Brazil’s Federal Police (PF) has escalated its compliance campaign by publicly listing foreigners fined for missing the 30-day post-arrival registration deadline. The unprecedented disclosure, spotted on 11 December and widely circulated by immigration advisers on 13 December, names dozens of individuals and the penalties levied—some exceeding R$7,000.
Under Brazil’s Migration Law, anyone entering on work, study or digital-nomad status must appear at a PF office within 30 days to be photographed, fingerprinted and issued a residence card.
While fines for late registration have long existed, the public posting adds a reputational sting that could affect future visa renewals and even employment prospects.
![Federal Police ‘Name-and-Shame’ List Puts Corporate Assignees on Notice]()
Multinational employers are already tightening internal controls. Global-mobility managers are integrating PF reminders into HRIS dashboards, pre-booking registration slots and archiving boarding passes to prove compliance. Some firms are budgeting for expedited services in São Paulo, Rio and Belo Horizonte, where appointment slots can run out weeks in advance.
For organisations or individuals seeking extra assurance, VisaHQ’s dedicated Brazil platform (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) streamlines the entire process—from pre-arrival visa checks to scheduling Federal Police appointments—through clear checklists, deadline alerts and hands-on expert support, reducing the risk of missed registrations and costly fines.
Immigration counsel warn that unpaid fines block all subsequent immigration filings, from dependants’ permits to permanent-residence upgrades. They also caution that the PF may expand public disclosure to overstays and work-permit violations, mirroring ‘name-and-shame’ tactics used by tax authorities.
With Brazil expecting a surge of visitors ahead of COP-30 in 2026, the message is clear: administrative non-compliance will now carry a public price tag as well as a financial one.
Under Brazil’s Migration Law, anyone entering on work, study or digital-nomad status must appear at a PF office within 30 days to be photographed, fingerprinted and issued a residence card.
While fines for late registration have long existed, the public posting adds a reputational sting that could affect future visa renewals and even employment prospects.
Multinational employers are already tightening internal controls. Global-mobility managers are integrating PF reminders into HRIS dashboards, pre-booking registration slots and archiving boarding passes to prove compliance. Some firms are budgeting for expedited services in São Paulo, Rio and Belo Horizonte, where appointment slots can run out weeks in advance.
For organisations or individuals seeking extra assurance, VisaHQ’s dedicated Brazil platform (https://www.visahq.com/brazil/) streamlines the entire process—from pre-arrival visa checks to scheduling Federal Police appointments—through clear checklists, deadline alerts and hands-on expert support, reducing the risk of missed registrations and costly fines.
Immigration counsel warn that unpaid fines block all subsequent immigration filings, from dependants’ permits to permanent-residence upgrades. They also caution that the PF may expand public disclosure to overstays and work-permit violations, mirroring ‘name-and-shame’ tactics used by tax authorities.
With Brazil expecting a surge of visitors ahead of COP-30 in 2026, the message is clear: administrative non-compliance will now carry a public price tag as well as a financial one.
