Understanding Brazilian citizenship: how to become a Brazilian citizen

Wondering how to get Brazilian citizenship or Brazilian citizenship by marriage?

If you think you may be eligible for Brazilian nationality or citizenship, this guide is a great place to start. We’ll explore some common ways to apply to become a Brazilian citizen so you can see if any fit your situation.

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Naturalization: what it is and who can apply

Naturalization is simply the act of acquiring another citizenship that’s different from the citizenship you held at birth¹.

If you’re not a Brazilian citizen you can apply to become one if you meet the criteria, following any of the following naturalization routes²:

• Ordinary
• Extraordinary
• Provisional
• Conversion of provisional to definitive

Ordinary and extraordinary naturalization have varying residency requirements before application, while provisional citizenship is usually used when a parent applies on behalf of a young child. Provisional naturalization can then later be made permanent.

As with any complex legal matters, getting Brazilian citizenship is not straightforward or quick. In fact you’ll need to meet some strict eligibility criteria which can vary based on your circumstances, and you’ll also need to provide a stack of paperwork to support your application.

We’ll look at some of the important steps and features here, but it’s always a good idea to get your own professional advice if you’re considering applying for Brazilian citizenship. Having local support on hand can mean the process runs smoother, even if you have to pay a fee.

Who can naturalize as a Brazilian citizen?

Who can naturalize as a Brazilian citizen can vary depending on individual circumstances.

Any application is subject to government approval, so you’ll need to make sure you meet eligibility criteria, and then follow up to provide any additional information needed.

Generally to naturalize as a Brazilian citizen you must³:
Have lived in Brazil for at least 4 years Be able to speak Portuguese to a good standard Have no active criminal convictions

The 4 year residency requirement might be shortened to just one year if:

a) You’re from a Portuguese speaking country originally
b) You have a Brazilian child or spouse

In some cases the residency requirement may be cut to 2 years if you offer significant services to the Brazilian nation.

Does Brazil allow dual citizenship?

Brazil allows dual citizenship in certain situations⁴. If you’re a US citizen applying to naturalize as a Brazilian citizen you will be able to retain your US citizenship.

People who have Brazilian citizenship by birth can only acquire a second citizenship if it is conferred on them at birth due to foreign ancestry or a requirement imposed by a foreign government.

How to get Brazilian citizenship: step by step

All applications to naturalize as a Brazilian citizen are made and processed via the Naturalizar-se system which is run by the Brazilian government. You can apply yourself or you can have an agent apply on your behalf.

This will cost you, but it can also make the process significantly easier to understand, and cut the processing time as you’ll submit the right paperwork first time.

Here are the basic steps to apply for Brazilian citizenship:

Step 1. Check you meet the eligibility requirements for the route you intend to apply through

Step 2. Gather the required documents

Step 3. Submit your application online (an agent may help with this)

Step 4. Your application is checked by the Federal Police and you may be asked for more paperwork, or to attend a meeting in person to give biometric data

Step 5. Your application is passed to the Ministry of Justice if the police approve it, for further checking

Step 6. You’ll be notified of the outcome of your application once the verification process is complete

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How can you be eligible for Brazilian citizenship?

The basic route to Brazilian citizenship is to naturalize, but the eligibility requirements can vary based on your situation. Here are a few common routes to follow.

Acquiring Brazilian citizenship by marriage

Wondering: can you get Brazilian citizenship through marriage?

Getting married to a Brazilian citizen does not automatically allow you to apply for citizenship - but it can reduce the waiting time so you can apply after living in Brazil for just 1 year instead of the normal 4.

Does Brazil allow citizenship by investment?

Getting a Brazil investment visa⁵ doesn’t automatically let you apply for Brazilian citizenship, but it may be offered on an ongoing basis, which should make it easier to fulfill the residency requirement.

If you can demonstrate you’re offering significant service to the Brazilian state your residency requirement may be reduced to just 2 years instead of 4.

Requirement and documents for citizenship application

The requirements and documents needed to apply for Brazilian citizenship will vary based on the application route you follow.

Either your agent will be able to help walk you through the requirements, or you can apply without an agent and follow the instructions on the application website.

Expect to need documents including:
Proof of ID (passport) Proof of legal residency in Brazil which meets the minimum requirement according to your application route Proof of ability to speak Portuguese Proof of good moral standing - such as a criminal record check

How long does it take to get Brazilian citizenship?

The process to apply for citizenship in Brazil can take some time. Your agent can advise you of the likely wait time given your situation, which can vary significantly.

How much does it cost to become a Brazilian citizen?

There’s no fee to apply for naturalization - however agent fees can be high, so do check out the services on offer and how much you’ll pay before you sign up.

What are the benefits of Brazilian citizenship?

Holding a Brazilian passport entitles you to visa free entry to a broad range of countries.

Plus you’ll be able to remain in Brazil indefinitely without having to worry about applying for more visas every time one expires. Brazilian citizens also have some rights not offered to visa holders, such as the opportunity to vote in elections.

Can you lose your Brazilian citizenship?

If you hold Brazilian citizenship alongside another citizenship you could be stripped of your Brazilian nationality if you’re convicted of certain serious crimes which are in some way deemed to be against the state’s interests.

However, governments can not usually remove citizenship if it’ll result in an individual being stateless.

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If you’re thinking of acquiring Brazilian citizenship this guide should be enough to get you started. Get some professional advice and research more thoroughly into the rules and requirements as they impact your particular situation.

And don’t forget to take a look at Wise as a smart way to hold, send, spend and exchange BRL as well as USD and a selection of other currencies.

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Sources:

1. Naturalization FAQ
2. Naturalization - Brazilian government website
3. Brazilian Consulate (Manila) - naturalization
4. Brazilian Consulate (Helsinki)
5. Brazil investment visas

Sources checked on 07.25.2023