Brazilian citizenship: What is the fastest way to get a passport?

Brazilian citizenship is an object of interest for many immigrants. The possibility of having a Brazilian passport is one of the main benefits of becoming a Brazilian citizen. In this article, we will analyze the fastest ways to get Brazilian citizenship and consequently the Brazilian passport. In addition to tips on the Brazilian naturalization process.

Author: Lucas Velozo de Mello Marchiori

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Is it possible to get a passport in 6 months?

No immigrant can obtain a Brazilian passport in less than six months. For this, he must already have Brazilian citizenship or be able to apply for citizenship. If you want to know more about the Brazilian citizenship process, access our article dedicated to the subject.

After citizenship is approved by the Ministry of Justice, it will be published in the Official Gazette. With the publication taking place, the immigrant will be able to request his Positive Certificate of Naturalization (CPN) online.

The Positive Certificate of Naturalization (CPN) will allow the naturalized immigrant to apply for his Brazilian passport at the Federal Police. The average period for issuing a passport is 6 to 10 working days.

How to get a passport in 1 year?

The general rule is that the immigrant will need to reside for four years in Brazil with a permanent residence permit to apply for citizenship and, consequently, a Brazilian passport. However, some conditions can drastically shorten this period.

If the immigrant marries or has a stable union with a Brazilian citizen, the required period of residence is only one year. For proof purposes, it will be necessary to present a marriage certificate or stable union deed.

Another situation capable of reducing the period of residence is the immigrant having a Brazilian-born or naturalized child. Thus, in this case, the period of residence will also be only one year.
Finally, the period of residence will only be one year if the immigrant is from a Portuguese-speaking country. This is a prediction that aims to benefit the member countries of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).

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Is there any way of not needing proficiency in Portuguese to become naturalized?

One of the requirements to apply for naturalization is proof of proficiency in Portuguese. Immigrants from Portuguese-speaking countries, in addition to having a reduced period for naturalization, are also exempt from proving proficiency in Portuguese.

What other documents are needed to apply for a passport?

The request for a Brazilian passport is made directly with the Brazilian Federal Police.

In addition to the naturalization certificate, the naturalized Brazilian must present his CPF, identity document, and marriage certificate, if he has changed his name.

What is the process to apply for a passport at the Federal Police?

After having the documents gathered, the naturalized Brazilian must fill out the passport application form. With the form completed, the citizen will have to pay the Union Collection Guide, referring to the costs of issuing the passport.

Thus, after payment is made, an appointment is made on the website for the naturalized Brazilian to appear at the Federal Police in his/her jurisdiction. The citizen will have to bring their original documents on the scheduled day.

What are the other requirements for Brazilian naturalization?

There are several types of Brazilian naturalization. Ordinary naturalization is the most common and simple way to naturalize a Brazilian and obtain a passport.

First, the immigrant must have a permanent residence permit in Brazil to apply for naturalization. The immigrant must have a legal basis to be able to reside in Brazil.

There are several reasons for a foreigner to obtain a residence permit in Brazil. Whether for studies, work contracts, retirement, or sports activity, among others. However, most residence permits in Brazil are initially for a temporary period.

When renewing, some temporary residence permits can become permanent. This is the case, for example, of most work-related residence permits. However, this is a lengthy process, considering that it is necessary to wait for the initial term of the temporary residence to expire and then apply for renewal.

Are there other ways to reduce the time required for permanent residency?

Obtaining a permanent residence permit is the first step toward obtaining Brazilian citizenship. However, there are other ways to reduce the period of residence to apply for naturalization.

The stateless person recognized by the Brazilian Government will have to prove only two years of permanent residence in Brazil.

The immigrant recommended for his professional, scientific, or artistic ability will also have to prove only two years of residence in Brazil. Furthermore, the same applies to immigrants who have rendered or may render relevant services to the country.

In these cases, the Migration Department of the National Secretariat of Justice will assess these conditions.

How long can foreigners stay outside Brazil before applying for citizenship?

Immigrants with a permanent residence permit can stay outside Brazil for up to two years. If they stay out of the country for a longer period, they run the risk of losing their residence permits.

However, if the foreigner intends to obtain citizenship and, consequently, a Brazilian passport, the period to be observed is shorter. This period will vary according to the minimum period of residence required for citizenship.

Therefore, the following ratio should be observed:

• For a minimum period of residence of 1 year: the maximum total absence of 3 months;
• For a minimum period of residence of 2 years: a maximum total absence of 6 months;
• For a minimum period of residence of 4 years: maximum combined absence of 1 year.

The proof of the foreign citizen’s residence time in Brazil can happen in a very comprehensive way. In short, it is possible to use water, energy, or telephone bills, rental contracts, bank statements, and school transcripts, among others.