Procedures in Rio de Janeiro: how it works in Brazil — first-hand

Procedure: apply within the last 30 days of your current stay. Costs approx. 100 BRL. Required docs vary by location: valid passport is standard, but proof of address, exit tickets, and income proof are requested inconsistently depending on the city (stricter in Rio de Janeiro). Only one extension per visitor is allowed.

Rodrigues Alves, 1 — Saúde / Centro, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 20081-250 2. Posto de Emissão de Passaportes – Shopping Rio Sul: Rua Lauro Müller, 116 – piso G3 (6th floor), Botafogo, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22290-160 3. Shopping Leblon: Av. Afrânio de Melo Franco, 290 – Piso 0, Leblon, Rio de Janeiro, CEP 22430-060 4. Delegacia de Polícia Federal em Nova Iguaçu: Rua Iracema Soares Pereira Junqueira, 25 — Centro, Nova Iguaçu, RJ, CEP 26210-260

The penalty is typically minor. To avoid issues, you can extend your stay for another 90 days by visiting the Federal Police (Polícia Federal) before the initial period expires. This process is generally straightforward outside of Rio de Janeiro, though Rio may require additional documentation. Alternatively, exiting and re-entering Brazil will reset your 90-day allowance within a 12-month period, allowing for a total of 180 days of stay. Ensure you are aware of the specific procedures and requirements at the local Federal Police station.

The process involves submitting an application and necessary documents before your initial visa or entry permit expires. Required documents usually include your passport, proof of address in Brazil, and a completed application form. It is advisable to check the official website of the Polícia Federal or visit a local office for the most up-to-date information on procedures and required documentation.

While it's possible to apply in Rio de Janeiro even if residing in São Paulo, there are differences: São Paulo generally requires fewer additional documents but has severe issues with appointment slot availability (slots may be booked months in advance). Rio de Janeiro has better slot availability but demands many additional documents, including proof of local residency. Failure to extend the protocol on time incurs a fine of 100 BRL per day.

This can be fulfilled by purchasing a return ticket with a flexible date change option or a cheap ticket to a neighboring country (e.g., Argentina) that can be forfeited. Alternative visa options include applying for refugee status, which can be done immediately, or the digital nomad visa, which requires a remote work contract and proof of income. Minors applying for residency might be assigned to a school.

While Russian citizens typically receive a 90-day stay without extension issues, citizens of Kazakhstan may officially be granted only a 30-day extension. However, Federal Police officers sometimes grant 90-day extensions to Kazakh citizens due to common practice. In Rio de Janeiro, the extension process is generally more complicated, often requiring proof of accommodation, compared to other cities.

The process is immediate and allows for international travel while the extension is active.