Becoming brazilian

According to the Alien Statute, Brazilian citizenship requires the following conditions be satisfied:

• Have civil capacity, according to Brazilian law;
• Be registered as a permanent resident in Brazil;
• Have continuously lived in Brazil for a minimum period of four years, immediately prior to the application for naturalisation. If you have a Brazilian child or spouse, this period is reduced to a year;
• Be able to read and write in Portuguese;
• Be employed and/or have sufficient assets to maintain yourself and your family;
• Exhibit good conduct;
• No denunciation or condemnation in Brazil or abroad for an intentional crime which carries a minimum sentence of at least one year in prison;
• Evidence of good health. If you have lived in Brazil for more than two years, you do not need to provide evidence of this.

The four-year residence requirement is reduced if any of the following apply to you:

• If you have a Brazilian child or spouse
• You have outstanding professional, scientific or artistic capacity
• You’re the owner of real estate in Brazil

According to the Alien Statute, your period of living in Brazil needs to be:

• 1 year if you have a Brazilian child or spouse
• 2 years if you are a foreigner recommended by their professional, scientific or artistic capacity
• 3 years if you own real estate in Brazil

It is worth remembering that even if you satisfy all of the conditions, granting naturalisation is considered an act of state sovereignty. The final decision is up to the discretion of the head of the Executive Branch.

Dual citizenship

Brazil allows multiple citizenship. However, you should check the rules of your own country to ensure you will not have to surrender your other nationality in order to become Brazilian.