Nationality of Brazil: all obtaining pathways
Brazil organizes naturalization into five official routes: the ordinary route, after four years of permanent residence and proof of Portuguese; the extraordinary route, after fifteen years of residence with no language exam; the provisional route, for those who resided in the country as minors; equal rights for Portuguese nationals; and the marriage route, available after one year of union.
1Ordinary naturalization
Ordinary naturalization
Requirements
- 4 years of permanent residence in Brazil
- Proof of Portuguese language proficiency
- Civil capacity under Brazilian legislation
- Good record
- Exercise of a lawful activity or possession of assets sufficient for one’s own support
Documentation
- Valid passport or identity document for foreigners (CRNM)
- Birth certificate legalized or apostilled
- Criminal record certificate from the country of origin
- Proof of residence in Brazil
- Certificate of proficiency in the Portuguese language
2Extraordinary naturalization
Extraordinary naturalization
Requirements
- 15 years of permanent residence in Brazil
- Good record
- No Portuguese language requirement
Documentation
- Passport or identity document for foreigners
- Birth certificate
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence in Brazil for 15 years
3Provisional naturalization
Provisional naturalization
Requirements
- Being under 21 years of age with fixed residence in Brazil before the age of 10
- Permanent residence in Brazil for at least 5 years
- Good record (if of legal age when applying)
Documentation
- Birth certificate
- CRNM or passport
- Proof of residence in Brazil
4Equal rights for Portuguese citizens
Equal rights for Portuguese citizens
Requirements
- Portuguese nationality
- Permanent residence in Brazil
- Requesting equal rights before the Federal Justice
Documentation
- Portuguese passport
- CRNM (Carteira de Registro Nacional Migratório)
- Proof of residence in Brazil
5Naturalization by marriage
Naturalization by marriage
Requirements
- Being married to a Brazilian citizen for more than 1 year
- Permanent residence in Brazil
- Good record
- No judicial separation or divorce
Documentation
- Brazilian marriage certificate
- CRNM or passport
- Criminal record certificate
- Proof of residence
Frequently asked questions about the nationality of Brazil
How many years of residence does Brazil require to naturalize?
According to the main pathway of Brazil (Ordinary naturalization), the term is 4 years. The complete details of requirements and exceptions appear in the fact sheet.
Can the nationality of Brazil be obtained by marriage?
Yes, through the Naturalization by marriage pathway (1 year). The complete requirements appear in the fact sheet of that pathway.
What documentation does naturalization in Brazil require?
The Ordinary naturalization pathway requires: Valid passport or identity document for foreigners (CRNM); Birth certificate legalized or apostilled; Criminal record certificate from the country of origin; Proof of residence in Brazil; Certificate of proficiency in the Portuguese language.
What pathways exist to obtain the nationality of Brazil?
Brazil provides 5 pathways: Ordinary naturalization, Extraordinary naturalization, Provisional naturalization, Equal rights for Portuguese citizens, Naturalization by marriage.
Residence and nationality updates
Subscribe to know when a country changes its residence or nationality routes. One email, only when there is news.
Anything to correct or add about Brazil?
If you have spotted incorrect or outdated information, or want to suggest additional details about nationality pathways in Brazil, leave us your comment. We review every one personally.