CRNM: Brazil National Migration Card — Costs & Step-by-Step
Quick Answer
The CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratorio) is your official ID as a foreign resident in Brazil. It costs R$372.90 in 2026, must be applied for within 90 days of getting your residence authorization, and you need it to work, rent, or open bank accounts. Here is everything you need to know — from application to renewal.
What Is the CRNM and What Is It Used For?
You just got approved for a residence visa. You are excited, relief floods in — and then an immigration officer says: “Now you need a CRNM.” If you are new to Brazil, you have just met your most important document. The CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratorio, or National Migration Registration Card) is your proof of legal residency. Without it, you cannot work, rent an apartment, or open a bank account. Full stop.
Before 2017, foreigners in Brazil carried the RNE (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiro). That system is gone. Law 13,445/2017 replaced it entirely with the CRNM. At ZS Associados, our legal team has helped hundreds of clients through this process. Most are surprised at how central this card becomes to daily life in Brazil. You will present it to employers, landlords, banks, and police. It is essentially your foreigners’ CPF.
What does it actually do? Three things. First, it proves you are a legally registered foreign resident. Second, it documents your visa category and any restrictions on your stay. Third, it is your work authorization. Whether you are here to work, study, invest, or retire — your visa type is recorded on this card. If you are considering immigrating to Brazil, the CRNM is the document that makes everything real.
The Federal Police (Policia Federal) issues it. You cannot apply without formal residence authorization. That comes either from the Federal Police directly or from the National Immigration Council (CNIg). Your card is valid for whatever duration your visa allows — but if you transition to permanent residency, your new card has no expiration date.
Here is the critical part: failing to register within 90 days is not a minor oversight. It is illegal. You can face fines and deportation. We have never seen a client deported over this, but we have seen plenty hit with R$10,000+ in fines. Do not wait. The moment your residence authorization letter arrives, start the CRNM process.
Source: Federal Police (gov.br/pf); Law 13,445/2017, Article 57-58; Decree 9,199/2017
How Much Does the CRNM Cost in 2026?
Total cost: R$372.90. Two fees, both federal. No surprises, no regional variations — it is the same whether you are in Sao Paulo or Manaus.
Issuance fee: R$204.77 (printing and producing your card). Processing fee: R$168.13 (the Federal Police’s administrative work — background checks, data recording, etc.). Add them up: R$372.90.
You pay via GRU (Guia de Recolhimento da Uniao), a federal payment slip. When you schedule your appointment, the Federal Police system generates your GRU code. Take it to any bank, most post offices, or pay online. Print your receipt. Bring proof of payment to your appointment — they will not process your application without it.
A few practical things. These fees are set by the Ministry of Justice and updated annually. Check MigranteWeb (the official immigration platform) for current rates before you apply. The fees do not change by visa type — an investor pays the same as a student. And they are non-refundable, even if your application gets denied (rare, but possible).
Some visa categories have pre-CRNM costs. Family reunion visas might require embassy fees before you arrive. But the CRNM itself? R$372.90, full stop. No exceptions.
Source: Federal Ministry of Justice Fee Table 2026; MigranteWeb (gov.br/migracao)
How to Schedule and What to Bring to the Federal Police
90 days. That is your deadline from the date your residence authorization is approved. Miss it, and you are in technical violation of immigration law. Ready to start?
Step 1: Wait for your residence authorization. You need the official letter (Comunicacao de Aprovacao or Autorizacao de Residencia). The clock starts the day you get it.
Step 2: Schedule online. Visit the Federal Police website or MigranteWeb and book an appointment at your nearest Federal Police immigration office. In Sao Paulo, Rio, and other major cities, appointments fill up fast. Book as soon as the window opens (usually 30 days ahead).
Step 3: Generate and pay your GRU. The Federal Police system creates your GRU code. Pay R$372.90 at your bank, post office, or online. You will get a receipt. Do not lose it. Bring the original to your appointment.
Step 4: Gather documents. Passport, residence authorization letter, GRU receipt, proof of address. What counts as proof of address? Rental contracts, utility bills, hotel registrations, Airbnb confirmations, notarized letters from the property owner. See the checklist below for your specific visa type.
Step 5: Attend your appointment. Arrive early — line up 30 minutes before your time. Bring originals and copies of everything. Expect background check questions. If you pass, they will schedule when you can pick up your card.
Step 6: Collect your card. Usually ready in 2-4 weeks. You will get notified via email or SMS. Go back to the Federal Police office, bring your ID, and take your card home.
Document Checklist by Visa Type
| Visa Type | Required Documents (in addition to passport & residence authorization) | Proof of Address |
|---|---|---|
| Family Reunion (Conjuge/Filhos) | Marriage certificate (original + certified copy); birth certificates for dependent children; spouse’s CPF/residency proof | Rental contract, utility bill, or notarized letter from sponsor |
| Investor/Business (Visto Permanente) | Business registration (CNPJ), proof of investment, tax returns or bank statements | Commercial lease, business address registration, or property deed |
| Digital Nomad/Remote Worker | Employment contract in English or Portuguese; proof of monthly income (recent bank statements, 3 months minimum); letter from employer | Airbnb reservation, hotel booking, or lease agreement |
| Retiree (Aposentado) | Proof of retirement income (pension statements, investment income, minimum R$2,000/month); bank statements (6 months) | Rental contract or property deed in Brazil |
| Student (Visto Temporario) | University enrollment letter or acceptance; proof of financial support; institution name and address | Student housing contract, dorm registration, or lease |
Pro tips from our clients. Make copies before you go — seriously, bring way more copies than you think you will need. Some offices will copy for you (slowly). Bring extra 3x4 cm photos with white background, even though they will take digital ones. Arrive early; mornings move faster. Have a pen handy.
Source: Federal Police Immigration Division procedures; MigranteWeb guidance documents
What Is the Difference Between Temporary and Permanent CRNM?
Not all CRNM cards are equal. The Federal Police issue two types, and they have completely different implications for your future in Brazil.
A temporary CRNM expires. You get one if you are on a temporary visa — family reunion, student, remote work, business. Your card expires when your visa does. Once the expiration date passes, you are technically out of status unless you have renewed both your visa and card. Many employers will not hire you if your card expires in less than 6 months. Banks often deny account applications if your card expires within 12 months.
A permanent CRNM does not expire — well, not really. Once you have permanent residence (residencia permanente), your card says “Residente Permanente” and has no expiration date tied to a visa. You can stay in Brazil forever. But here is the detail: the physical card itself expires after 9 years. That is not your residency expiring — just the document. You go back to the Federal Police, pay a small fee (usually under R$100), and get an updated card with another 9-year lifespan. If you are looking to convert from temporary to permanent residence, understanding this distinction is essential.
Getting to permanent residence takes time. Family reunion spouses can apply after 2 years. Investors can transition after 2 years of maintaining their business. Digital nomad visa holders typically cannot apply for permanent residence directly — they would need to switch visa categories first (like getting married to a Brazilian, or starting a business).
Here is why this matters: your temporary card is your ticket to working and renting. Once it expires, you are in limbo. Track your expiration date obsessively. Mark it in your phone. Set a reminder.
Source: Law 13,445/2017, Articles 29-30 (temporary residence), Article 31 (permanent residence); Decree 9,199/2017
How to Renew Your CRNM Before It Expires
Renewal rules are different for temporary and permanent cards. Let me break them down.
Renewing a temporary CRNM. You can renew 30 days before your card expires — not earlier. Your visa also needs to be valid or in the process of renewal. The Federal Police will not renew if your visa has already expired. The process mirrors getting a new card: schedule, pay GRU, bring documents, wait 2-4 weeks. Same R$372.90 fee.
But here is the key transition: if you are moving from temporary to permanent residence, you do not “renew” your card. The Federal Police issue an entirely new card with “Residente Permanente” status. Usually happens the same day you get your permanent residence approval.
Renewing a permanent CRNM. Much easier. After 9 years, visit the Federal Police with your current card. Pay around R$100-150. They issue an updated card. No extensive documents needed. Usually takes 1-3 weeks.
Do not wait until the last moment. Start your renewal 3-4 months before expiration. If your card expires and you have not renewed, you are out of status. Some institutions will not accept cards more than 3 months past expiration. We have seen it cause problems with job offers falling through and bank accounts getting frozen. Get ahead of it.
Track your date. MigranteWeb lets you check online. Some states email reminders. Set a phone reminder 4 months before expiration. Seriously. Understanding your income tax obligations is also critical before renewal, as tax compliance can affect your residency status.
Source: Federal Police Immigration Division renewal procedures; MigranteWeb status tracking system
Getting Your CRNM Right: Your Legal Foundation
The CRNM is your anchor in Brazil. It is the document that makes everything else possible — work, housing, banking. Losing it, letting it expire, or ignoring the 90-day deadline will cost you far more in fines, legal fees, and lost opportunities than the R$372.90 registration fee.
If you are about to arrive in Brazil, start your CRNM planning now. If you are already here on a residence visa, check your authorization letter and circle day 30. If you have an active card, verify your expiration date today. Thousands of foreigners live legally and successfully in Brazil. You can be one of them.
Need guidance on your situation? We specialize in helping foreigners navigate this process smoothly. Read our related articles or reach out. We will walk you through it.
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