How to register as a foreigner in Brazil, if you have a Digital Nomad Visa

If you have entered Brazil on a Digital Nomad Visa, one of your first steps after arrival is to register as a foreigner with the Brazilian authorities. This registration is essential to obtain your Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório (CRNM), which serves as your official ID in Brazil. With this card, you can perform tasks such as opening a bank account and making online purchases.

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What is the difference between the CRNM and RNE?

The RNE (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros) was a card that served as an identification document for immigrants in Brazil. The RNE is no longer issued - it was replaced by the National Migratory Registry Card (CRNM) at the end of 2018. The CRNM Card is valid for 9 years.

Who Needs to Register as a Foreigner in Brazil?

You are required to register if you:

• Hold a temporary visa (such as the Digital Nomad Visa or a Student Visa);

• Have received residence authorization published in the Diário Oficial da União;

Have been recognized as a refugee, stateless person, or asylee by Brazilian authorities.

Deadline for Registration

• Temporary Visa Holders: You must register within 90 days of entering Brazil > this includes Digital Nomad Visas and Student Visas

• Residence Authorization Holders: You must register within 30 days after the authorisation is published in the official government journal.

Step-by-Step Registration Process

1. Complete the Online Application

1. Visit the official Brazilian government website: Register as a Foreigner

2. Click "Iniciar" (Start)

3. Select "Registro de imigrante detentor de visto temporário" (Registration of an immigrant holding a temporary visa)

4. Fill out the electronic form completely and accurately (fill out the form). For Digital Nomads and students, select Registro de Visto Consular for the first question. Filiation refers to the names of your parents.

   
   

2. Prepare the Required Documents

You will need to bring the following documents to your registration appointment:

• Completed electronic form completed in Step 1 (printed)

• Valid passport 

• Visa form (original) - this is the form given to you when you first received your visa.

• Proof of payment for the CRNM issuance fee (R$204.77, code 140120). You can generate the payment slip here.

  • If you have a CPF, you can pay online using credit card, and print your receipt. Otherwise, you will have to print the generated form and take it to Banco do Brasil to pay in cash.

• One 3x4 recent, color photo (you may not need this, but if you have one take it just in case)

• Photocopies of all used passport pages (including the main ID page and any pages with stamps or visas) – this is not listed in the official checklist but is required. Some Federal Police offices will make the photocopies it for you, but it's best to bring this just in case.

  
  

3. Schedule an Appointment

To register, you will need to book an appointment at a Polícia Federal office.

1. Go to this website

2. Select "Migração" (Migration)

3. Enter your "Código de Solicitação" (this is the long number at the top of your completed electronic form)

4. Enter your date of birth (format: DD/MM/YYYY)

5. Choose the nearest city to where you live and select an available appointment time

Important: Some offices only release appointments on specific days. For example, the Ilhéus office where I visited releases slots on Fridays at 12 PM. If you cannot find an available appointment, call the office for guidance on how to do so.

4. Attend Your Appointment

On the scheduled date, visit the Polícia Federal office with all your printed documents. Arrive 15 minutes before your appointment, even though appointments will likely be running late, as your documents may be collected and organised when you first arrive at the office prior to being called in for your appointment. Make sure to dress respectfully as if you are going to a professional office (no swimwear, closed in shoes):

• Your documents will be verified

• Your photo and fingerprints will be taken

• The process will take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, and expect

  
  

5. Collect Your CRNM Card

Your CRNM will be ready for pickup within 30 to 60 days. You will receive an email notification when it is ready. You can collect your card without an appointment by returning to the same Polícia Federal office.

Where is your local Federal Police Office?

Some of the common offices visited by foreigners include:

• Rio de Janeiro – Santos Dumont Airport

• São Paulo – Departamento de Polícia Federal - Superintendência Regional SP

• Salvador – Aeroporto Internacional Salvador, upper floor

• Florianopolis – Superintendência Regional da Polícia Federal em Santa Catarina (map)

• Natal – Regional Federal Police (map)

• Joao Pessoa – Immigration Police, located in the Manaira Shopping mall (map)

• Porto Seguro - Located at the front of the Porto Seguro Airport

• Ilheus - Located at SAC, office number 12 (map)

Need a Bank Account Before Receiving Your CRNM?

If you need to open a bank account before receiving your CRNM, consider opening a Non-Resident Bank Account at Banco Rendimento. This allows you to start managing finances in Brazil before your full registration is complete. This may be valuable for those who wish to make large purchases such as real estate or a car, and need to transfer money to Brazil prior to receiving their CRNM card.

By following these steps, you can successfully register as a foreigner in Brazil, ensuring compliance with immigration laws and gaining access to essential services. Safe travels, and enjoy your time as a digital nomad in Brazil.