What is a RNE

The RNE (Registro Nacional de Estrangeiros) number appears on the permanent foreign resident’s identity card (Cédula de Identidade para Estrangeiros - CIE). This foreigner’s identity card, commonly referred to throughout Brazil as the RNE, is the equivalent to a Brazilian citizen’s identity card and is considered as such whenever a person is asked for proof of identity in Brazil.

It is recommended to carry a certified photocopy and only carry the original when it will be necessary to prove identity. If the original is lost the replacement procedure is costly and time consuming.

The Federal Police (Polícia Federal) is responsible for issuing new or replacement RNE cards.