RESIDE LEGALLY

Documents and Legal Support

To guarantee the right to stay in the country as a migrant or refugee, it is necessary to follow certain rules to register. Below, we provide guidance on obtaining documents and essential legal information for the regularization of the stay of migrants and refugees in Brazil.

Refugee Application Protocol

The protocol is a document granting temporary residence authorization while the refugee application is being judged by CONARE. The analysis process can take 2 to 3 years, and the protocol is valid for civil acts, such as opening a bank account or enrolling in courses.

The protocol must be renewed annually until the refugee process is completed. Make sure to keep your contact information up to date with CONARE through the email cadastro.conare@mj.gov.br.

Naturalization

Naturalization is the process of acquiring Brazilian nationality, and there are several possible ways to obtain it. Proof of knowledge of the Portuguese language is required, and detailed information about the naturalization process and the required documents can be found on the gov.br website. Click here.

Missão Paz and DPU offer assistance to migrants who wish to start their naturalization process. Click here.

Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF) - Individual

The Individual Taxpayer Registry (CPF) is the registration of individuals as taxpayers in the Federal Revenue of Brazil's database and is mandatory for individuals, Brazilian or foreign, who own assets and rights subject to public registration in Brazil.

Any individual, regardless of age and whether or not they reside in Brazilian territory, can apply for a CPF registration. Having a CPF is necessary to carry out practically any contract, purchase and sale, or service, especially financial operations such as opening bank accounts and applying for credit cards.

To apply for a CPF as a non-resident foreigner in Brazil, it is necessary to contact the Embassy or Consulate of Brazil in your country of origin. It is no longer necessary to physically visit the Embassy or Consulate. The foreigner needs to present an official identification document with a photo that proves their nationality and date of birth. In the case of a minor, the guardian's identification document must also be provided.

To apply for CPF registration, the foreigner must:

1. Access the Federal Revenue website;
2. Fill out the electronic form and submit it;
3. Save the generated registration form;
4. Send the filled and signed registration form, along with copies of the required documentation and a selfie, to the email cpf.residente.exterior@rfb.gov.br.

For non-resident foreigners to apply for CPF, they need to contact the Embassy or Consulate of Brazil in their country of origin. It is not necessary to physically visit the Embassy or Consulate.

National Migratory Registration Card (CRNM)

The National Migratory Registration Card is the mandatory identification document for every immigrant holding a temporary visa or residence authorization, provided they meet the special requirements established in the Migration Law and its regulations. The registration process must be completed within the timeframes established by law:

• Within 90 days from the date of arrival in the country for temporary visa holders;
• Within 30 days from the date of approval publication, if the residence authorization was approved in Brazil.

Once the residence authorization is granted, the immigrant is registered (the registration consists of civil identification by biographical and biometric data) and can obtain a National Migratory Registration (RNM) and a resident immigrant identification document. On the Federal Police website (click here), you will find the list of all the necessary documents.

Cost

The cost is R$ 168.13 (processing and evaluation fee for residence authorization requests - STN revenue code 140066) and R$ 204.77 (National Migratory Registration Card issuance fee - STN revenue code 140120).

Legal Assistance

In Brazil, individuals who cannot afford to hire legal services have the right to receive free legal assistance, and the Public Defender's Office is responsible for providing this service. The Public Defender's Offices are present in all Brazilian states, and their contact information can be accessed on this website: Click here.