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. Applications for naturalization are submitted online through the Ministry of Justice.
In most cases, naturalized citizens have the same rights as people born in Brazil, with a few exceptions for certain government positions.
Pricing is determined on a case-by-case basis.
1 year: Married to a Brazilian citizen or having a Brazilian child.
2 years: Scientists, researchers, or individuals with extraordinary professional contributions
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.
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.

