Updated October 2026 · Legal review: Isadora Rizzi, lawyer (OAB/PR 75.878)
Constitutional Amendment No. 131/2023, in force since October 2023, changed the rules on loss of Brazilian nationality. Before, a Brazilian who acquired another nationality could lose their Brazilian nationality. Today, that no longer happens.
Who can still lose Brazilian nationality?
- Anyone who makes an express request for loss before the Brazilian authorities, provided it does not result in statelessness.
- A naturalized citizen whose naturalization is cancelled by a court judgment, for fraud in the process or an attack on the constitutional order and the democratic State.
Can someone who renounced get it back?
Yes. The amendment added § 5 to art. 12 of the Constitution: renunciation does not prevent the person from reacquiring their original Brazilian nationality, as provided by law.
What about people who lost it before 2023?
Those who lost their nationality under the previous rules can seek reacquisition or a review of the act, depending on the case. The Migration Law (art. 76) already provided for reacquisition once the cause of loss ceased. The procedures still depend on regulation and on case-by-case review by the Ministry of Justice.
“Suspended” nationality: what is it?
Some older consular certificates required the option for Brazilian nationality, and people who did not make it may have their nationality pending confirmation. In that case, the route is usually the option for nationality or regularizing the record.
Learn about reacquiring Brazilian nationality →
Legal basis
- Federal Constitution, art. 12, §§ 4 and 5, as amended by Constitutional Amendment No. 131/2023.
- Law No. 13,445/2017, arts. 75 and 76.
Frequently asked questions
I became an Italian citizen. Did I lose my Brazilian nationality?
No. Since Constitutional Amendment 131/2023, acquiring another nationality does not cause loss of Brazilian nationality.
I lost my nationality before 2023. Can I get it back?
In many cases yes, but the act of loss and your history need to be reviewed.
Where do I apply for reacquisition?
To the Ministry of Justice and Public Security, with the documents of the case.