Brazilian Citizenship: All you need to know

 

Achieving Passport Status in One Year

The standard expectation is that expatriates must live in Brazil for four years with permanent residency to seek citizenship and a passport. Yet, certain circumstances can significantly shorten this duration.

Marrying or establishing a stable partnership with a Brazilian citizen reduces the residency requirement to just one year. Documentation such as a marriage certificate or stable partnership agreement is necessary for verification.

Another scenario that lessens the residency duration involves having a child born in Brazil or to Brazilian parents. In this situation, the residency requirement is also just one year.

Additionally, expatriates from Portuguese-speaking nations need only one year of residency, a provision meant to benefit members of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP).

 

Is Portuguese Proficiency Mandatory for Naturalization?

Demonstrating Portuguese language proficiency is a prerequisite for naturalization. However, expatriates from Portuguese-speaking countries are not only granted a reduced naturalization period but also exempted from proving language proficiency.

 

What Additional Documents Are Required for Passport Application?

Applicants must directly approach the Brazilian Federal Police to apply for a passport.

Besides the naturalization, the new Brazilian citizen must present their CPF, identification document, and marriage certificate if a name change has occurred.

Applying for a Passport Through the Federal Police

After compiling the necessary documents, the individual must complete the passport application form. Following this, the applicant pays the Union Collection Guide fee, covering the passport issuance cost.

Once payment is confirmed, an appointment is scheduled on the website for the applicant to visit their local Federal Police office. The applicant must bring all original documents on the appointed day.

Other Criteria for Brazilian Naturalization

There are various forms of Brazilian naturalization, with ordinary naturalization being the most straightforward route to citizenship and passport acquisition.

Initially, the expatriate must have a permanent residence permit in Brazil. The individual must have a legitimate reason for residing in Brazil.

There are numerous grounds for a foreign national to obtain a Brazilian residence permit, including education, work contracts, retirement, or sports activities, among others. Typically, these permits are initially temporary.

Some temporary residence permits may convert to permanent status upon renewal. This often applies to work-related permits but involves waiting for the temporary permit’s term to expire before applying for renewal.

Accelerating Permanent Residency Duration

Gaining a permanent residence permit is the initial step towards Brazilian citizenship. Yet, there are alternatives to shorten the residency period for naturalization.

A stateless person acknowledged by the Brazilian Government needs only two years of permanent residency.

Professionals recognized for their expertise in professional, scientific, or artistic fields also need only two years of residency. The same applies to individuals who have contributed or could contribute significantly to Brazil.

These circumstances are evaluated by the Migration Department of the National Secretariat of Justice.

Duration Expatriates Can Spend Abroad Before Citizenship Application

Permanent residents can stay outside Brazil for up to two years without risking their residency status.

However, for those seeking citizenship and a passport, the allowable absence is shorter, depending on the required residency period for citizenship:

• 3 months maximum for a 1-year residency requirement;
• 6 months maximum for a 2-year residency requirement;
• 1 year maximum for a 4-year residency requirement.

Evidence of the foreign national’s residence in Brazil can be diverse, including utility bills, rental agreements, bank statements, etc.