Brazilian National Immigration Registry Card

The new Migration Law has a new document: the Brazilian National Migration Registry Card. Learn more about what is the entire procedure for how to apply for your application.

What is the National Immigration Registry Card?

The National Migration Registry Card (CRNM) is the physical identification document for foreigners registered in Brazil. It’s valid throughout the national territory and is the Identity Card for foreigners. The CRNM was createad to replace the old “Carteira de Identidade Estrangeira” (CIE), after the ratification of the Migration Law on May 24, 2017.

The CRNM will display the National Migration Registry (RNM) number, a unique and exclusive identifier that guarantees full exercise of civil rights in Brazil for two years. Other important information on the document is the period of stay allowed by the Brazilian Government. That is why every foreigner who wants to move to Brazil must obtain the CRNM.

Also, this new model meets the document requirements for international travel, as it features QR Code, optical variation ink and anti-stoke security.

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How to obtain a National Immigration Registry Card?

The process for issuing the National Immigration Registry Card must be carried out personally in a Federal Police unit after scheduling your appointment online. It is critical to note that not all units offer assistance to immigrants, so it is always valid to check the Federal Police site first.

After arriving in Brazil, the immigrant has 90 days to apply to his/her CRNM. Furthermore, when you go to a Federal Police unit, you must bring all the documents to start the process, as follows:

Pre-enclosed application form;
Two 3×4 photos, recent, colorful, and with white background;
Declaration of electronic rights and other contact information – Annex XIX of the Interministerial Portal nº 3/2018;
Copy of proof of residence (ex: water, telephone, energy bill, etc.);
Valid travel document or other document proving identity and nationality;
Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or consular certificate when the travel document or official document does not provide data on filiation;
Personal identification document (for temporary viewing for family reunion);
Declaration under the penalties of the law, signed by the “caller” and “called”*, that it is not present in the causes of loss of residence authorization provided for in art. 135 of Decree No. 9,199, of 2017 (for temporary viewing due to family reunion);
Proof of payment of fees issued by the National Migration Registry Card (R$ 204.77);

The issuance fee may be paid at any banking institution, lottery houses, postal agencies, or banking correspondents. However, if the immigrant does not have the conditions to pay the emission fee, he/she may present a declaration of economic hyposufficiency.

It’s important to note that documents in foreign languages must be accompanied by the respective sworn translations and apostilles, by the Hague Apostille Convention.

*When you apply for a visa or residence authorization on the grounds of family reunion, you will be the “called” and the person who is in Brazil will be the “caller”. The caller may be a Brazilian citizen or a foreigner with a temporary visa or residence permit in Brazil.

Terms and renewals of CRNM

The CRNM expiration period will be linked to the term of the residency authorization period. However, when it comes to residency for an indefinite period, the CRNM will be valid for nine years.

The request to replace the CRNM for term renewal must be submitted at least 90 days before expiration. Additionally, applicants may also request information changes or corrections in case of errors in the process.

Also, it is possible to request a second copy of your CRNM in cases of theft, loss, misplacement, or damage. For this kind of request, you must present the following documents:

Form pre-enclosed and filled;
One 3×4 photo, recent, colorful, and white background;
Declaration of electronic rights and other means of contact;
In case of damaged CRNM, present an original document;
In case of loss, robbery, or theft, present the police report (Boletim de Ocorrência in Brazil);
Travel document, official identity document, or document issued by a Brazilian public body that proves the identity of the applicant, even if expired;
Proof of payment of CRNM fee issuance;
Declaration of economic undersufficiency, if you do not have the conditions to pay the emission fee.

In this case, CRNM will be issued in the same process as above. Therefore, if there are changes in registration, the immigrant must request the substitution of the card.

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