How to get a Brazilian passport

A Brazilian passport opens up visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 146 countries around the world. Being a Brazilian citizen means you can live and work in Brazil, vote in elections, buy certain properties and be able to apply for well-paid government positions.

Ordinarily, the process of becoming a Brazilian citizen and getting a Brazilian passport can be quite complex. In some categories it can require living in the country for up to 15 years! However, there are some situations where the process can be much more streamlined.

What is the criteria to be eligible for Brazilian citizenship?

According to the Alien Statute, Brazilian citizenship requires the following conditions be satisfied:

  • Have civil capacity, according to Brazilian law;
  • Be registered as a permanent resident in Brazil;
  • Have continuously lived in Brazil for a minimum period of four years, immediately prior to the application for naturalisation. If you have a Brazilian child or spouse, this period is reduced to a year;
  • Be able to read and write in Portuguese;
  • Be employed and/or have sufficient assets to maintain yourself and your family;
  • Exhibit good conduct;
  • No denunciation or condemnation in Brazil or abroad for an intentional crime which carries a minimum sentence of at least one year in prison;
  • Evidence of good health. If you have lived in Brazil for more than two years, you do not need to provide evidence of this.

The four-year residence requirement is reduced if any of the following apply to you:

According to the Alien Statute, your period of living in Brazil needs to be:

  • 1 year if you have a Brazilian child or spouse
  • 2 years if you are a foreigner recommended by their professional, scientific or artistic capacity
  • 3 years if you own real estate in Brazil

It is worth remembering that even if you satisfy all of the conditions, granting naturalisation is considered an act of state sovereignty. The final decision is up to the discretion of the head of the Executive Branch.

Dual citizenship

Brazil allows multiple citizenship. However, you should check the rules of your own country to ensure you will not have to surrender your other nationality in order to become Brazilian.

Let us help you become a Brazilian citizen

We can help you gather the necessary documents, plan your citizenship application and guide you through the entire process, from start to finish. Owning real estate in Brazil can greatly strengthen your application – we can help you source a property which will also be an excellent investment for your future. Please take a look at our FAQs section or request a quote for our services by completing the form below.

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For more information, please refer to our Frequently Asked Questions.

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