Recognition of refugee status
CONARE, Law 9.474/1997
People in Brazil can ask for recognition as refugees by registering online in SISCONARE and then presenting themselves to the Federal Police, which issues a refugee protocol. The National Committee for Refugees (CONARE) decides the case after an interview. Brazil's law also covers people forced to leave because of serious and generalised human rights violations.
Life in Brazil
Money
3
Currency
Brazilian Real
BRL
Brazilian Real
Cost of living
46
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Tax
7.5–27.5%
Income tax (national)
From 2026 a monthly reduction makes taxable income up to BRL 5,000/month effectively exempt (phased out up to BRL 7,350); 27.5% applies above BRL 4,664.68/month on the base table.
Living
1
Happiness
#30 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Who it’s for
People in Brazil, including those who entered without authorisation, who fear persecution or had to flee serious and generalised human rights violations.
Eligibility
Persecution grounds
You need a well-founded fear of persecution while outside your country of nationality or habitual residence.
- Grounds: race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion
Official wording
A well-founded fear of persecution because of race, religion, nationality, social group or political opinion, while outside your country of nationality (or habitual residence if stateless).
Serious and generalised human rights violations
People forced to leave their country because of serious and generalised human rights violations are also covered.
- Basis: Law 9.474/1997 art. 1, III
- Ministry of Justice lists: Mali, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Venezuela, Syria, Afghanistan
Official wording
People forced to leave their country because of serious and generalised violation of human rights are also covered (Law 9.474/1997 art. 1, III). The Ministry of Justice lists Mali, Burkina Faso, Iraq, Venezuela, Syria and Afghanistan as such countries.
Irregular entry is not a bar
Entering Brazil irregularly does not stop you from applying, and an application suspends administrative or criminal proceedings for the irregular entry.
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- 5 more requirements
- 7 documents
- 1 fee
- 7 steps
- Processing times and conditions
