Documentation regularization of Haitians in Brazil
Haitians can choose between two ways to obtain documentation in Brazil: seeking asylum (applying for refugee status) or acquiring residency permit.
Both allow access to essential rights and services to rebuild lives in Brazil with dignity and security, such as work, health, education, social protection, among others. However, there are some important differences between them.
If you need help, contact the nearest UNHCR partner organization.
Refugee Status
Refugee status is a form of protection available to people who have left their country of origin “due to well-founded fears of persecution for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group or political opinion, or because of a serious and widespread situation of human rights violations”.
In other words, a refugee is a person who had to leave their country because they were not safe there, fleeing a situation of violence and insecurity—which can be caused by state actors or other groups, such as criminal gangs. These people cannot return to their country because they risk harm. Since the authorities of their country of origin cannot offer them protection, they can seek “international protection” in another country.
Refugee status can be requested at any time, regardless of the visa used to enter Brazil.
It is not mandatory to present documents to make the request. However, if the person has any document that helps prove their situation, it is important to present it.
Access more information about the step-by-step procedure.
Residency
Residency is an immigration document that allows one to remain legally in Brazil. Each type of residency permit has specific criteria and documentation that must be met for its application. For example, people arriving with a family reunification visa can apply for residency based on family ties.
Access more information about the step-by-step procedure to applyfor a residency permit.
Attention! To apply for residency permit based on family ties, it is essential that the family member who applied for the visa be present, along with the newly arrived person, at the time of the appointment at the Federal Police.
Although refugees and migrants have similar basic rights in Brazil, only refugees (and asylum seekers) have access to international protection, which includes additional guarantees. Access more information on the differences between refugees and residents.
Children and adolescents traveling alone
Individuals under 18 years of age arriving in Brazil without being accompanied by their mother, father, or other legal guardian need to seek specialized support as soon as possible. They should immediately contact the Federal Public Defender’s Office (DPU) or, if this is not possible, another child and adolescent protection agency or network, including the Federal Police, the Guardianship Council, the Advanced Post of Humanized Assistance to Migrants (PAAHM), and the Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance (CREAS). This contact is necessary to guarantee specialized protection and support in the documentation process.
For more information, access the Guide for Identification, Care and Protection of Children and Adolescents from other countries in Brazil.
