How to get Brazilian citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, marriage & descent
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9/24/2025
How to get Brazilian citizenship in 2025 — naturalisation, marriage & descent
Brazilian citizenship in 2025 grants full rights in the world’s largest Portuguese-speaking country and access to Mercosur mobility agreements. Unlike residence, citizenship provides voting rights, a Brazilian passport, and protection abroad. The process is regulated by Law 13.445/2017 (Migration Law) and the Constitution of Brazil. This guide explains how to acquire citizenship by naturalisation, marriage, or descent, and highlights new updates in 2025.
Key terms to understand
- Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública — Ministry of Justice responsible for naturalisation decisions.
- Polícia Federal — authority that registers residence and processes applications.
- Certificado de Naturalização — official naturalisation certificate granting citizenship.
- Portuguese language requirement — mandatory proof of proficiency for most naturalisation cases.
- Mercosur mobility — regional benefit of Brazilian citizenship for travel and work in partner countries.
Routes to Brazilian citizenship
The main pathways to citizenship in Brazil are shown in the table below:
| Route | Eligibility | Timeline | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary naturalisation | 4 years of permanent residence | 12–18 months | Portuguese proficiency, good conduct, income proof |
| Fast-track naturalisation | Marriage to Brazilian citizen or child born in Brazil | 1 year of residence | Proof of family ties and cohabitation |
| Citizenship by descent | Child of Brazilian father or mother, even if born abroad | Immediate recognition | Birth certificate and parent’s citizenship proof |
| Exceptional naturalisation | Foreign nationals providing relevant services to Brazil | Variable | Presidential decree required |
Step-by-step ordinary naturalisation in 2025
- Maintain at least 4 years of permanent residence in Brazil.
- Prepare documents including proof of income, police clearance, and language certificate.
- Submit application to the Ministry of Justice via the online portal.
- Provide biometric data at a Polícia Federal office.
- Await background checks and legal verification.
- Receive Certificado de Naturalização upon approval.
Step-by-step marriage or child route
- Reside in Brazil for at least 1 year with a Brazilian spouse or child.
- Submit marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate as proof.
- Provide evidence of cohabitation and financial stability.
- Apply through the Ministry of Justice with supporting documents.
- Complete interviews or additional checks if required.
- Receive naturalisation certificate after federal approval.
Citizenship by descent
Children of Brazilian parents automatically qualify for citizenship. If born abroad, parents must register the birth at a Brazilian consulate. If registration is missed, children can claim citizenship in court later. In 2025, Brazil expanded digital consular registration to simplify descent recognition worldwide.
Documents checklist
- Valid passport and RNM residence card
- Birth certificate (translated into Portuguese if foreign)
- Marriage certificate or child’s birth certificate (for facilitated route)
- Police clearance from Brazil and country of origin
- Proof of income or employment
- Language certificate demonstrating Portuguese proficiency
- Completed application forms via Ministry of Justice portal
Costs and timelines
Application fees are modest, around BRL 200–400. Processing for ordinary naturalisation usually takes 12–18 months. Marriage and child-based applications are faster, often within 6–12 months. Descent cases are immediate if registered at a consulate, or longer if court intervention is needed.
Integration and language requirements
Applicants must prove Portuguese language proficiency. Accepted evidence includes language certificates, diplomas from Brazilian institutions, or official interviews. Integration is assessed by checking criminal records, financial stability, and family or community ties in Brazil.
What changed in 2025
- Online applications expanded nationwide through the Ministry of Justice portal.
- Mandatory digital submission of police clearance certificates.
- Portuguese language tests standardized across recognized institutions.
- New fast-track recognition for children of Brazilian citizens born abroad.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Applying before completing the minimum residence requirement.
- Submitting documents without official Portuguese translations.
- Assuming residence automatically leads to citizenship without formal application.
- Failing to register a child’s birth at a Brazilian consulate on time.
FAQ about Brazilian citizenship
- How many years are required for Brazilian citizenship? 4 years of permanent residence, reduced to 1 year in family cases.
- Is dual citizenship allowed in Brazil? Yes, Brazil generally permits dual nationality.
- Do I need to speak Portuguese? Yes, proof of Portuguese proficiency is mandatory for naturalisation.
- Can I pass citizenship to my children? Yes, children of Brazilian citizens gain nationality by descent.
- How fast is marriage-based citizenship? Usually within 1 year of residence with a Brazilian spouse.
Expert opinion
“Brazilian citizenship in 2025 balances openness with structured requirements. Descent remains the simplest route, while ordinary naturalisation demands language skills and long-term residence.” — VelesClub Int. Immigration Team
Next steps
Explore our platform and check the Residency & Citizenship hub for detailed guides. Visit our main page or go directly to the Residency & Citizenship hub.
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