How to get Brazilian nationality?
Dreaming of becoming a Brazilian citizen?
Acquiring Brazilian nationality, or naturalization, is an attainable goal for many foreigners who have made Brazil their home.
This guide will walk you through the process, outlining requirements, procedures, and essential tips. Obtaining Brazilian citizenship through naturalization also grants you a Brazil passport, which comes with various benefits like visa-free travel to many countries. This is also a good idea for Mercosur citizenship.
Understanding Brazilian Naturalization
Brazil offers several paths to citizenship, but this guide will primarily focus on ordinary naturalization, the most common route for becoming a naturalized citizen. Another option is residence by investment, which involves investing in Brazilian real estate or other Brazilian nationality by investment to obtain a Brazilian residence permit.
Types of Brazilian Naturalization
- Ordinary Naturalization: Intended for foreigners who have resided in Brazil for a minimum established period and meet other specific naturalization requirements.
- Extraordinary Naturalization: For those who have lived in Brazil for a very long period, generally over 15 years, and have no criminal convictions or have been rehabilitated. This is a form of special naturalization.
- Provisional Naturalization: Granted to immigrant children or teenagers who have established indefinite residence in the national territory before turning 10 years old. It provides a path to birthright citizenship.
- Conversion of Provisional Naturalization to Definitive: Brazilian citizenship can be acquired through naturalization when a person of another nationality requests it, converting their provisional status.
Ordinary Naturalization
Ordinary naturalization is the most common form and follows a process regulated by specific norms outlined in the Brazilian constitution and Brazilian nationality law. Let’s explore in detail how this type of naturalization works.
Requirements for Ordinary Naturalization
- Legal Residence in Brazil: The candidate must have legal permanent residency in Brazilian territory for at least four years. For example via an investment visa or work permit.
- Portuguese Language Proficiency: It is necessary to demonstrate Portuguese language ability – the ability to read, write, and communicate in Portuguese. This can be proven through passing the CELPE-Bras exam or through diplomas or certificates of elementary, middle, or supplementary education, or certain public office appointments. This does not apply to applicants from Portuguese-speaking countries.
- Absence of Criminal Record: The candidate must not have a criminal conviction or must be rehabilitated under the law.
- Proof of Effective Residence: It is crucial to prove continuous and effective residence in Brazil. Merely owning real estate in Brazil is not sufficient to meet this requirement.
Reduction of Residence Time
- One Year: If the candidate has a child born in Brazil with citizenship by birth or naturalized, or has a Brazilian spouse or partner (Brazilian nationality by marriage) with whom they are not legally or factually separated.
- Two Years: If the applicant provides essential services to the country, or is recognized for their professional, scientific, or artistic capacity. This also applies to stateless individuals recognized by the Brazilian government.
Naturalization Process
The Brazilian naturalization process follows five stages:
- Brazilian Citizenship Application: Foreigners must submit their naturalization applications digitally via Naturalizar-se platform, uploading necessary documents, and submitting within 20 days for automatic cancellation.
- Completion of Personal Information: Fill out a second detailed questionnaire.
- Federal Police Analysis: The Federal Police analyzes the documents, including a prior investigation, and issues a report with an opinion to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (MJSP).
- MJSP Analysis: The Ministry of Justice will issue a final opinion and forward it to the National Secretary of Justice, who will make the final decision on the grant of naturalization.
- Publication and Documentation: The decision is published in the Official Gazette of the Union. The naturalized citizen should return the National Migratory Registration Card (CRNM/RNE) and issue its Brazilian identity document (RG), Brazilian passport, Military registration, that grants an its voting rights.
Complete information you can see here.
Tips for a Successful Naturalization
- Legal Counsel: Consult a naturalization lawyer for guidance on company opening procedures, residence permit renewal, and navigating immigration normative resolutions.
- Language Proficiency: Invest time in learning Portuguese to improve your chances of success.
- Document Organization: Keep all required documents such as the real estate investment paperwork, business plans, or proof of direct foreign investment.
- Patience: The naturalization process can be a long process.
Becoming a Brazilian citizen requires understanding requirements and following steps to navigate the naturalization process, enjoying equality of rights with native-born Brazilians.
How to get the permanent card?
If you are considering naturalization through real estate investment, it’s important to understand the criteria.
Qualifying investments may include urban property, property under construction, or co-ownership arrangements. In addition, the property value and location (such as in the North and Northeast regions) can impact eligibility.
Another way, it is engaging in income generation or job creation through your investment can also support your citizenship application.
Foreign investors can obtain the “Brazilian golden visa” by investing in startup companies or the innovation sector.
Your business plan should outline how your investment will benefit the Brazilian economy.
Important information
Brazil permits dual nationality, preventing loss of nationality in home country.
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