Brazilian naturalization is an extraordinary opportunity for foreigners wishing to make Brazil their permanent home.
Discover in this guide how to become a Brazilian citizen, including necessary documentation, requirements, and the timeline for Brazilian naturalization.
For foreigners residing in Brazil, Brazilian naturalization is a real possibility. However, it’s essential to understand the specific requirements and documentation needed for it.
Here we detail the crucial aspects of the process.
What is Brazilian Naturalization?
Naturalization is the legal process by which a non-citizen in a country can acquire citizenship or nationality of that country. In Brazil, there are four types of naturalization: ordinary, extraordinary, provisional (for minors), and special.
Brazilian naturalization reflects the voluntary choice of a foreigner to adopt Brazilian citizenship, taking on a new nationality by their own decision.
In summary, it involves acquiring a second nationality by choice.
Eligibility and Requirements for Brazilian Naturalization
Eligible for ordinary Brazilian naturalization are foreigners who:
- Have resided in Brazil for 4 years with indefinite residence authorization;
- Have resided in Brazil for 1 year under the same conditions if married to a Brazilian or having a Brazilian child;
- Are from Portuguese-speaking countries, living in Brazil for 1 uninterrupted year with indefinite residence authorization;
- Have resided in Brazil for 15 years, including those from MERCOSUL countries or neighboring countries that entered without a visa;
- Meet the requirements for other forms of naturalization: extraordinary, provisional, and special.
How Does the Brazilian Naturalization Process Work?
The naturalization process involves several steps, including:
- Meeting the requirements for the desired naturalization category;
- Applying for naturalization to the Ministry of Justice through the Federal Police;
- After the application, the Federal Police forwards the request to the Migration Department for decision;
- The completion of the process is officialized in the Official Gazette (DOU).
Documentation Needed for Brazilian Naturalization
The documentation varies according to the naturalization category requested. For the ordinary category, for example, the documents include:
- Completed and signed form;
- Copy of the National Migratory Registration Card;
- Proof of CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas Físicas) registration status;
- Federal and state criminal background checks;
- Residence proofs such as utility bills;
- Documentation from the country of origin, legalized and translated if necessary;
- Criminal rehabilitation proofs, if applicable;
- Personal documents and proof of family ties, such as marriage certificate and Brazilian children’s birth certificates;
- Proof of proficiency in Portuguese, among others.
To understand the rules of other modalities or clarify specific doubts, it’s important to consult a migration-specialized lawyer.
Impediments to Naturalization
Foreigners who do not meet all the requirements demanded by Brazil, such as those with an unrehabilitated criminal history in Brazil or their country of origin, are prevented from naturalizing.
Loss of Naturalization
It’s possible to lose Brazilian naturalization if the naturalized person performs actions contrary to national interests, with specific exceptions provided by law.
Dual Citizenship
It’s possible to naturalize as a Brazilian without renouncing the original citizenship, but this depends on the legislation of the country of origin.
Naturalization by Marriage
Brazilian naturalization by marriage requires meeting the requirements of ordinary naturalization in addition to the possibility of obtaining permanent residence authorization (indefinitely).
Process Time
According to decree 9199/2017, the naturalization process must be concluded within 180 days from the start of the request, subject to justified extensions.
Types of Brazilian Naturalization
There are four main categories of naturalization: ordinary, extraordinary, special, and provisional. Each has specific criteria:
- Ordinary Naturalization: Aimed at foreigners residing in Brazil for at least 4 years. It requires civil capacity according to Brazilian law, proficiency in Portuguese, and no criminal conviction unless rehabilitated. The period is reduced to 1 year in case of a Brazilian spouse or child, from Portuguese-speaking countries; or to 2 years in case of recommendation for professional capacity or having provided or can provide relevant service to the country.
- Extraordinary Naturalization: Granted to foreigners residing in Brazil for more than 15 consecutive years without criminal convictions.
- Special Naturalization: Aimed at spouses or partners of members of the Brazilian Foreign Service or people serving the Brazilian state abroad for more than 5 years, as well as employees of diplomatic missions or Brazilian consular offices for more than 10 years.
- Provisional Naturalization: Applicable to foreign minors residing in Brazil before the age of 10, who may request the conversion to permanent naturalization after reaching majority.
Application and Request for Brazilian Naturalization
The naturalization request begins in the Naturalize-se System, followed by an interview at the Federal Police. After approval, the case is forwarded to the Migration Department for a final decision, with naturalization being confirmed by the Official Gazette.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
A lawyer specialized in migration can be fundamental in the naturalization process, providing guidance on the requirements, necessary documentation, and best practices. The complexity of the process, involving various government entities, makes professional support highly recommendable to avoid mistakes and maximize the chances of success.
Conclusion
Brazilian naturalization opens the door for foreigners who wish to fully integrate into Brazilian society, offering a new nationality and the associated rights. Understanding the process, requirements, and documentation is crucial for a smooth transition. For this, having the support of specialists can make all the difference in the journey to becoming a Brazilian citizen.
