Brazil · Citizenship

Brazil citizenship by naturalization

Source-checked21 sources, 14 officialHow we check

Last checked 13 Nov 2026Written for US citizensSome rules are still being checked

In brief

Apply after 4 years of residence, or 1 with a Brazilian spouse or child. You can keep your US citizenship.

CitizenshipAfter 4 years of residence

Visa-free (US)No: an eVisa is needed (up to 90 days)

Residency income from$1,500 a month (digital nomad)

Tax on foreign incomeYes, from your 184th day, paid monthly

Becoming a Brazilian citizen

Timeline: About 4 years of residence right before you apply; whether temporary-visa years count Needs review
Dual citizenship: Yes: Brazil doesn't ask you to give up your US citizenship.

What you need

4 years of residence; only 1 with a Brazilian child or a Brazilian spouse or partner.
Portuguese: shown with a Celpe-Bras certificate or a listed alternative, such as a Brazilian degree.
Trips abroad: totaling up to 12 months over the period don't block you.
Clean record: no criminal conviction, or proof of rehabilitation.
Fees and timing: Not established yet

Good to know

Which years count: a refugee-agency guide says only indefinite residence counts. If so, nomad and retiree years wouldn't.
Keeping it: Brazilian nationality is lost only by a court ruling or your own express request.

Checked against the lawThe 4-year rule, absences and dual citizenship, read in the migration law and Constitution.

Needs reviewWhether years on a temporary visa count toward the 4.

Sources (5)

Legal basis and exact figures

Clock: ordinary naturalisation needs civil capacity, at least 4 years of residence immediately before applying, Portuguese and no conviction or rehabilitation (Lei 13.445 art 65; Decreto 9.199 art 233). At least 1 year with a Brazilian child or non-separated Brazilian spouse or partner (Lei art 66 II–III; Decreto art 235); 2 years for relevant service or professional, scientific or artistic capacity (Decreto art 236; the Lei says at least 1). Portuguese-speaking countries' nationals: 1 year (not US citizens). Extraordinary: more than 15 uninterrupted years (Lei art 67).
Absences and which residence counts: sporadic trips totalling no more than 12 months don't block the grant (Decreto art 233 §2). The MJ list asks for the CRNM and proof of continuous residence; a UNHCR guide says only residence por prazo indeterminado counts (Portaria MJSP 623/2020, not read).
Portuguese: Celpe-Bras or listed alternatives (Portaria 623/2020 art 5, per the MJ document list).
Dual nationality: no renunciation in the texts read; under Constitution art 12 §4 (EC 131/2023) Brazilian nationality is lost only by judicial cancellation of naturalisation (fraud or attack on the constitutional order) or an express request. Fees and processing time not established.

Other Brazil guides

Every rule with its legal source.

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