving around , or length of stay.
Since you mentioned being on an Student Visa, then it might be up to your parents to make buy x rent decision on your behalf.
As a rule of thumb, and this goes against my self interest as a broker, I would not advise anyone, regardless of how much affluent that one is, to buy outright.
The rule on rentals, your alternative to buy, all leases are issued for 30 months, however, you have a 12 month minimum to honor, the remainder are, by law, penalty free.
But once again, it looks to me your buy x lease decision is up to your backers/parents/bankroll. So it be.
That time frame is important to use to your advantage, as you do not know the "lay of the land", or how the territory shapes up, and a little extra lenght of time might be what you need to become a little more seasoned. With that comes wiser decisions, and money saved. And you will stay clear from quick buck artists out there.
Real Estate valuations go up, but not as widly as Hong Kong of late, and Tier One Cities in China. Which allows you to pick your spots wisely.
And then, there are the variations on cost per square meters from different neighborhoods, which are to play to your advantage, in unearthing true value.
When you mention "little apartment" I read, not tiny apartment, but, affordable apartment.
Some decent neighborhoods, not as posh or "en vogue" and yet with lots of upside ( valuations, changes in curbside appeal , situations where the seller is desperate to unload ),
It means you can actually enlarge your personal living envelope, or get a bigger place for the money it would cost you a tiny apartment. Right here in Sao Paulo, by the way.
And then there is the possibility, you find yourself wanting a town home, not an apartment. A row house, free of the condominium association straight jacket. A place you can better cherish your privacy, and mind you, improve upon your Portuguese speaking skills, way faster.
Now,, most of the Chinese who migrated to Sao Paulo choose apartments, for familiarity's sake. And Surprisingly enough, the are all encroached in the very same places. Which, for assimilation sake, it's not such a great idea, at least not where other Chinese are.
Being around Chinese is fine for you to get settled, land a job, network, get your own food. But to assimilate a foreign culture, not such a great idea. I am speaking of my own experience, having lived in the USA for 28 years.
You have the option to private message me, if you have any specific questions,, and under no obligation whatsoever.
Regards,