Brazil Residence for Students
After you arrive on your study visa, you register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) within 90 days. You get the National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), which costs BRL 204.77 (Brazilian real).
BrazilBRAZIL NATIONAL MIGRATION REGISTRY CARD (CRNM)
Type: Student
Status: Student
Your CRNM card shows you live in Brazil legally. Keep it valid for as long as you study.
What Is Residence for Study?
Residence for study is your legal right to live in Brazil while you study. You get it when you register with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal), and the CRNM card shows it.
Study Visa vs. Residence for Study
A visa in your passport
Lets you enter Brazil
Valid for up to one year
Shown by the CRNM card you get in Brazil
Lets you live in Brazil while you study
Renewed every year
Your Migration Record
At registration, the Federal Police take your details and fingerprints. You then get an RNM number and the CRNM card.
Key Papers
CRNM card
National Migration Registry Card (CRNM), the card that shows you live in Brazil legally.
Migration registry number (RNM)
Your RNM number, printed on the CRNM card.
Proof of enrolment
From your university, needed to register and to renew.
Study results
Your transcript, needed to renew each year.
Missing a Deadline
What You Must Do
Register in time
Within 90 days of arriving on your study visa.
Stay enrolled
Keep studying at your institution. You need proof of enrolment and results to renew.
Renew every year
Each renewal needs proof of enrolment, study results, money to live on and a Brazilian police record.
Report changes
Tell the Federal Police if you change course or institution.
Your Papers to Study in Brazil
You need two things: the study visa to enter, and registration with the Federal Police to live in Brazil.
Key Deadlines
Study visa
Before you travel
Register
Within 90 days of arrival
Get your card
About 30 working days after your visit
Renew
Every year
Your Two Papers
Temporary visa for study (VITEM IV)
A visa in your passport that lets you enter Brazil to study. Valid for up to one year.
Key Requirements:
- Proof of enrolment at a recognised institution
- Proof of money or a scholarship
- A police clearance certificate
- At least 15 hours of classes a week
Registration and CRNM card
You register with the Federal Police and get your residence for study, first for up to one year.
Key Requirements:
- Online Federal Police form
- Valid passport
- Your original visa form
- Proof you paid the BRL 204.77 fee
Renewal of residence for study
You renew your residence for study at the Federal Police.
Key Requirements:
- Your CRNM card
- Proof of enrolment and study results
- Proof of money to live on
- An up-to-date Brazilian police record
From Visa to Card
Study visa
Get the temporary visa for study (VITEM IV) at the Embassy of Brazil.
Duration: Before you travel
Register
Fill in the Federal Police form, pay the fee and book an appointment.
Duration: Within 90 days of arrival
Get your card
Collect your CRNM card at the Federal Police office.
Duration: About 30 working days after your visit
Renew
Renew your residence for study until you finish your course.
Duration: Every year
How to Register
Registration is online first, then one visit to the Federal Police.
Steps to Register
Fill in the form
Start your request online.
Use the Federal Police online form for people with a temporary visa.
Pay the fee
Pay for your CRNM card.
Make a GRU (the federal payment slip) for BRL 204.77 and pay it at a bank.
Book a visit
Choose a date and time.
Book at the Federal Police office for the area where you live.
Go to the Federal Police
Attend on your booked date.
Bring your passport, original visa form and proof of payment. They take your fingerprints.
Collect your CRNM card
Your card shows you live in Brazil legally.
Check online when it is ready, then collect it at the office.
Renewing Each Year
Check your dates
Note when your residence for study ends.
Collect your papers
Proof of enrolment, study results, proof of money and a Brazilian police record.
Apply online
Fill in the Federal Police renewal form and book a visit.
Attend
Bring your CRNM card and papers to your appointment.
After You Finish
| From Status | To Status | Requirements | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residence for study | Extra renewal to collect your diploma | Your course is finished and you still need to collect your diploma | Allowed for up to 12 months after you finish your course. |
Papers You Need
Bring originals. Papers made in another country must be officially approved and translated. The Federal Police have rules for both.
To Register on a Study Visa
Valid passport
Or another paper that proves who you are and your nationality.
Online Federal Police form
Filled in on the Federal Police website.
Original visa form
The visa form from the embassy.
Proof of payment
The paid GRU for the BRL 204.77 CRNM card fee.
Photo, if asked
If the fingerprint system is down: one recent 3x4 cm colour photo, white background.
To Renew Each Year
CRNM card
Your current card.
Proof of enrolment
For your regular course.
Study results
Proof of how you did in your studies.
Proof of money
Proof that you have money to live on.
Brazilian police record
An up-to-date Brazilian criminal record certificate.
No-record statement
A signed statement that you had no criminal record anywhere in the last year.
How Long Registration Takes
The whole Federal Police service can take up to 180 days in total. You must register within 90 days of arriving. The card takes about 30 working days after your visit.
Registration Stages
Fill in the form and pay
Start your registration online.
Key Activities:
- Fill in the Federal Police online form.
- Pay BRL 204.77 with a GRU (the federal payment slip).
Book and attend
Give your details and fingerprints at the office.
Key Activities:
- Book at the Federal Police office where you live.
- Bring your passport, your original visa form and proof of payment.
Card made
Collect your CRNM card at the Federal Police office.
Key Activities:
- Check the status online.
- When the card is ready, book a time to collect it if your office asks.
Yearly renewal
Renew your residence for study until you finish.
Key Activities:
- Bring proof of enrolment and study results.
- Bring proof of money and a Brazilian police record.
Keep Your Stay Legal
A few simple steps keep your residence for study valid.
Good Habits
Keep papers current
Your residence for study needs a yearly renewal.
Renew every year until your course ends.
Update your contacts
Keep your contact details up to date.
The Federal Police use your email and phone to reach you.
Online Services
Federal Police websites
- Federal Police online forms
- Booking website for Federal Police visits (called agenda-web)
- Website to check your request (called SISMIGRA)
Common Mistakes
Plan Ahead
Missing a deadline can mean a fine, so plan dates early.
Common Questions About Staying in Brazil as a Student
Short answers about registration, the CRNM card and renewals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Links
Need More Help?
For questions about your local office, its hours or bookings, contact the Federal Police unit in your state.
Emergency Numbers in Brazil
Calls to 192 are free from any phone, 24 hours a day.
- 190: police
- 192: ambulance (SAMU)
- 193: fire brigade
Complete Guide to Brazil
Explore all aspects of studying in Brazil with our comprehensive guides
Post-Arrival - Detailed Guides
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Get personalized guidance for studying in Brazil with our expert consultants
Get Free ConsultationWant help with your Brazil registration?
We help you plan your Federal Police registration and your yearly renewal, so you stay legal in Brazil.
Talk to an Advisor