Brazilian naturalization
New Migration Law – Law No. 13,445/2017, establishes four types of naturalization: ordinary, provisional, extraordinary, and special.
All have their specificities with differences in prerequisites, document analysis and legal procedures. The naturalization process is the most complex and sensitive for those who wish to live as a native of Brazil.
Ordinary Naturalization
Ordinary Brazilian naturalization is granted to foreigners who wish to naturalize and who meet the following requirements:
I - civil capacity, according to Brazilian law;
II - permanent residence (with indefinite validity) with a minimum of 04 years from the date of publication in the Federal Official Gazette.
III - ability to communicate in Portuguese, considering the conditions of naturalizing;
IV - absence of criminal conviction or proof of rehabilitation, under the terms of current legislation.
Provisional Naturalization
For foreigners admitted to Brazil during the first ten years of their life, definitively established in the national territory.
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Provisional naturalization may be granted to migrant children or adolescents who have taken up residence in the national territory before reaching ten years of age and must be requested through their legal representative.
Extraordinary Naturalization
Extraordinary naturalization is granted to a person of any nationality who has taken up residence in a national territory for more than 15 (fifteen) consecutive years and without a criminal conviction, or already rehabilitated under current legislation, provided that Brazilian nationality is needed.
Special Naturalization
Special Brazilian naturalization is granted to the spouse or partner, for more than 5 years, of an member of the Brazilian Foreign Service or as a person in service in a Brazilian State abroad; that is, or has been employed as a diplomatic missioner in a Brazilian consular office for more than 10 years consecutively. The requirements for granting special naturalization are:
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Have civil capacity, according to Brazilian law;
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Being able to communicate in Portuguese, considering the conditions of naturalization;
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Does not have a criminal conviction or is rehabilitated, under the terms of the law.
It is important to understand that granting Brazilian naturalization to a foreigner means that, in addition to the original nationality, the applicant will also be entitled to Brazilian nationality, whether provisionally or permanently.
For those wishing to naturalize in Brazil, planning is important. In order to apply for naturalization, it is necessary to have a criminal record certificate issued by the country of origin. Refugees, stateless persons, and political asylum seekers are exempt from presenting this document.