Foreign nationals seeking services at the Federal Police branch in Sao Paulo are currently experiencing significant delays. Appointments for visa registration are being scheduled about one month after the request, while in-country change of status applications, such as Mercosur and family reunion requests, face even longer delays—two to three months after the request. These delays are far longer than the usual scheduling timeframe, which is normally much quicker.
The cause of these extended waiting periods is attributed to the high demand for appointments at the Federal Police branch. As of now, there is no clear indication of when the situation will improve or how long the delays will persist.
Importance of Registering with the Federal Police
Foreign nationals who enter Brazil under a consular work visa or who file an in-country change of status application are required to register with the Federal Police within a certain period. For consular work visa holders, registration must occur within 30 days of their arrival in Brazil, while those changing their status in-country must register within 90 days of the approval of their application.
This registration process is crucial, as it leads to the issuance of an RNM number, the Brazilian identification number. The RNM is required for several administrative tasks, including enrolling employees on local payroll, opening bank accounts, and more.
Impacts on Foreign Nationals and Employers
The delays in scheduling appointments are causing a range of issues for both foreign nationals and their employers. For one, foreign workers cannot be added to the local payroll without their RNM number, which could delay the start of their employment. Similarly, foreign nationals may also experience difficulties in carrying out essential administrative tasks in Brazil, such as opening a bank account, until they complete the registration process.
Pros and Cons Summary:
Pros:
The cause of these extended waiting periods is attributed to the high demand for appointments at the Federal Police branch. As of now, there is no clear indication of when the situation will improve or how long the delays will persist.
Importance of Registering with the Federal Police
Foreign nationals who enter Brazil under a consular work visa or who file an in-country change of status application are required to register with the Federal Police within a certain period. For consular work visa holders, registration must occur within 30 days of their arrival in Brazil, while those changing their status in-country must register within 90 days of the approval of their application.
This registration process is crucial, as it leads to the issuance of an RNM number, the Brazilian identification number. The RNM is required for several administrative tasks, including enrolling employees on local payroll, opening bank accounts, and more.
Impacts on Foreign Nationals and Employers
The delays in scheduling appointments are causing a range of issues for both foreign nationals and their employers. For one, foreign workers cannot be added to the local payroll without their RNM number, which could delay the start of their employment. Similarly, foreign nationals may also experience difficulties in carrying out essential administrative tasks in Brazil, such as opening a bank account, until they complete the registration process.
Pros and Cons Summary:
Pros:
- Registration with the Federal Police ensures that foreign nationals receive an RNM number, which is crucial for legal employment and administrative processes in Brazil.
- The process helps foreign nationals integrate into Brazil's legal and financial systems.
- High demand is leading to long delays in scheduling appointments, with visa registration taking about a month and status change applications taking two to three months.
- Foreign workers may face delays in starting their payroll, causing financial and employment disruptions.
- The timeline for when these delays might improve is currently unknown, adding uncertainty for both foreign nationals and their employers.