Public Institutions

Relevant Services:

• Asylum application (Asylum Application Protocol and Provisional Document of National Migration Registry (DRPNM));
• Issuance of documentation for foreign citizens (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório (RNM, formerly RNE),
• Naturalization

Identify your situation and make an appointment with the Federal Police:

• If you are an asylum seeker, that is, you already have the protocol number, and you need to renew your protocol:
  • If you are already registered with SISCONARE, you must schedule your trip to the Federal Police.
  • If you haven’t registered yet, find out how to register. After your registration, you will be able to make an appointment with the Federal Police.
  • If you have been recognized by CONARE as a refugee, check the procedures.
• If you need to renew your CRNM (National Migration Registration Card), check the procedures.
• If you have recently arrived in Brazil and need to apply for asylum, check the procedures.

Click here and find the Federal Police headquarters closest to you.

CONARE is the government Committee in charge of reviewing and deciding on all asylum requests in Brazil. He is also the authority responsible for defining the Brazilian asylum policy.

CONARE’s headquarters are located in Brasília, at the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, and there are offices in São Paulo (SP), Campinas (SP) and Rio de Janeiro (RJ):

Brasília/Federal District
  Address: Esplanada dos Ministérios, Bloco T, Annex II, ground floor. CEP: 70064-900 – Brasília, DF.
 Service: in-person services suspended.
  Email: [email protected]

 São Paulo/São Paulo
  Address: Avenida Rio Branco, 285 – Ground floor, Centro. CEP: 01205-902 – São Paulo – SP. Close to República (red and yellow lines) and Luz (blue and yellow lines) metro stations.
 Opening hours : Monday to Friday , from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 15:30 . If you want to speed up your service, fill out the form: https://ee.humanitarianresponse.info/x/Hpo6xh3J.
Days when the office will be closed in 2023: São Paulo City Anniversary: Wednesday – 25/01/2023; Carnival: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday – 20, 21 and 22/02/2023; Holy Week: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 05, 06 and 07/04/2023; Tiradentes Day: Friday 21/04/2023; Labor Day: Monday 01/05/2023; Corpus Christi: Thursday and Friday 08 and 09/06/2023; Juridical Games: Friday 11/08/2023; Independence of Brazil: Thursday and Friday 07 and 08/09/2023; Nossa Senhora da Aparecida Day: Thursday and Friday 12 and 13/12/2023; All Saints’ Day: Wednesday 01/11/2023; All Souls’ Day: Thursday and Friday 02 and 03/11/2023; Proclamation of the Republic: Wednesday 15/11/2023; Black Consciousness Day: Monday 20/11/2023; Justice Day: Friday 08/12/2023; Forensic recess for year-end: 20 (Wednesday) to 31/12/2023.
  Email: [email protected]

Campinas/Sao Paulo
  Address: Av. Francisco Glicério, 1269, 5th floor, Downtown. CEP: 13025-004 – Campinas, SP
 Service: No in-person service.
  Email: [email protected]

Rio de Janeiro/Rio de Janeiro
  Address: Rua Uruguaiana, 174, 20th floor. Metropolitan Center Building, Downtown. CEP: 20050-092 – Rio de Janeiro-RJ.
 Opening hours: Only on Fridays, from 10 am to 4 pm. See the Nucleus Service Charter.
  Email: [email protected]

  For information on family reunification, contact CONARE at [email protected]

  For information on travel authorization and communication, contact CONARE via email [email protected]

  For information on scheduling an interview, please contact CONARE by email at [email protected]

  For information about SISCONARE, contact CONARE by email [email protected]

  For information on external access to the process, contact CONARE by email at [email protected]

For more information, access the CONARE website. 

In Brazil, the Public Defender’s Office is responsible for providing legal assistance to people who cannot afford such costs. Refugees and asylum seekers also have the right to receive help from the Public Defender’s Office. The Public Defender’s Office is present in all Brazilian states and in most large cities; It is subdivided into State Public Defender and Union Public Defender, depending on the matter to be dealt with:

• Defensoria Pública da União (DPU):  for dissatisfactions or questions regarding your request for asylum, documentation, retirement, the right of foreigners in Brazil or access to social benefits, or if you are a defendant in a criminal proceeding before a Federal Court involving, for example , false passports or identity documents, or in extradition or deportation proceedings.
  • Before attending a DPU unit in person, check how the service is being carried out in your region through the website.
• State Public Defender’s Office (DPE):  for complaints or questions concerning accommodation, rent, divorce, child support, child and adolescent custody, probate, paternity or compensation issues or if you are a defendant in criminal proceedings before a State Court in cases homicide, assault, theft, fraud, rape, etc.

In addition to the Public Defender’s Office, in some Brazilian cities, there are legal assistance services specialized in refugees and asylum seekers. Check out UNHCR’s partner organizations.

Refugees and asylum seekers can join various social programs of the Brazilian government. Below you can find some clarified examples of social assistance you can receive in Brazil. For more information, access the SUAS booklet and the Social Assistance booklet. 

CRAS – Social Assistance Reference Center

CRAS supports families through social services, workshops, and community activities. It provides the Integral Family Protection and Assistance Service (PAIF) and the Coexistence and Bond Strengthening Service (SCFV), and registers families in the Federal Government’s Single Registry for Social Programs (Cadastro Único). 

To find out the nearest CRAS in your city or region, visit the map of social centers. 

CREAS – Specialized Reference Center for Social Assistance 

CREAS makes referrals to other social assistance services and other public services. In addition, it provides legal guidance, family support, among others. 

To find out the nearest CREAS in your city or region, visit the map of social centers. 

SOCIAL PROGRAMS

Application/registration for the following programs is to be made at the nearest CRAS, except for the specific cases mentioned. For assistance to apply for social programs in Brazil, contact Social Hotline 121, consult/visit the nearest CRAS or consult UNHCR’s partner organizations.

• Bolsa Família (Family Allowance)
Bolsa Família, a federal social program, provides financial aid to low-income families registered in CadÚnico, aiming to reduce poverty and inequality. To qualify, each family member’s monthly income must not exceed R$218.

• Minha Casa, Minha Vida (My Home, My Life)
Minha Casa, Minha Vida, a federal social program, provides affordable housing and financing options for low-income families registered in CadÚnico in both urban and rural areas, depending on the family income range. 

• Auxílio Gás (Gas Aid)
Auxílio Gás, a federal social program, supports low-income families registered in CadÚnico by reducing the financial burdens of cooking gas prices.

• Aluguel Social (Social Rental)
Aluguel Social, a state and municipal social program, offers a monthly amount for low-income families registered in CadÚnico to pay rent. This program may not be available in all states and municipalities.

• Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica (Social Electricity Tariff)
Tarifa Social de Energia Elétrica, a federal social program, offers discounts on electricity bills for low-income families and BPC (Continuous Benefit Payment) beneficiaries registered in CadÚnico.

• Cartão do Idoso & Identidade Jovem (Senior Citizen Card & Youth ID)
Senior Citizen Card and Youth ID, a federal social program, guarantees free or half-price interstate transportation for senior citizens (60 years or older) and low-income youth (15-29 years old) registered in CadÚnico. The youth card also offers discounts on cultural and sports events.

• Benefício de Prestação Continuada (BPC) (Continuous Benefit Payment)
Benefício de Prestação Continuada, a federal social program, provides monthly payment equal to the minimum wage for elderly individuals (65+), and people with disabilities registered in CadÚnico.

• Acredita no Primeiro Passo (Believe in the First Step)
Acredita no Primeiro Passo, a federal social program, supports low-income families registered in CadÚnico to improve their quality of life through employment and entrepreneurship. The program provides vocational training courses, assistance for job seekers, and opportunities for those interested in starting their own business, providing access to affordable microcredit and specialized advisory services.

• Education Programs

• Pé-de-Meia, a federal social program, provides financial support to help public high school students registered in CadÚnico stay in school. The selection process for beneficiaries of this program is carried out automatically by the Ministry of Education (MEC), based on the data provided by schools and the CadÚnico. Students do not need to apply/register for this program.
• Fundo de Fianciamento Estudantil (FIES), a federal social program, covers up to 100% of tuition for low-income students registered in CadÚnico who have not completed higher education and have not benefited from student financing,based on the student’s gross monthly family income and the proportion of that income committed to tuition payments. The program reserves half of its spots for low-income, Black, Indigenous, Quilombola, and disabled students to promote inclusion. Application/registration for this program must be made at the FIES Platform.
• Projovem, a federal social program, offers new opportunities to young Brazilians aged 15-29 registered in CadÚnico, who face difficulties accessing education and employment. The program includes four modalities; Projovem Adolescente, Projovem Urbano, Projovem Campo and Projovem Trabalhador. Application/registration for this program must be made at the nearest CRAS.

The public security situation in Brazil requires the adoption of some security measures to avoid being the victim of robberies and robberies, especially in larger cities. If you face any risk, dial  190 (toll free number for emergencies)  or go to the nearest police station.

In general, we recommend that you always remain vigilant and avoid risky situations. If you are the victim of a robbery, do not resist and always hand over any item that is requested.

Where to get police support?

Brazil has different types of police authorities. It’s important that you understand each one of them so you know where to turn if you need help. Be aware that most state and municipal services speak only Portuguese.

Women’s Police Station

Police stations specialized in registering and investigating crimes of violence against women. They also make referrals for forensic examinations. Some cities have Women’s Reference Centers with housing, psychological and social support, and legal counselling for women in situations of violence. You can call the 24-hour toll-free hotline (dyke 180) for assistance or consult the list of relevant institutions on the Secretariat for Policies for Women website.

Civil police

It primarily investigates crimes that occur within a state. Sometimes these officers may not wear uniforms.

Relevant Services:

• Register a Police Report (BO) or Police Report (RO) if you have been the victim of a crime, or in case of theft or loss of documents.
• Request a criminal background check in the Brazilian system.

In case of assault, theft or loss of documents, you can:

• Go to your state’s Civil Police website.
• Go to the nearest Civil Police Station.
• Call the Military Police emergency number (190).
• Seek assistance from the Municipal Guard.

Military police

It has the duty to patrol and prevent crimes. They can also arrest people and supervise traffic. They wear uniforms that vary in color and shape depending on the state.

Relevant Services:

• Emergency Center: call 190 for emergencies related to crimes (robberies, assaults and other violence).

Municipal Guard / Metropolitan Civil Guard

They deal with the public safety of the city. Its main function is to protect goods, services and facilities, supporting other types of police. They wear uniforms that vary in color and shape depending on the city.

Relevant Services:

• You can seek help from the Municipal Guard when you are in an urgent security situation and there is a guard near you.