Naturalization
Becoming Brazilian by naturalization
After a few years of residence with no end date, you can apply to become Brazilian. The usual wait is four years, and it can be one or two.
- Standard wait
- 4 years of indefinite residence
- Shorter wait
- 1 or 2 years in some cases
- Language
- Portuguese, unless you're from a Portuguese-speaking country
- Apply
- Online, through Naturalizar-se on gov.br, free of charge
When can you apply?
Add the date your indefinite residence started to see when you can apply.
You also need proof of Portuguese, unless you're from a Portuguese-speaking country, and no criminal conviction, or a rehabilitation certificate.
Book an attorney for my naturalizationThis is general information, not legal advice. The Ministry of Justice counts your residence from its own records: an immigration attorney can confirm your date.
The requirements
- Be 18 or over, or legally emancipated. Children who got indefinite residence before age 10 have a separate, provisional naturalization.
- Have residence with no end date in Brazil, for the waiting period that applies to you.
- Be able to communicate in Portuguese, usually shown with the Celpe-Bras exam or an approved Portuguese course for immigrants.
- Have no criminal conviction in Brazil or abroad, or be legally rehabilitated.
How it works
- Complete your waiting period, counted back from the day you apply.
- Get your proof of Portuguese, unless you're from a Portuguese-speaking country.
- Apply online through Naturalizar-se on gov.br.
- Attend the Federal Police appointment, where your Portuguese is also checked.
Documents
- Your CRNM, even if expired
- Proof that your CPF is in good standing
- Proof of address for each year of your waiting period
- Your proof of Portuguese, unless exempt
- Criminal record certificates, and a rehabilitation certificate if you need one
After 15 years of uninterrupted residence with no conviction, extraordinary naturalization is also possible.
Have an attorney handle your naturalization
A licensed immigration attorney checks your dates and documents and files your naturalization. You choose them in the Emigro app and see their fee before you commit.
Book an attorney for my naturalizationOfficial sources
Ordinary naturalization step by step, Ministry of Justice ↗
Apply for naturalization, gov.br ↗
Checked against official sources on October 23, 2026. Emigro gives preliminary guidance, not legal advice. Requirements are confirmed against official Brazilian sources and by the licensed attorneys.
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