Renewal of Cedula de Identidade de Estrangeiro

Member since 18 April 2019

BraGringaMember18 April 2019 20:04:19

Hi there,
I got my Cedula de Identidade de Estrangeiro in Nov. 2017. I have a permanent visa on the basis of family reunification (Brazilian spouse) that is valid until Nov. 2026.

I understand that I have to present myself every two years at the Policia Federal to prove that I am in the country? How does that work in practice? Do I need to make an appointment, fill out any forms, bring any documents, take a new photo, pay a GRU? Do I have to bring proof of residency? And is it two years from the entry date or the document emission date? Do I need to go 90 days before that date? Can it be the airport PF branch, or any PF branch, or does it have to be the one closest to my residence in Brazil?

I would appreciate advice from those who have personally gone through this process before. The PF website is not clear on this point.
Thanks!

abthree Brazil expert

Member since 28 December 2017

abthreeBrazil expert18 April 2019 20:34:59

6093

You don't need to report your presence to the Federal Police every two years. You need to go to the Federal Police:
1. to notify them of any change of address, within 30 days of moving, and
2. to renew your CIE when it expires.
The Federal Police are responsible for Passport Control, so they already know when you're out of the country. Even if you are spending extended periods abroad, as long as you're absent from Brazil less than 24 months between each visit, your CIE is secure.
If your CIE has an expiration date, then yes, you should visit them to find out about starting the process about 90 days before it expires. At that point, you'll need to provide some of the documentation you did to get your original CIE, and pay another GRU. They'll give you the specifics when you talk to them.