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Brazilian Citizenship By Naturalization

Brazilian citizenship can be obtained in three main ways:

1. Birth in Brazil (Jus Soli (Right of the Soil))
Any child born in Brazil automatically becomes a Brazilian citizen by birth (except children of foreign diplomats), even if both parents are foreigners (except children of foreign diplomats).

2. Brazilian Citizenship By Option (Choice) (Jus Sanguinis (Right of Blood))
A person born abroad to a Brazilian mother or father can obtain Brazilian citizenship by option if the birth is registered at a Brazilian consulate or if the person later moves to Brazil and claims citizenship.

3. Brazilian Citizenship By Naturalization
Foreigners can become Brazilian citizens through naturalization by residing physically and legally in Brazil for a required period of time and applying for naturalization.

Must be able to speak Portuguese, have legal capacity, and hold a clean criminal record. The standard residency requirement is four years, but it can be reduced to one year for those who have a Brazilian spouse or child born in Brazil. The naturalization application must be submitted directly by the applicant to the Federal Police. The Federal Police processes the request and forwards it to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for final approval.

In most cases, naturalized citizens have the same rights as people born in Brazil, with a few exceptions for certain government positions. 

  • Type: Citizenship (via Naturalization)
  • Country: Brazil
  • Duration: Eligibility after 4 years of legal residency (temporary or permanent); shorter pathways available under special conditions
  • Status:

Price

Pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Minimum 4 years of continuous legal residency in Brazil (temporary or permanent)
  • Proficiency in the Portuguese language
  • Clean criminal record
  • Proof of social and economic ties to Brazil

Shortcut to Brazilian Citizenship: 1-Year & 2-Year Residency

1 year: Married to a Brazilian citizen or having a Brazilian child. 

2 years: Scientists, researchers, or individuals with extraordinary professional contributions

Brazil Citizenship: 1-Year Residency for Spouses & Parents

Brazilian citizenship can be obtained through naturalization after 4 years of legal residency. Shortened timelines apply for those married to Brazilians, with Brazilian children, or recognized professionals in science and research. Dual citizenship has been officially allowed since 1994. Successful applicants are granted full political, social, and economic rights as Brazilian nationals.

Brazilian Citizenship: How Long It Really Takes

Foreigners who are married to Brazilian citizens or who have children born in Brazil may apply for citizenship after completing one year of approved permanent residency.

Residency approval: If all documents are complete and correct, and all family members are present on the day of submission, approval may be granted immediately at the time of submission. If something is missing, the process can take several months.

Citizenship eligibility: Once permanent residency is approved, the one-year countdown begins. After that, the citizenship process can be initiated. Within the required one-year of permanent residency period, applicants must reside for more than nine months in Brazil.  Otherwise, the countdown will reset to zero.

Processing time: The citizenship procedure typically takes around two years.

In total, from residency application to citizenship, the timeline is usually 3 to 4 years.

For scientists, researchers, or individuals with extraordinary professional contributions, the required approved permanent residency period before applying for citizenship is two years.

If you are interested in immigration to Brazil, including citizenship, temporary residency, permanent residency, or other related services:

          Download the eligibility assessment form.

          Complete all required details in the form.

          Kindly email the completed form back to us at [email protected]. 

Providing this information will help us understand your situation better and allow our team to assist you efficiently, recommending the most suitable options for your case.

For any questions or additional information, please contact us. Thank you.

Brasil passport

FAQ

Yes. Parents of a Brazilian-born child are eligible to apply directly for permanent residency, without the need to first obtain temporary residency.

The residency is granted based on family ties with a Brazilian citizen. 

Yes. If your permanent residency was granted because you are the parent of a Brazilian child, you may apply for Brazilian naturalization after one year of residence in Brazil, provided you meet the legal requirements (good conduct, basic Portuguese ability, etc.).

Not automatically. However:

If foreign are minors residing in Brazil, they can later apply for Brazilian citizenship through naturalization.

If they are born in Brazil, they become Brazilian citizens automatically by birth.

Children may be eligible for Brazilian citizenship, but the process depends on their age:

  • Children under 10 years old: Can obtain a Brazilian passport even after 6 months of permanent residency.
  • Children between 10 and 18 years old: Must wait until they turn 18 to apply for a Brazilian passport.

Yes. 
Argentina is a Mercosur member country, and citizens of Mercosur countries can apply for residency in Brazil under the Mercosur Residence Agreement.

However:

Once you are a naturalized Argentine citizen of Argentina, the first residence granted is temporary (2 years).

After 2 years, yourself and your family members’ temporary residency status can be converted for permanent residency in Brazil under the Bilateral Agreement, which facilitates immigration between the two countries.

Yes. Brazilian naturalization applications are processed by the Ministry of Justice, which is located in Brasília.

 

However, the initial process and biometrics normally occur through the Federal Police in the city where you reside, such as Florianópolis.



To apply for citizenship directly in Brasília, you must have a registered residential address there. If your residency is in Florianópolis, your application must generally be processed through the local jurisdiction corresponding to your place of residence.