In Brazil, the RNM is the National Migration Registry, the unique identification number that the Federal Police assigns to foreign nationals residing in the country. This number appears on the CRNM, the National Migration Registry Card, and identifies the individual in contracts, at banks, and with government agencies throughout their legal stay.
Updated on · Content reviewed by the corporate immigration team at Target Relocation.
Key Points
- In Brazil, the RNM is the National Migration Registry, a unique number assigned by the Federal Police to every foreign national with a registered residence.
- The RNM is the number; the CRNM is the card that displays that number, and confusing the two delays the process.
- Anyone who receives a residence visa or residence permit must register; those who enter as tourists, as a general rule, do not need to.
- The application process involves scheduling an appointment, paying a fee, and providing biometric data at the Federal Police.
- For the company, keeping track of each expatriate's registration helps prevent delays in hiring, banking procedures, and contract renewals.
If you arrived here by searching for “what is RNM in Brazil,” the short answer is this: RNM, known in Spanish as National Immigration Registry, is the number that identifies foreign nationals residing in the country. In this guide, we explain what the RNM is in Brazil, how it relates to the CRNM, who needs it, and how to apply for registration.
What is RNM in Brazil?
The RNM is the National Migration Registry, the unique civil identification number for foreign nationals in Brazil. The Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) provides for this registration, which is regulated by Decree No. 9,199/2017, and the Federal Police is the agency responsible for carrying it out, collecting biographical and biometric data, such as a photo and fingerprints.
In practice, the RNM in Brazil functions as a foreigner’s identification number. It accompanies the individual throughout their legal residence and serves as proof of identity when dealing with companies, banks, notary offices, and government agencies.
Also known as: National Immigration Registry, immigration registration number, and, in everyday use, foreigner ID number.
What is the difference between RNM, CRNM, and RNE?
The RNM is the number, the CRNM is the document that contains that number, and the RNE is the old identification format. Understanding this difference helps prevent mistakes when dealing with the RNM in Brazil with the Federal Police, HR, or a bank.
- RNM (National Migration Registry): unique identification number of the registered foreign national.
- CRNM (National Immigration Registration Card): the resident alien's identification document, which displays the RNM. Learn more in our post about The CRNM: The Essential Document for Foreigners in Brazil.
- RNE (National Registry of Foreigners): A document from the system in place prior to the Migration Act, replaced by the CRNM starting in 2017.
What is the purpose of the RNM in Brazil?
The RNM is used to identify foreign nationals with legal residency and to verify their immigration status. With the RNM in Brazil, a person can generally:
- provide proof of identity to open a bank account, rent a property, and sign an employment contract;
- process basic documents, such as the CPF and CTPS, which typically require valid identification;
- demonstrate that the residence permit granted is registered and valid;
- access public and private services that require identification.
Who needs an RNM in Brazil?
Anyone who obtains a visa or residence permit in Brazil—whether temporary or indefinite—must obtain an RNM. Law No. 13,445/2017 requires registration as a step for those who will reside in the country; short-term stays, such as for tourism, do not require an RNM.
Among the most common profiles in the corporate world are:
- Professionals with work visas—the topic of our guide on Work Visas for Foreigners: Steps, Documents, and Deadlines;
- managers, directors, and investors who are residents of the country;
- family members who obtain residency through family reunification or a common-law marriage;
- citizens of Mercosur countries who are residents under the agreement.
Every family member with a residence has an individual record, including children and dependents.
How to Obtain an RNM in Brazil: A Step-by-Step Guide
To obtain an RNM in Brazil, a foreign national must apply for immigration registration with the Federal Police after obtaining a visa or residence permit. The process consists of five steps:
- Visa or residence permit: Registration requires a valid residence permit, such as one issued for work or family reunification.
- Requests and scheduling: The application process begins at the Federal Police's immigration registration office, where you must schedule an in-person appointment.
- Fee payment: The fee is paid via a GRU (Federal Payment Slip).
- Customer Service and Biometrics: The foreign national must go to the Federal Police station with the original documents to have their photo and fingerprints taken.
- Withdrawn from the CRNM: After the review, the Federal Police issues the license with the RNM number.
For details on issuance, renewal, and data updates, see our post on RNM for Foreigners: When to Apply, Renew, and Update Information.
What is the deadline for applying for an RNM in Brazil?
Foreign nationals must apply for registration within 90 days of entering the country. Failure to meet this deadline may result in a fine.
The time it takes to receive the CRNM varies depending on the Federal Police unit and the volume of requests. Those who plan for the RNM in Brazil well in advance reduce the risk of fines and delays, because they schedule the appointment as soon as the professional arrives. No consulting firm can guarantee a delivery date, as issuance depends on the Federal Police.
What documents are required for the RNM in Brazil?
The documents vary depending on the type of residency, but there is a basic set:
- a valid passport or travel document;
- proof of the visa or residence permit granted;
- proof of payment of the fee (GRU);
- civil documents, such as marriage or birth certificates, when required, generally accompanied by an apostille and a certified translation;
- a photograph, if requested during the appointment.
Before scheduling an appointment, check the updated list on the Federal Police website, as the required documents vary depending on the type of residence.
How much does an MRI cost in Brazil?
A fee is paid via GRU for the registration and issuance of the CRNM, and the amount depends on the service requested. There are cases where the fee is waived, such as when proof of financial hardship is provided. In corporate cases, the company’s mobility policy determines who pays the fee.
Essential Information About the RNM in Brazil
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Responsible agency | Federal Police (immigration registration and issuance of the CRNM) |
| Legal Basis | Law No. 13,445/2017 (Immigration Law) and Decree No. 9,199/2017 |
| Who can apply | Foreign national with a visa or residence permit in Brazil |
| Deadline for applying | Up to 90 days after entry |
| Issuance Deadline | It varies by Federal Police unit |
| Key Documents | Passport, proof of residence, proof of payment, and civil documents as required for the specific category |
| Cost | Fee paid by GRU |
What are the main obstacles to the RNM in Brazil?
The most common errors are administrative in nature and can almost always be avoided by using a checklist and setting deadlines:
- confusing RNM with CRNM and reporting incorrect information on forms;
- missing the application deadline after entering the country;
- submitting certificates without an apostille or a certified translation, when required;
- having a name spelled differently on the passport, visa, and registration;
- allowing the CRNM to expire without starting the renewal process on time;
- failing to update important changes, such as address and marital status.
What changes for companies that bring foreign nationals to Brazil?
The company sponsoring the foreign professional should treat registration as a step in the arrival process. A delay in obtaining the RNM in Brazil can postpone the issuance of essential documents, disrupt the professional’s routine, and jeopardize the legality of the employment relationship, in addition to being a point of concern during immigration compliance audits.
Best practices for HR and the Mobility team:
- designate an internal contact person for each expatriate's process;
- schedule an appointment with the Federal Police as soon as the arrival is confirmed;
- gather the required documents, including the supporting materials and certified translation, in advance;
- Track the expiration dates of each professional’s and dependent’s CRNM and send renewal alerts.
How does Target Relocation help with RNM in Brazil?
Target Relocation is a Brazilian global mobility consulting firm that handles corporate immigration, documentation, and the relocation of foreign professionals. We guide clients through the entire process—from obtaining a visa or residence permit to immigration registration—providing guidance to both HR departments and the professionals themselves. Learn more about our Visa and Residency Consulting.
Frequently asked questions
What does RNM stand for in Brazil?
RNM stands for National Immigration Registry. It is the unique identification number assigned to foreign nationals residing in Brazil by the Federal Police as part of the immigration registry, pursuant to Law No. 13,445/2017. The number appears on the CRNM, the National Migration Registry Card, and serves as proof of the person’s identity to companies, banks, and government agencies.
Are RNM and CRNM the same thing?
No. The RNM is the registration number; the CRNM is the document that displays that number. In everyday life, many people use the two terms interchangeably, but when filling out forms or speaking with the Federal Police, it’s important to distinguish between the number and the document to avoid errors in the information provided.
Do tourists need an MRI?
Generally speaking, no. Immigration registration is required for those who obtain a visa or a residence permit. Those who enter Brazil for a short-term stay, such as for tourism, do not need to apply for an RNM. If a person decides to live in the country, they must first obtain a residence permit and then register.
Where can I apply for an RNM in Brazil?
The application is filed with the Federal Police, which is responsible for immigration records. The foreign national schedules an appointment, pays the fee via GRU, and goes to a Federal Police office with the original documents to have their photo and fingerprints taken. The requirements may vary depending on the type of residence permit.
How long does it take to get the MRI results?
The time varies depending on the Federal Police unit, the volume of service requests, and the type of residence . Since it is not possible to guarantee a specific date, it is best to schedule your appointment as soon as the professional arrives and follow up on the status of your request until you receive your CRNM.
Sources and Legal Basis
- Law No. 13,445/2017 (Immigration Law), official text on the Planalto website.
- Federal Police: immigration services, immigration registration, and CRNM.
- Decree No. 9,199/2017, which establishes regulations for the Immigration Act.
Do you need to organize your expatriates' RNM and documentation?
Schedule a free relocation assessment with Target Relocation and learn about the next steps for your situation.
