The RNE in Brazil: Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros in Brazil

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The RNE in Brazil: Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros in Brazil

The RNE (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros) number appears on the permanent foreign resident's identity card (Cédula de Identidade para Estrangeiros - CIE). This foreigner's identity card, commonly referred to throughout Brazil as the RNE, is the equivalent to a Brazilian citizen's identity card and is considered as such whenever a person is asked for proof of identity in Brazil.

It is recommended to carry a certified photocopy and only carry the original when it will be necessary to prove identity. If the original is lost the replacement procedure is costly and time consuming.

The Federal Police (Polícia Federal) is responsible for issuing new or replacement RNE cards.

• To find a local Federal Police office: Click here

How to Apply for an RNE Number in Brazil

In order to be entitled to an RNE in Brazil, the foreigner must have a permanent visa which should have been obtained from the Brazilian Consulate in their home country. 

• See AngloINFO INFOrmation page on Permanent Residency in Brazil  

Within 30 days of arrival in Brazil, a foreigner should go to the Federal Police office closest to their place of residence, taking the following documents:

• Two recent photographs, size 3x4cm (colour, white background, smooth paper)
• Passport and photocopies of the used pages of the passport or travel document
• Embarkation/disembarkation card

Fingerprints are also taken. There is a fee, payable at a branch of Banco do Brasil (Federal Police offices have a branch of Banco do Brasil within the same building).

Once the application has been made, the applicant immediately obtains a protocol number (protocolo) which serves as temporary evidence of residency status. An individual is considered legal in Brazil with this document even if their visa expires. They may also apply for a Carteira de Trabalho or work-permit, valid until the process is complete and they may seek employment in Brazil or set up their own business. 

The CIE card with the RNE number on it is issued within two years. Applicants can check the status of their RNE application on the Ministry of Justice website.

• To check the status of an application: Click here (enter protocol number and name)

Note: If a resident has a change of personal information, such as a name change, it must be submitted to the Policía Federal within 30 days.

Paying Administration Fees

In order to be able to pay administration fees at a Federal Police office, print out a form from the Federal Police website. 

The form is called a Guia de Recolhimento da União and contains drop down boxes to choose the appropriate Federal Police office, the service required, full name of parents and address.

• To download the form: Click here

The form has a bar code on it that is scanned when payment is made, the Police then stamp the form as proof of payment.

• For a list of fees that will need to be paid: Click here (in Portuguese)

There are no Internet facilities available within the Federal Police offices. However, it is usually easy to find a despachante (administrative facilitator) office nearby providing services printing off and filling in the form for a small fee.

Renewing the RNE

The RNE number is permanent, however, the CIE card is valid for nine years. The renewal process must begin before the expiration date. The following are required:

• Fill out form 154 (obtained from the Federal Police)
• Present the CIE card (authenticated copy and original)
• 2 colour passport photos with a light background

There is a fee payable.

Note: Disabled people and those aged 60 and over do not need to renew the CIE card.

• For further information see the Federal Police website: Click here (in Portuguese)

Further Information

• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Extending a Tourist Visa in Brazil
• See the AngloINFO INFOrmation Page, Permanent Residency in Brazil

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