Brazil: Technical Issues with Federal Police Online System Causing Delays

UPDATE July 6, 2023: The technical issues reported in May that prevented foreign nationals from scheduling appointments for registration, Mercosur applications, family reunion requests and other services at the Federal Police have been resolved. Fragomen will report if there are any further developments.

The Federal Police’s online system is experiencing technical issues, preventing foreign nationals (and their authorized third parties) from scheduling appointments for registrations, Mercosur applications, family reunion requests and other services at all Federal Police branches. It is not clear when the issue will be resolved. As background, foreign nationals entering Brazil under a consular work visa or those filing an in-country change of status application must register with the Federal Police within 30 or 90 days of arrival/approval (as applicable). After registering, foreign nationals obtain an RNM number (Brazilian identification number), required for their employers to enroll them on local payroll (if applicable) or complete certain administrative tasks in Brazil such as setting up a bank account. As a result, foreign nationals and employers should expect delays with registration and may face delays in payroll start dates in Brazil. In the interim, the Federal Police has verbally stated that in urgent cases, foreign nationals should email the Federal Police to request an appointment; however, they cannot guarantee one will be granted. Affected foreign nationals should work with their immigration professional for case-specific advice. Fragomen will report on relevant developments.