Brazil – Update: Delays in Issuance of National Migration Registration Cards

During the past few months, the issuance of migrant registration cards in Brazil has experienced longer processing times than usual due to a delay in the production of plastic cards.  The agreement between the government and the contracted factory has ended, which is resulting in the delay of cards issuance. 

These delays may result in some confusion and questions that those in charge of the immigration affairs of Brazil-inbound and current soon-to-expire migration registration card-holders should be prepared to address.

The registration protocol is a document issued to immigrants upon registration, which serves as proof of their regular status in Brazil through the acquisition of a valid residence permit.  This document is valid for up to 180 days, and it is important for immigrants to always have it on hand, both in Brazil and when returning from trips abroad. 

As the deadline for issuing registration cards has been extended,¹ it may be a worthwhile next step for immigrants who have not yet received one to extend their protocols, which are initially valid for three months, to help ensure they always have a valid document and avoid any challenges from immigration authorities in Brazil.

On February 14, 2024, a statement was published in the “Official Gazette of the Union” (Diário Oficial da União) by the General Coordination of Administration of the Federal Police (Coordenador-Geral de Adminsitração - Polícia Federal), announcing² the suspension of the current bidding process, initiated at the beginning of the year, for the electronic auction to contract an integrated collection and registration service for data used in issuing National Migration Registration Cards (CRNM -- Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) and Provisional National Migration Registration Documents (DPRNM -- Documento Provisório de Registro Nacional Migratório).

Those in charge of the immigration affairs of Brazil-inbound employees and employees already in Brazil who may hold soon-to-expire migration registration cards should be aware of the situation regarding delays in issuance of the cards and be prepared to address the concerns and questions of their employees impacted by these developments.  Those impacted by the delay in cards issuance may wish to take steps now to extend their protocols.

The KPMG mobility team is committed to closely monitoring any updates from public entities related to the issuance of the National Migration Registration Cards (CRNM) and will continue to keep readers of GMS Flash Alert informed of any significant relevant measures and further developments.

1  We refer to the period of issuance of the card, which is extended, due to the process taking longer than usual, as per our experience in the past few months with the Federal Police.

2  See (in Portuguese): https://sintse.tse.jus.br/documentos/2019/Mai/15/diario-oficial-da-uniao-secao-3-tse/aviso-de-suspensao-pregao-no-24-2019-contratacao-de-empresa-para-prestar-servicos-de-limpeza-cons .

* Please note the KPMG International member firm in the United States does not provide immigration or labour law services. However, KPMG Law LLP in Canada can assist clients with U.S. immigration matters.

The information contained in this newsletter was submitted by the KPMG International member firm in Brazil.