Registering with the Federal Police and the RNM Card
Who registers, the deadlines, the documents, and the fee for the national migration registration card, from the Federal Police and gov.br service pages.
By Vaughn Bullard · · 3 min read
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If you come to live in Brasil on a temporary visa or a residence authorization, there is one appointment you cannot skip: registration with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal). Registration puts you in the national migration system and leads to the national migration registration card, the CRNM, often still called by its older name, the RNE, or simply the RNM after the registration number it carries.
Visitors on a visitor visa do not register. This guide is for people moving here.
Who registers, and by when
The gov.br service page and the Federal Police set out two main situations:
- Holders of a temporary visa register within 90 days of their entry into Brasil.
- People granted a residence authorization in Brasil register within 30 days of the publication of the decision in the Diário Oficial da União, the federal official gazette.
Missing the deadline can lead to a penalty under the regulation of the Migration Law, Decree 9.199 of 2017. The amounts and how they are applied are set out in the regulation; check the official page rather than relying on a figure from a forum.
Where it happens
Registration is done in person at a Federal Police unit that serves migration matters, in the area of your domicile. Your fingerprints and photo are collected there. Appointments are booked online through the Federal Police systems. Availability differs a lot between cities; in some places the first open date is weeks away, so book as soon as you have an address.
What to bring
The Federal Police page for visa holders lists, in summary:
- The completed electronic application form, printed as instructed.
- Your passport, or another travel document accepted by the Federal Police.
- The visa application form from the consulate, where applicable.
- Proof of payment of the fees.
Some situations need more, such as documents for dependents or proof of the relationship. Bring originals and copies. If any document is in English, ask in advance whether a sworn translation is needed. See Apostilles and sworn translations.
The fees
The Federal Police fee table lists, as of the last check:
- Issuing the CRNM card: R$204.77.
- Processing a residence authorization: R$168.13, where that applies.
Fees are paid by GRU, a federal payment slip generated online, before the appointment. Fees are updated from time to time, so generate the slip from the official page close to the date.
After the appointment
You receive a protocol document when your request is accepted. Keep it with your passport; it shows that your registration is in progress. The gov.br service page gives an estimated processing time of up to 180 days for the card. When the card is ready, you collect it in person at the Federal Police unit, unless the page for your unit says otherwise.
Why it matters day to day
The card, or the protocol while you wait, is your proof of status as a resident. Banks, landlords, phone companies and employers may ask for it. It also matters if you leave and re-enter Brasil, so carry the protocol or card with your passport when you travel. See Documents to carry when you land.
The registration is separate from the CPF, your taxpayer number. You need both. If you do not have a CPF yet, see Getting a CPF.
Checklist
- Note your entry date, or the publication date of your residence authorization.
- Count forward 90 days or 30 days, and write the deadline down.
- Fill in the electronic form and print it.
- Generate and pay the GRU fee slips.
- Book the earliest appointment at the unit for your domicile.
- Bring your passport, form, fee receipts and supporting documents.
- Keep the protocol safe and track the card.
Common questions
Can someone go on my behalf? Fingerprints and photos are collected in person, so plan to attend. Rules for minors are on the official page.
My address changes before the card is ready. What do I do? Changes of address are reported to the Federal Police. Check the official page for how and when.
Does the card expire? That depends on your status. The validity is printed on the card; check the official page for renewals.
Sources
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; verify with the official source before acting.
General information only, not financial, legal, tax, insurance, or medical advice. Prices, rules, and terms change; check current details with the provider or an official source.
