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The passport of Brazil is one of the most desirable documents globally for expatriates. Citizens holding Brazilian identification can enter 116 countries visa-free, while 48 others require visas upon arrival. Brazil ranks 12th in passport strength worldwide, surpassing all other Latin American countries.
Issued by the federal government through the Federal Police, the Brazilian passport is valid for 10 years. The latest version, meeting Mercosul and ICAO standards, was introduced in 2015.
How to Obtain a Passport of Brazil?
The general requirement is to reside in Brazil for at least 4 years with permanent residency. However, there are three ways to shorten this period to 1 year:
- Marriage to a Brazilian citizen.
- Having a child born in Brazil or naturalized accordingly.
- Arrival from a Portuguese-speaking country.
According to Brazilian legislation, an immigrant can apply for a passport if they meet the following criteria:
- Age of majority.
- Legal capacity under Brazilian law.
- Registration as a permanent resident of the Republic.
- Continuous residence of at least 4 years prior to the naturalisation application, unless there is a reason to legally reduce the required period to 1 year.
- Sufficient proficiency in the Portuguese language.
- Employment.
- Availability of means to support oneself and family (if any).
- No criminal record.
- No serious health problems. The health requirement is waived if the person has resided in Brazil for more than 2 years.
It should be remembered that even if all the conditions are met, the granting of a passport remains the prerogative of the state. The final decision is made by the executive authorities.
How to Obtain
Brazilian citizenship is attractive due to its comfortable living conditions, lenient residency requirements, and the possibility of retaining current citizenship. The grounds for obtaining Brazilian citizenship may include:
- Naturalization
- Repatriation
- Marriage to a Brazilian citizen
- Having Brazilian citizen parents
- Adoption
- Birth in the Republic
- Employment in government institutions
- Direct investments
- Special conditions that serve the country's interests
The naturalization and passport application procedures are nearly identical for all pathways and are as follows:
A list of basic documents for the dossier is provided below. Actual requirements may change. The current list is always available on the website of the Brazilian Federal Police.
Determine the appropriate type of visa, submit the application to the Brazilian diplomatic mission in the country of residence, pay the visa fees. Arrive in the country and complete the migration registration card.
Choose the relevant criterion for obtaining a residence permit and request the corresponding authorization on the Brazilian government services website. Pay the visa fees and schedule an appointment at the Federal Police department.
Pass exams on Portuguese language proficiency and obtain the corresponding certificate. An alternative could be a diploma from a local university. This requirement does not apply to individuals from Portuguese-speaking countries.
Determining the need for notarized translation of specific documents. Updating the dossier and verifying accuracy to avoid errors during translation. Notarized documents become official and can be used to obtain permanent residency.
After fulfilling the requirements for obtaining permanent residence, submit an application through the Brazilian government website 6-12 months before the expiration of your temporary residency. Wait for the consideration of the petition. Obtain the National Migration Registration Card (CRNM).
Having determined eligibility for citizenship, complete the relevant Ministry of Justice application form. Send the application and pay the registration fees. Once approved, take the oath of citizenship.
Obtaining a certificate that confirms citizenship status and allows you to obtain a Brazilian passport. Making official entries in public registries, obtaining social and tax documents.
Brazilian Citizenship Law
Since October 2023, Brazil has removed restrictions on dual citizenship. Foreigners who voluntarily choose to naturalize in the country receive a passport valid for 10 years. The procedure for applying for a Brazilian passport is regulated by:
- The 1988 Constitution (Article 12) — the foundation and source of the legal authority of the federal government of Brazil.
- The "Migration Law" — the legal definition of the rights and obligations of migrants. It establishes the principles of state policy regarding migrants.
- Decree No. 623 of November 13, 2020 — the legal definition of the procedures for naturalization, acquisition, loss, and cancellation of citizenship.
Documents for Passport
The application for a passport is submitted through the government online portal gov.br. Access to the system requires a personal tax number (CPF), provided upon attaining "resident" status. The following documents are required to complete the application:
- Copy of the passport.
- Copy of the marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Documents for children (if applicable).
- Completed application form.
- Migration registration card.
- Proof of registration in the Register of Persons (CPF).
- Certificates of no criminal record.
- Proof of permanent residence (rental or property purchase).
- Proof of employment or self-employment.
- Certificate of language proficiency.
- Medical insurance.
Documents are uploaded through the online portal and sent to the Federal Police. After reviewing the dossier and making a positive decision, the authorities will schedule an appointment, which must be attended in person with the originals of all documents.
How much does a Brazilian passport cost?
As of 2024, the fee for issuing a new Brazilian passport is $180. The same amount is required for replacing the document in case of loss, theft, or damage.
Fees can be paid in any Brazilian bank in person, as well as through online banking using the documents provided during the online passport application process.
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