Brazilian citizenship after 1 year of marriage to a Brazilian national. No residency requirement if you live abroad.
Legal Basis
Brazilian Nationality Law (Lei de Migração, Law 13.445/2017), Article 65, paragraph 1. Grants citizenship to foreign spouses of Brazilian nationals after 1 year of continuous marriage.
12–18 months total (1 year wait + 3–6 months processing)
Presence Required
Can apply from abroad; interview at Brazilian consulate
Passport Rank
~#18 globally (Henley Index)
Visa-Free Countries
170+ destinations
Overview
Brazil's Nationality Law (Law 13.445/2017) grants citizenship to foreign spouses of Brazilian nationals after 1 year of marriage. Crucially, there is no residency requirement — you can apply from abroad. The Brazilian passport is one of the most powerful in Latin America, offering visa-free access to 170+ destinations including the EU Schengen area.
Step-by-Step Process
1: Marry a Brazilian national (civil marriage recognized by Brazil) — Anywhere in the world · Varies · Varies
2: Wait 1 year from the date of marriage — Anywhere · 12 months · —
3: Gather apostilled documents: birth certificate, marriage certificate, criminal background check, proof of financial means — Home country · 2–4 weeks · $200–$400
4: File citizenship application at nearest Brazilian consulate or Federal Police in Brazil — Brazilian consulate or Brazil · 1–2 weeks · $100–$200
5: Attend interview and biometrics — Brazilian consulate · 2–8 weeks wait · Included
6: Receive naturalization certificate and apply for Brazilian passport — Brazilian consulate · 4–8 weeks · $50–$100
Advantages
No residency requirement — can apply from abroad at a Brazilian consulate
1-year wait period is among the shortest in Latin America
Brazilian passport: visa-free to EU Schengen, UK, Japan, 170+ destinations
Brazil allows dual citizenship — no renunciation required
Mercosur passport: free movement in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, Chile, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru
Brazil is a major economy — citizenship has significant long-term value
Considerations
1-year minimum marriage requirement
Portuguese language interview may be required (basic level)
Processing times at consulates can be slow (3–6 months)
Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income; non-residents only on Brazil-source income
Requirements
Valid passport
Apostilled birth certificate (translated to Portuguese)
Apostilled marriage certificate (translated to Portuguese)
Criminal background check from home country (apostilled, translated)
Proof of financial means (bank statements or employment letter)
Brazilian spouse's CPF (tax ID) and RG (identity document)
Proof of 1 year of continuous marriage
Tax Considerations
Brazil taxes residents on worldwide income. If you obtain Brazilian citizenship but do not reside in Brazil (defined as spending more than 183 days/year in Brazil), you are taxed only on Brazil-source income. Brazil has tax treaties with many countries. The key risk is if you spend significant time in Brazil — at that point, worldwide income becomes taxable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to speak Portuguese to get Brazilian citizenship by marriage?
A basic Portuguese interview is typically required, but the standard is low. Many applicants pass with minimal Portuguese. Hiring a Brazilian immigration lawyer who can coach you through the interview is recommended.
Can I apply from outside Brazil?
Yes. You can apply at any Brazilian consulate in your country of residence. You do not need to travel to Brazil for the application, though you will need to attend an in-person appointment at the consulate.
Does Brazil allow dual citizenship?
Yes. Brazil has allowed dual citizenship since 1994. You do not need to renounce your existing citizenship.
What if we divorce after I get citizenship?
Brazilian citizenship obtained through marriage is permanent. Divorce after naturalization does not affect your citizenship status.