Getting a residency permit in Brazil is a process that requires patience. If you have already passed the first stage and your documents have been approved, the final step is receiving your physical CRNM card. In this article, we will detail how long this process takes at the Federal Police in Florianópolis, and how to track your document's status.
What is a CRNM and why do you need it?
The CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório) is the national identity card for foreigners living in Brazil. Previously known as the RNE, this card is essential for living a full life in the country: opening a bank account, signing a long-term lease, getting a driver's license, and even making certain types of purchases.
How to book an appointment at PF Florianópolis
The process of interacting with the Federal Police (Polícia Federal or PF) begins with online booking:
- Visit the official Polícia Federal website.
- Select the agendamento (appointment booking) section.
- Fill out the form and choose a convenient time at the PF branch, which in Florianópolis is usually located in shopping malls (like Beiramar Shopping or Floripa Shopping). If you want to know how to prepare your documents, check out our visa guide.
Stages of getting your CRNM
The process of getting your card consists of several stages:
- Biometrics: At your appointed time, you visit the PF where they take your fingerprints, take a photo, and check your original documents. You will be given a paper protocol (protocolo) — keep it safe, it serves as your temporary ID!
- Aprovação (Approval): The police verify your data and approve the card for printing.
- Production: The card is printed at the Casa da Moeda (Mint) in Brasília.
- Retirada (Pickup): The finished card is delivered to the PF branch in Florianópolis, where you can pick it up.
Real wait times based on expat experience
Officially, the Federal Police states a processing time of 60 days. However, based on real expat experiences in Florianópolis, times can vary:
- Optimistic scenario: 30–45 days.
- Average time: 60–90 days.
- In case of delays (e.g., plastic shortages for printing): 120 to 180 days.
During peak season or after holidays, processing times may increase due to heavy workload at the Casa da Moeda.
How to track your status
You can track the readiness of your card:
- PF Website: Using your protocolo number on the Federal Police portal.
- WhatsApp bots and communities: In expat groups, people often share current wait times and batch numbers that have already arrived at the branch.
Typical delays and how to speed things up
Sometimes the process can drag on for months. If you need the card urgently (for example, to open a business or start employment), you can file a solicitação formal — an official request for urgency (urgência). This is done through the SEI system or in person at the PF, with proof of why you need the document immediately.
What to do while you wait for your CRNM
Don't worry — while your card is being printed, your paper protocolo is legally valid. With it, you can:
- Live and work remotely.
- Open a CPF (if you haven't already).
- Buy a local SIM card and use basic services.
📍 Source of personal experience (HelpinFloripa): In our case (2023), waiting for the card took exactly 65 days from the biometrics appointment. The status on the website didn't update for a long time, but after a visit to the branch, it turned out the card was already waiting for us. So, it's sometimes useful to visit the PF in person if more than 60 days have passed.
Be patient, enjoy your life in Brazil, and your CRNM will definitely be ready!