On this page
- Overview (What is Form CRNM?)
- Context and workflow
- Requirements snapshot
- Failure prevention (What causes Form CRNM rejections?)
- What you need (What do you need for Form CRNM?)
- Checklist (What is the Form CRNM checklist?)
- Processing times
- Where to file
- Fees
- Form sections (What sections does Form CRNM have?)
- Strategy tips
- Mistake severity
- Examples (What are examples for Form CRNM?)
- Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form CRNM?)
- Scenarios
- Next steps
- Verification
- Related guides
- Resources
Overview (What is Form CRNM?)
#To formally register an individual's residency status in Brazil. Check the official CRNM instructions to confirm your eligibility category
Context and workflow
#Initiates the residency application process. Receipt protocol number (protocolo) is generated upon submission. Processing time for CRNM varies by case type and current workload — always check the official PF processing time tool.
Where it fits in the workflow
- Initiates the residency application process.
- Receipt protocol number (protocolo) is generated upon submission.
- Biometrics are typically collected at the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office.
- Leads to the issuance of the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM).
Who uses it
Permanent residents use CRNM to apply for a new or replacement permanent resident card. you may need to have valid PR status and meet residency obligations.
When it is used
- VITEM-WORK: Temporary Visa - Work (VITEM V)
- RESIDENCE-PERMANENT: Permanent Residence Authorization
Requirements snapshot
#- To collect necessary personal information for identification and processing.
- To ensure compliance with Brazilian immigration laws.
Failure prevention (What causes Form CRNM rejections?)
#Technical rejections
- Failure to submit the application to the correct office.
- Ensure form edition is current
Substantive weaknesses
- Inaccurate information that does not match official records.
- To avoid incomplete or incorrect information: Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions.
- To avoid missing proof of address in brazil: Bring a utility bill, bank statement, or rental contract showing your current address.
- To avoid registering at the wrong federal police jurisdiction: Register at the Federal Police office for your residential address, not just any office.
- To avoid not registering within the 90-day deadline after arrival: Set a calendar reminder immediately upon arrival. Do not wait until the deadline approaches.
What you need (What do you need for Form CRNM?)
#- The current edition of CRNM
- Proof of identity
- Photos meeting specifications
- Complete all required sections, sign, and submit with required evidence.
Checklist (What is the Form CRNM checklist?)
#- Download the current CRNM and instructions from the official PF website
- Gather required supporting documents per the instructions
- Complete all required sections of CRNM
- Sign, date, and submit CRNM with all required supporting evidence
Example receipt notice for CRNM
Processing times
#| Category | Processing time |
|---|---|
| Standard (Mail/Drop box) | 5 to 10 daysas of February 2026 |
- Processing time for CRNM under "Standard (Mail/Drop box)": 5 to 10 days (as of February 2026).
- Processing times for CRNM vary by category and processing location. Verify current processing times with the issuing authority.
- Processing times differ significantly by eligibility category. Initial applications, renewals, and replacements each go through different adjudication queues, and some categories consistently take longer than others.
- Processing times for this form vary by PF office and current workload. Verify current processing times with PF.
Where to file
#Submit your application at the designated PF office, embassy, or consulate. Check the official website for the location with jurisdiction over your place of residence.
Submit application
Submit your application at the PF office or designated embassy/consulate in your country of residence. Check the official instructions for the correct location.
Filing locations and procedures may change. Always verify on the official PF website before submitting. For related guidance, see vitem-student.
Fees
#| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing FeeThe standard filing fee for form crnm. Check the official fee schedule for the current amount. | See official schedule |
| Biometrics Services FeeA biometrics fee may be required depending on your category. Check the official fee schedule. | See official schedule |
Can the Form CRNM fee be waived?
Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility.
What happens if I submit the wrong fee?
PF will reject your application if the incorrect fee is submitted. Verify the current fee on the official schedule before filing.
Fee waiver: Fee waivers may be available for qualifying applicants. See official instructions for eligibility. For related guidance, see vitem-work.
Fees change; always verify on PF.
Form sections (What sections does Form CRNM have?)
#Personal Identification
Biographical details from your passport and visa.
- Full name as shown on passport
- Date of birth, nationality, and gender
- Passport number and expiration date
- Visa type and number
Entry Information
Details about your arrival in Brazil.
- Date of entry into Brazil
- Port of entry (airport, land border)
- Visa validity dates
Residence Details
Your living situation in Brazil.
- Current residential address in Brazil
- Proof of address document type
- Contact phone number and email
Biometrics
Collected at the Federal Police appointment.
- Fingerprints (all 10 fingers)
- Facial photograph taken at the office
- Signature capture
Strategy tips
#Mistake severity
#| Mistake type | Severity | How to avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Incomplete or incorrect information | Delay | Double-check all fields and include every required document per instructions. |
| Missing proof of address in Brazil | Delay | Bring a utility bill, bank statement, or rental contract showing your current address. |
| Registering at the wrong Federal Police jurisdiction | Delay | Register at the Federal Police office for your residential address, not just any office. |
| Not registering within the 90-day deadline after arrival | Penalty | Set a calendar reminder immediately upon arrival. Do not wait until the deadline approaches. |
Examples (What are examples for Form CRNM?)
#- Strong application: An applicant submits the form with all required documents and receives a timely decision, resulting in the issuance of their CRNM card.
- Common weakness: An applicant forgets to sign the application; the form is returned, causing a delay in their residency status.
- Scenario: Applicant submitted the form with all required documents. They received their CRNM card without issues. Always double-check for completeness before submission.
- A foreign national who has been granted permanent residence applies through CRNM for their residence card or permit
- A permanent resident whose card is expiring files CRNM to renew it before travel
- An applicant in the Vitem-work category files CRNM as part of their immigration process
Common misconceptions (What misconceptions surround Form CRNM?)
#- People often think that submitting the CRNM form guarantees approval, but approval is not guaranteed and depends on eligibility.
- Some applicants assume that they do not need to provide supporting documents, but evidence of residency status is typically required.
- It is sometimes misunderstood that the CRNM is only for new applicants; in fact, it is also for those updating their residency status.
- Holding a permanent residence card means you can be absent from the country indefinitely — Most permanent residence permits have physical presence requirements that must be maintained to keep your status.
Scenarios
#A French engineer arriving on a VITEM-V work visa schedules a Federal Police appointment through SINCRE within 2 weeks of arrival. They bring passport, visa, employment contract, proof of address, and photos.
Registration is completed at the appointment. The CRNM card is mailed to their address within 60 days.
Early scheduling and complete documentation make the process smooth.
A student arriving in São Paulo waits until day 85 to schedule an appointment but no slots are available before the 90-day deadline.
The student must register late, pays a fine, and has a late-registration note on their immigration record.
Schedule your appointment as early as possible; popular cities have long wait times for Federal Police appointments.
A permanent resident who was previously registered needs to update their CRNM after changing address.
The address update is processed at the Federal Police with a new proof of address document. A new card is issued.
Keep your registration current; address changes must be reported to the Federal Police.
Next steps
#- Receive protocol number (protocolo) after submission.
- Provide biometrics at the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) office.
- Await processing of the application.
- Receive notification regarding the issuance of the CRNM card.
Verification
#This guide is derived from official PF instructions for CRNM and is updated when form editions or filing rules change. Always verify current requirements at the official PF website.
Resources
#FAQs
Why does PF need the information requested on CRNM?
The CRNM plays a crucial role in the immigration process. To fully grasp its relevance to your circumstances, consult the official instructions.
Does CRNM guarantee approval of my case?
No. Filing this form alone does not guarantee any particular outcome. The decision depends on whether all requirements are met.
Do I need to file CRNM if I'm only updating my address or contact information?
Address or contact updates may be handled through a dedicated form or through your online account, depending on the agency's procedures. CRNM may not be required for simple address changes. Check the official instructions to see which form or process applies to your type of update.
What information should I include in the personal history section?
You should provide details about your previous residency in Brazil, including any addresses and duration of stay. Review the official CRNM instructions for complete guidance specific to your immigration case and circumstances.
Can I submit the CRNM form if I have not lived in Brazil for a long time?
You may submit the CRNM form regardless of the duration of your absence, provided you fulfill the eligibility criteria for residency registration.
What happens after I submit CRNM?
After submitting CRNM, PF will issue a Confirmation of receipt confirming acceptance. You may then be scheduled for biometrics, an interview, or additional evidence requests depending on your case. You can monitor your case status online using the receipt number from your notice.
What are common reasons CRNM gets rejected?
Common reasons CRNM is rejected include missing or incorrect signatures, using an outdated form edition, incomplete required fields, incorrect fee payment, missing required supporting documents, and photographs that do not meet official specifications. Carefully review the instructions and checklist before submitting.
VisaMind provides informational guidance only and is not a government agency. This is not legal advice. Requirements can change and eligibility depends on your specific facts. If your case is complex or high-stakes, consult a licensed immigration attorney.
Next steps
Requirements vary by nationality, purpose, timeline, and case details. VisaMind turns uncertainty into a sequenced checklist with official source citations.
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