Updated October 2026 · Legal review: Isadora Rizzi, lawyer (OAB/PR 75.878)
Naturalization is how a foreigner living in Brazil becomes Brazilian. It is set out in the Federal Constitution (art. 12, II) and regulated by the Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) and Decree No. 9,199/2017. This guide explains how to tell whether you can already apply and how the process works.
What are the types of naturalization?
The Migration Law provides four types, each with its own requirements:
- Ordinary: the most common. As a rule, it requires 4 years of residence in Brazil. See the ordinary naturalization guide.
- Extraordinary: for people who have lived in Brazil for more than 15 uninterrupted years with no criminal conviction.
- Special: for spouses or partners of members of the Brazilian foreign service and for people who worked at a Brazilian diplomatic or consular mission, within the periods set by law.
- Provisional: for children and teenagers who settled in Brazil before age 10. It can become permanent if requested within 2 years after reaching adulthood.
What are the requirements for ordinary naturalization?
- Legal capacity under Brazilian law.
- Residence in Brazil, with an indefinite-term residence permit, for at least 4 years.
- Ability to communicate in Portuguese, considering the applicant’s circumstances.
- No criminal conviction, or rehabilitation under the law.
The 4-year period can be reduced to 1 year in some situations, for example: having a Brazilian child, having a Brazilian spouse or partner (with no legal or de facto separation), having provided or being able to provide relevant service to Brazil, or being recommended for professional, scientific or artistic ability.
Nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries have their own route under the Constitution: 1 uninterrupted year of residence and good moral character. See Portuguese and CPLP nationals in Brazil.
How do I prove I speak Portuguese?
Proof follows MJSP Ordinance No. 623/2020. Accepted documents include the Celpe-Bras certificate, proficiency certificates issued by higher education institutions accredited by the Ministry of Education, completion of primary or secondary school through Encceja, and undergraduate or graduate diplomas obtained in Brazil.
Which documents are required?
- Valid migrant ID card (CRNM).
- Proof of residence and of the period of residence in Brazil.
- Criminal record certificates from Brazil and, when required, from the country of origin, legalized or apostilled and translated.
- Proof of Portuguese proficiency.
- Documents proving a reduced period, when applicable (birth certificate of the Brazilian child, marriage certificate, etc.).
The exact list depends on the type of naturalization and on each person’s situation.
How does the application work and how long does it take?
The application is filed online on the Ministry of Justice and Public Security system and includes biometric collection at the Federal Police. After review, the decision is published in the Official Gazette (Diário Oficial da União). Review time varies with the agency’s workload and with any requests for additional documents.
After publication, the new citizen must appear before the Electoral Court to receive the certificate within the period set by the regulation, and can then obtain Brazilian documents such as an ID card and passport.
Will I lose my original nationality?
Brazil does not require foreigners to renounce their previous nationality. Whether you can keep it depends on the law of your country of origin, which should be checked before applying.
Check if you can already apply for naturalization →
Legal basis
- Federal Constitution, art. 12, II.
- Law No. 13,445/2017 (Migration Law), arts. 64 to 73.
- Decree No. 9,199/2017.
- MJSP Ordinance No. 623/2020.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I need to live in Brazil to naturalize?
For ordinary naturalization, as a rule 4 years with an indefinite-term residence permit. It can drop to 1 year in cases such as having a Brazilian child or spouse.
Do I have to take the Celpe-Bras exam?
Not necessarily. Celpe-Bras is one way to prove Portuguese, but the ordinance also accepts, for example, Encceja and diplomas obtained in Brazil.
Can someone with a criminal conviction naturalize?
Only if rehabilitated under the law. Each case needs to be reviewed with the documents.
Is the application filed online?
Yes. The application is electronic, with an in-person biometrics step at the Federal Police.