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Naturalization Process for Brazil
December 19, 2023
Every year, many people across the globe consider changing their nationality for various reasons—economic, social, personal, or professional. Brazil’s vibrant culture, favorable climate, and economic opportunities make it a popular choice for many people considering a move.
This article will explain Brazil’s naturalization process for foreign nationals, addressing many frequently asked questions.
Can a US citizen become a Brazilian citizen?
Absolutely! Any foreigner who fulfills the legal requirements can apply for Brazilian naturalization. These requirements include: residing in Brazil for at least four years, being able to communicate in Portuguese, not having any criminal convictions, and having civil capacity under Brazilian law (meaning an applicant is at least 18 years of age and of sound mind).
What are the routes to Brazilian citizenship for US citizens?
Unlike some other countries, Brazil does not automatically grant citizenship by marriage or by investment. Nationals of non-Portuguese-speaking countries who want to become citizens must meet the required legal requirements. There are four routes to Brazilian citizenship: ordinary naturalization, extraordinary naturalization, special naturalization, or provisional naturalization.
1. Ordinary naturalization
This route applies to immigrants who:
- Can communicate in the Portuguese language
- Have no criminal convictions or are rehabilitated
- Have civil capacity under Brazilian law
- Have resided in Brazil for at least four years; or
- Have resided in Brazil for at least one year and have a Brazilian spouse or child; or
- Have resided in Brazil for at least two years and has rendered a relevant service to the country; or
- Have resided in Brazil for at least two years and are recommended due to professional, scientific, or artistic capacity
2. Extraordinary naturalization
This route applies to immigrants who:
- Have resided in Brazil for over 15 years without interruption
- Do not have a criminal conviction or are rehabilitated
3. Special naturalization
This route applies to immigrants who:
- Have a Brazilian spouse or companion of more than five years who is an active member of the Brazilian Foreign Service or in the service of the Brazilian State abroad; or
- Have been employed in a diplomatic mission or consular post for more than 10 years without interruption
4. Provisional naturalization
As the name suggests, provisional naturalization is granted provisionally to foreigners under 18 years of age who settled in Brazil before the age of 10. It can be converted to permanent citizenship within two years after the individual reaches 18 years of age.
Individuals may also become Brazilian nationals by birth, even if born to foreign parents, so long as those parents are not in Brazil in service of their country of origin. The children of Brazilian nationals who are born abroad while their parents are away on official service are granted citizenship if they are registered at the Brazilian consulate. They must subsequently come to live in Brazil and choose to become citizens at 18 years of age.
Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries can become citizens after residing in Brazil for one uninterrupted year and demonstrating moral suitability under Brazilian law.
What are the steps to becoming a naturalized citizen of Brazil?
The steps to becoming a Brazilian citizen are straightforward.
- Reside in Brazil for the required period.
- Apply for naturalization to the Ministry of Justice through the online application or with the assistance of legal counsel.
- Wait for an investigation into your previous life and an opinion on the convenience of naturalization.
- After pre-approval, the applicant must go in person to the Federal Police. Appointment is necessary;
- Fingerprints will be collected, and original documents will be checked;
- After the final approval, the Naturalization Ordinance will be published in the Official Gazette;
- Finally, all Brazilian local documents can be requested.
What are the required documents for Brazilian citizenship?
While the exact documents may vary based on your circumstances, generally, you would need a valid passport, proof of residence in Brazil, a clean criminal record, proof of income or professional activity, and a Portuguese language proficiency certificate.
When can I apply for Brazilian citizenship?
After meeting the residency and other prerequisites, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship. It is possible to apply directly online through the Brazilian government’s Naturalizar-se website (in Portuguese). Alternatively, you may retain legal counsel to manage your application and address any administrative delays or issues that may arise as the Ministry of Justice reviews the application.
How long does Brazil’s naturalization process take?
Typically, the citizenship application process can take anywhere from 12 to 15 months, but this depends on the administrative capacity of the Ministry of Justice and the Police reviewing the application.
What regulations are involved with becoming a naturalized citizen of Brazil?
Brazil’s naturalization process is governed by its Federal Constitution and related laws. This process is overseen by the Ministry of Justice, which evaluates each application on a case-by-case basis.
What is the fee for becoming a Brazilian citizen?
Based on current legislation, there is no fee for submitting an application for Brazilian naturalization.
FAQs about Brazil’s naturalization process
Can a foreigner get citizenship in Brazil?
Yes, foreigners can obtain Brazilian citizenship by fulfilling the stipulated residency requirements, demonstrating proficiency in Portuguese, and having a clean criminal record.
Can I live in Brazil permanently?
Absolutely. Acquiring the appropriate residence permit allows you to live indefinitely in Brazil. After residing in Brazil for the required number of years, you can apply for Brazilian citizenship.
How do I apply for Brazilian citizenship?
The application process is conducted through the Ministry of Justice. You submit your application with all required documents to the competent body, which then investigates and provides an opinion on the convenience of naturalization.
Is dual citizenship allowed in Brazil?
Yes, Brazil recognizes and permits dual citizenship.
Will my child automatically get Brazilian citizenship?
A child born in Brazil to foreign parents is granted Brazilian citizenship by birth. Additionally, children of naturalized Brazilians can acquire Brazilian nationality.
What does Brazilian citizenship entitle me to?
Brazilian citizenship gives naturalized citizens the right to vote, the ability to apply for a Brazilian passport, protection from deportation, and access to all jobs. It also gives them the ability to run for public office, except those roles the Federal Constitution reserves exclusively to natural-born Brazilians.
Is the Brazilian citizenship test difficult?
There is no Brazilian citizenship test, only a requirement that the applicant can demonstrate proficiency in Portuguese.
Does Brazil give citizenship by birth?
Yes, anyone born in Brazil, irrespective of the nationality of their parents, is granted Brazilian citizenship by birth.
How long does it take to get Brazilian citizenship after permanent residency?
Typically, you can apply for citizenship after four years of permanent residency. This period is reduced to one year if you’re married to a Brazilian citizen or have a Brazilian child. It can be reduced to two years if the applicant renders service to Brazil or obtains a recommendation based on their professional qualifications.
Which is the best way to become a Brazilian citizen?
The best way to become a Brazilian citizen depends on your individual circumstances. For most, the appropriate pathway will be ordinary naturalization after a qualifying residence.
How difficult is it to become a Brazilian citizen?
Becoming a Brazilian citizen is relatively straightforward, though it involves some administrative hurdles. It’s achievable with patience, proficiency in Portuguese, and commitment to the process.
How can I track my Brazilian citizenship application status?
Applicants can track their citizenship application status online through the Naturalizar-se website, or by contacting the Ministry of Justice.
What can I do if my application for Brazilian citizenship is refused?
If your application is refused, you can appeal the decision within 10 days from the publication of the act.
Can I become a citizen of Brazil if I have previous convictions or offenses?
A clean criminal record is a requirement for Brazilian naturalization. However, if you’re rehabilitated under the terms of the law, you might still be eligible.
Are you ready to apply for Brazilian citizenship?
Acquiring Brazilian citizenship can be rewarding, opening up new opportunities and privileges. Navigating the naturalization process with all the necessary information, patience, and attention to detail is essential. Hopefully, this article has answered most of your questions about the naturalization process for Brazil.
An experienced immigration specialist can help you navigate the complexities of a new culture. Contact Newland Chase for a quote today.
Boa sorte on your journey toward becoming a Brazilian citizen!
This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.
