Brazilian Citizenship through Naturalization

According to the Constitution of the Federative Republic of Brazil (art. 12, II, a), naturalized Brazilians are those who, as set forth by law (Law no. 13.445, of May 24, 2017, and Decree no. 9.199, of November 20, 2017), acquire Brazilian nationality.

Attention: Applications for Brazilian citizenship through naturalization can only be lodged in Brazil, at any Department of Federal Police precinct.

There are four types of naturalization:

A) ordinary;
B) extraordinary;
C) special;
D) provisional.

A) Applicants to the ordinary naturalization must meet the following conditions:

• Legal capacity, according to the Brazilian law.
• Proof of uninterrupted residence in Brazil for at least 4 (four) years immediately prior to lodging the application.

- The required period of residence is not considered interrupted by trips abroad, provided that the total sum of the periods of absence from Brazil does not exceed 12 (twelve) months.
- The possession or ownership of property in Brazil is not considered sufficient proof of effective residence.

• Ability to communicate in Portuguese considering his/her condition of naturalizing candidate (in a manner commensurate with his/her possibilities).
• Lack of criminal conviction or proof of rehabilitation, in accordance with current legislation.

The required four-year period of residence may be shortened to:

• 1 (one) year, if the applicant:

- has a child who is Brazilian by birth or naturalization, except in the case of provisional naturalization; or
- has a Brazilian spouse or partner from whom is not legally or de facto separated at the time that the naturalization is granted.

• 2 (two) years, at the discretion of the Minister of Justice, and if the applicant:

- has rendered or is in a position to render relevant services to Brazil; or
- has a relevant professional, scientific or artistic ability.

Attention: Citizens from Portuguese-speaking countries may obtain Brazilian citizenship by residing in Brazil for 1 (one) uninterrupted year and having moral integrity.

B) Applicants to the extraordinary naturalization must have uninterrupted been residing in Brazil for at least 15 (fifteen) years immediately prior to lodging the application, as long as they have no criminal conviction during this period or they present proof of rehabilitation, in accordance with current legislation. No other conditions are required.

C) Only can apply to the special naturalization:

• Spouses or companions (for more than five years) of members of the Brazilian Foreign Service in activity or of people in the service of the Brazilian State abroad; or
• One who has been or had been employed on a Brazilian diplomatic mission or consulate for more than ten (10) continuous years.

Applicants to the special naturalization must meet the following conditions:

• Legal capacity, according to the Brazilian law.
• Ability to communicate in Portuguese considering his/her condition of naturalizing candidate (in a manner commensurate with his/her possibilities).
• Lack of criminal conviction or proof of rehabilitation, in accordance with current legislation.

D) Provisional naturalization may be granted to a child or adolescent who has established residence in Brazil before the age of 10 (ten) and it must be requested through his/her legal representative.

Provisional naturalization may become definitive if the provisional naturalized person requests it to the Ministry of Justice within two years after reaching civilian majority (18 years old), and has no criminal conviction or proof of rehabilitation, in accordance with current legislation.

Additional information on naturalization procedures can be obtained at the Department of Federal Police website or at any of its precincts in Brazil.