How long does the refugee process take in Brazil?

CONARE review takes an average of 12 to 24 months, potentially longer for complex cases. While awaiting the decision, applicants receive a provisional protocol granting the right to work, education, and healthcare in Brazil. Appeals against denial may add 6 to 12 months to the total timeline.

Can refugees work legally in Brazil?

Yes. Recognized refugees and asylum seekers have the right to formal employment in Brazil. The provisional asylum protocol allows obtaining a work card (CTPS) and CPF. There are no restrictions on economic activity, including opening a business or practicing regulated professions.

How does family reunification work for refugees?

Recognized refugees can request family reunification for spouses, minor children, ascendants, and other dependents who are outside Brazil. The request is submitted to CONARE, which reviews the family relationship. Family members receive a reunification visa and the same rights as the principal refugee.

Can refugee status be revoked?

Yes, in specific situations under Law 9.474/97. Refugee status may cease when conditions in the country of origin substantially improve, or be revoked if fraud in the application is proven, the person committed serious crimes, or engaged in activities contrary to national security. Revocation is decided by CONARE with the right to appeal.

Refugee Status in Brazil: Rights, Process, and Protection

Q: Who can apply for refugee status in Brazil?

Anyone suffering persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion can apply for refugee status in Brazil. Law 9.474/97 also recognizes refugees fleeing grave and generalized human rights violations in their countries of origin, expanding the 1951 Convention definition.

Quick Answer

Brazil is internationally recognized for its advanced refugee protection legislation. Law 9.474/97 establishes the refugee recognition process through CONARE (National Committee for Refugees), guaranteeing fundamental rights including work, education, healthcare, and family reunification. Applications can be made at any entry point into Brazilian territory, and applicants receive legal protection from the moment of application. Learn more about our family law services.

If you are seeking refugee protection in Brazil or need legal assistance with this process, our immigration team offers specialized guidance.

Legal Framework: Law 9.474/97 and the 1951 Convention

Brazil has one of the world’s most advanced legal frameworks for refugee protection. Law 9.474/97 (Refugee Statute) implements obligations assumed under the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and the 1967 Protocol.

Expanded refugee definition

Brazilian legislation adopts a broader refugee definition than the 1951 Convention. Under Article 1 of Law 9.474/97, refugee status is recognized for anyone who:

Individual persecution — Suffers persecution based on race, religion, nationality, social group, or political opinion and cannot or does not wish to return to their country of origin
Statelessness — Has no nationality and is outside their country of habitual residence, unable to return due to persecution
Grave human rights violations — Flees a situation of grave and generalized human rights violations in their country of origin

This third category is a Brazilian innovation inspired by the 1984 Cartagena Declaration and represents a significant advancement compared to legislation in many developed countries.

CONARE: Structure and Operation

The National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) is the body responsible for reviewing and deciding refugee applications in Brazil. Under the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, CONARE is composed of:

Representatives from the Ministry of Justice (chair)
Representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Representatives from the Ministry of Health
Representatives from the Ministry of Education
Representatives from the Ministry of Labor
A Federal Police representative
A representative from a civil society organization dedicated to refugees
UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) — with voice but no vote

CONARE competencies

Review and decide on refugee status recognition applications
Declare cessation of refugee status
Determine loss of refugee status
Guide and coordinate actions necessary for refugee protection and assistance
Approve complementary normative instructions

Who Can Apply for Refugee Status in Brazil

Eligibility criteria

To apply for refugee status in Brazil, a foreign national must demonstrate:

Well-founded fear of persecution in their country of origin for one of the legally prescribed reasons
Inability to receive protection from the state of origin
Presence on Brazilian territory or at a national border
Not falling under exclusion clauses (war crimes, crimes against humanity, serious common crimes)

Frequently recognized groups

CONARE has recognized refugees from various regions:

Region	Main Nationalities	Predominant Reasons
Africa	Congo, Angola, Nigeria, Somalia	Armed conflicts, ethnic persecution
Middle East	Syria, Iraq, Palestine	Civil war, religious persecution
Latin America	Venezuela, Colombia, Cuba	Humanitarian crisis, political persecution
Asia	Afghanistan, Myanmar, Pakistan	Conflicts, religious/ethnic persecution

Special cases

Unaccompanied minors — Receive special protection and state guardianship
Human trafficking victims — May apply for refugee status cumulatively
Gender-based persecution — Recognized as grounds for social persecution
Sexual orientation persecution — Classified as a specific social group

Refugee Application Process

Step 1: Declaration of intent

Foreign nationals can declare their intention to seek refugee status:

At land borders, at immigration control posts
At airports and ports, upon arrival in Brazil
At any Federal Police unit within national territory
Through accredited civil society organizations

The application is a right, and no public agent may prevent or hinder its submission. The principle of non-refoulement guarantees that the applicant will not be deported while the request is under review.

Step 2: Provisional protocol

After declaring intent, the applicant receives a provisional protocol that:

Functions as temporary identification
Enables obtaining a CPF and Work Card (CTPS)
Guarantees access to public healthcare, education, and social assistance
Has renewable validity until CONARE’s final decision
Prevents any deportation or expulsion measures

Step 3: Personal interview

The applicant is summoned for a personal interview with a CONARE officer. During this stage:

They provide a detailed account of reasons for persecution or flight
Present available evidence and documents (not mandatory)
May be accompanied by a lawyer or legal representative
The interview is confidential and conducted in a private setting
An interpreter is provided free of charge when needed

Step 4: CONARE review (12-24 months)

CONARE reviews the application based on:

The applicant’s account and credibility of information
Country of Origin Information (COI)
UNHCR technical opinion
Documentation presented
Geopolitical context and human rights situation in the country of origin

Step 5: Decision

CONARE issues a decision in plenary session:

Approval — The applicant is recognized as a refugee and receives the RNE (National Foreigner Registration)
Denial — The applicant may appeal to the Minister of Justice within 15 days

Refugee Rights in Brazil

Guaranteed fundamental rights

Recognized refugees in Brazil enjoy the following rights:

Right to work — May engage in any paid activity, formal or informal, without restriction
Right to education — Access to all levels of public education, including federal universities
Right to healthcare — Comprehensive care through the SUS (Unified Health System)
Right to housing — Access to government housing programs
Right to documentation — RNE, CPF, Work Card, and other documents
Right to freedom of movement — Free movement within national territory
Right to family reunification — Ability to bring family members to Brazil
Right to naturalization — After 4 years of residence, may apply for Brazilian citizenship (reduced period compared to the standard for refugees)

Available documentation

Document	Purpose	Timeframe
Provisional protocol	Identification while awaiting decision	Immediate
CPF	Tax identification	15-30 days
CTPS	Formal employment	15-30 days
RNE/CRNM	Permanent identification	After recognition
Travel document	International travel	Upon request

Family Reunification

One of the most important refugee rights is family reunification. The process allows recognized refugees to bring to Brazil:

Eligible family members

Spouse or civil union partner
Minor children under 18 (unmarried)
Ascendants (parents) who are dependents
Other legal dependents with proven status
Adult children in special circumstances (disability, economic dependence)

Reunification process

The recognized refugee submits a request to CONARE
Proves family ties through documents (certificates, photos, declarations)
CONARE verifies documentation and issues authorization
The Brazilian embassy or consulate issues visas for family members
Family members enter Brazil and receive the same rights as the refugee

Timelines

The family reunification process takes an average of 6 to 12 months, potentially faster in proven emergency situations (unaccompanied minors, imminent risk).

Integration: Work, Education, and Healthcare

Labor market

Refugees have full access to the Brazilian labor market:

May be hired by any company with formal employment registration
May work as self-employed or open a business
Have labor rights identical to Brazilian citizens (CLT)
May validate diplomas and practice regulated professions
Access government professional qualification programs

Education

The Brazilian educational system is accessible to refugees:

Enrollment in public schools at all levels (primary, secondary, higher education)
Special university slots for refugees at federal institutions
Foreign diploma revalidation programs
Portuguese language courses offered by partner institutions
Scholarships through specific programs (PARES — Refugee Relocation Support Program)

Healthcare

Access to the SUS is universal and free:

Care at basic health units (UBS)
Emergency and urgent care
Hospital admissions
Medications through the Popular Pharmacy program
Psychological and psychiatric care (especially important for refugees with trauma)
Complete vaccination per the national schedule

Cessation and Revocation of Refugee Status

Cessation scenarios

Refugee status may cease when:

The refugee voluntarily avails themselves of the protection of their country of origin
Recovers previously lost nationality
Acquires new nationality and enjoys that country’s protection
Voluntarily returns to the country of origin
Circumstances that justified recognition cease to exist

Revocation scenarios

Refugee status may be revoked if:

The refugee obtained recognition through fraud
Committed crimes against humanity, war crimes, or serious common crimes before being recognized as a refugee
Engaged in activities contrary to national security

In all cases, the decision rests with CONARE, with the right to full defense and due process.

Refugee Numbers in Brazil

Brazil is the largest receiver of refugees and asylum seekers in Latin America:

More than 65,000 recognized refugees (2025 data)
Approximately 250,000 applications under review
Main nationalities: Venezuelans, Syrians, Congolese, Angolans, and Colombians
Average recognition rate: 35-40%
São Paulo is the state with the highest concentration of refugees

Support Organizations

Several organizations offer support to refugees in Brazil:

UNHCR — International protection and integration programs
Cáritas Brasileira — Legal and social assistance
IMDH (Institute for Migration and Human Rights) — Legal support and reception
ADUS (Refugee Reintegration Institute) — Integration and professional qualification
Missão Paz — Reception and documentation in São Paulo
Public Defender’s Office — Free legal assistance

How ZS Advogados Can Help

Our visas and immigration team offers specialized legal assistance for refugees and asylum seekers:

Eligibility guidance and rights orientation
Interview preparation for CONARE
Legal support throughout the entire process
Appeals against denial decisions
Family reunification applications
Integration advisory (documentation, work, education)
Defense in cessation or revocation proceedings

This article is for informational purposes and does not replace individualized legal advice. Refugee legislation is subject to change. Last updated: May 2026.