Brazil: Issues with Federal Police Registration Causing Payroll Delays

Many foreign nationals registering with the Federal Police in several cities (including Campinas and Macaé) have been receiving Brazilian temporary identification documents ("RNM protocol," as it is known in Brazil) without RNM numbers and with a “process under analysis” symbol instead. As background, foreign nationals must obtain an RNM number before their employer can enroll them in local payroll, or to complete certain administrative tasks in Brazil such as setting up a bank account. This issue is affecting foreign nationals registering with the Federal Police after entry under a consular work visa or those filing an in-country change of status application, among others. Until this issue is resolved, affected foreign nationals can find their RNM number on the Federal Police online system or request a Registration Certificate, which includes their RNM number. However, these processes can take at least five business days to complete, or more. As a result, affected foreign nationals and employers should expect delays in payroll start dates in Brazil. Fragomen is monitoring this issue and will report on relevant developments.