Besides representing a relationship of affection, marriage to a Brazilian citizen can also produce legal effects, such as the right to apply for residence in Brazil.
Many foreigners who live legally in the country are also entitled to apply for Brazilian naturalization after a reduced period of residence. However, it’s important to understand when this is possible and what legal requirements apply.
What Is Brazilian Naturalization?
Naturalization is the process through which a foreign national officially becomes a Brazilian citizen, gaining all rights and duties guaranteed by the Constitution — including the right to vote, obtain a Brazilian passport, and live permanently in the country.
There are several types of naturalization in Brazil: ordinary, extraordinary, provisional, and special, each with its own set of rules.
For those married to a Brazilian citizen, the ordinary naturalization with a reduced residence period applies.
When Can You Apply for Naturalization by Marriage?
In general, ordinary naturalization requires four years of residence in Brazil.
However, under Article 66, item III, of Law 13.445/17, this period is reduced to one year of legal and uninterrupted residence if the foreigner is married to a Brazilian citizen and the relationship remains valid at the time of naturalization.
In other words, you may apply for naturalization after one year of legal residence and a marriage or stable union officially registered in Brazil.
Main Requirements
To apply for naturalization based on marriage, the foreign national must:
- Have legal residence in Brazil for at least one year;
- Be married or in a formally recognized stable union with a Brazilian citizen;
- Have no criminal convictions;
- Demonstrate basic communication in Portuguese;
- Present updated documents, translated and apostilled or legalized if issued abroad.
How to Apply
The application for naturalization is made online through the Ministry of Justice and Public Security.
After submission, the process is first reviewed by the Federal Police, which may request additional documents, schedule an in-person appointment, and verify original documents, fingerprints, and photos.
Once this stage is complete, the file is sent to the Ministry of Justice and Public Security for final analysis and decision.
Commonly Required Documents
- Identification document (CRNM or passport);
- Marriage or stable union certificate;
- Proof of residence in Brazil;
- Criminal background certificates from Brazil and the country of origin;
- Proof of Portuguese proficiency (in some cases, this may be waived).
Get Professional Assistance
The naturalization process may seem straightforward, but it requires attention to deadlines, certified translations, and continuous residence verification.
At Conliance, our team assists you in every step, from eligibility analysis to submitting your application to the Ministry of Justice.
Talk to Conliance
Married to a Brazilian citizen and thinking about becoming one yourself?
Contact Conliance to find out if you’re already eligible to apply for naturalization.
