Updated October 2026 · Legal review: Isadora Rizzi, lawyer (OAB/PR 75.878)
Ordinary naturalization is the route most used by foreigners living in Brazil. It is set out in art. 65 of the Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) and requires residence, communication in Portuguese and no criminal conviction.
Who can apply for ordinary naturalization?
A foreigner who meets all of the following requirements:
- legal capacity under Brazilian law;
- residence in Brazil, with an indefinite-term permit, for at least 4 years;
- ability to communicate in Portuguese;
- no criminal conviction, or rehabilitation.
When does the 4-year period drop to 1 year?
Art. 66 of the Migration Law reduces the residence period to at least 1 year if the applicant:
- has a Brazilian child;
- has a Brazilian spouse or partner, with no legal or de facto separation at the time of naturalization;
- has provided or can provide relevant service to Brazil;
- is recommended for professional, scientific or artistic ability.
How is the residence period counted?
The period counts from the indefinite-term residence permit, not from the date of arrival in Brazil. Trips abroad may affect the count, so it is worth gathering your history of entries and exits before applying.
Which documents should I gather?
- Valid CRNM (National Migration Registry Card).
- Proof of residence for the required period.
- Criminal record certificates from the Federal and State Courts where you lived in Brazil and, when required, from your country of origin.
- Proof of Portuguese proficiency (Celpe-Bras, Encceja, a Brazilian diploma, among others listed in MJSP Ordinance No. 623/2020).
- Documents proving a reduced period, when applicable.
Foreign documents must be apostilled or legalized and accompanied by a sworn translation. See what the Hague Apostille is.
Step-by-step application
- Confirm eligibility and the residence count.
- Gather and review the documents.
- File the online application on the Ministry of Justice system.
- Attend the Federal Police for biometrics.
- Follow the case and respond to any requests.
- After publication in the Official Gazette, collect the certificate at the Electoral Court.
Check if you can already apply for naturalization →
Legal basis
- Law No. 13,445/2017, arts. 64 to 66.
- Decree No. 9,199/2017.
- MJSP Ordinance No. 623/2020.
Frequently asked questions
I’m married to a Brazilian. Can I apply after 1 year?
Yes, as long as there is no legal or de facto separation at the time of naturalization and the other requirements are met.
Does time with a temporary permit count?
The law refers to indefinite-term residence. Each migration history needs to be reviewed to confirm when the count starts.
Can I travel during the process?
Generally yes, but it is important to follow the case and respond to requests within the deadline.