VISAS · RESIDENCY · BRAZILIAN CITIZENSHIP
Brazilian Visas and Citizenship for Foreigners
Immigration legal advice for foreigners who want to live legally in Brazil or whose goal is to obtain Brazilian citizenship. We guide you through every stage of the process, from choosing the most suitable visa to applying for naturalization, in accordance with the Brazilian Migration Law (Law No. 13,445/2017) and other applicable rules.
Consultations in Portuguese and English, in person or online, for clients in Brazil and abroad.
Laís Sampaio · Brazilian lawyer · OAB/PB No. 24116
01 · WHO THIS IS FOR
Two goals, one starting point
Whether you want to live in Brazil for a fixed or an indefinite period, or to obtain Brazilian nationality, the path starts the same way: with the visa that fits your profile.
I want to live in Brazil
For those coming to work, invest, study, retire or live with family in the country, temporarily or for an indefinite period, with or without plans to naturalize.
I want to obtain Brazilian citizenship
For those whose goal is naturalization. The first step is the same as for anyone moving to the country: arriving in Brazil lawfully, with the appropriate visa. After that, you must meet the required period of residence and the other legal requirements to apply for naturalization.
02 · HOW TO LIVE LEGALLY IN BRAZIL
What is your reason for living in Brazil?
Brazilian law provides different paths for each purpose. Identifying the right category from the start helps avoid denied applications and rework.
Work
For those with a job offer or a contract with a company in Brazil. The authorization depends on the type of relationship and on professional qualifications.
Business investment
For those investing in a Brazilian company, new or existing, with minimum amounts and an investment plan defined by regulation.
Real estate investment
For those acquiring real estate in Brazil, subject to the minimum amounts set by the National Immigration Council.
Study
For undergraduate and graduate programs, exchange or courses at Brazilian institutions, with a visa tied to enrollment.
Digital nomad
For those who work remotely for a foreign company and want to live in Brazil, proving income or funds abroad.
Retirement
For retirees and pensioners who receive benefits abroad and wish to settle in Brazil.
Family reunification
For spouses, partners, children and other relatives of Brazilians or of foreigners who already live legally in Brazil.
03 · FROM RESIDENCY TO CITIZENSHIP
Brazilian naturalization: requirements and timeframes
For those whose goal is to obtain Brazilian nationality, naturalization is the last step of a path that begins with the first visa. The Migration Law provides different types of naturalization, as well as flexibility in the required period of residence depending on each foreigner's personal situation.
General rule
Ordinary naturalization requires at least four years of residence in Brazil, legal capacity, communication in Portuguese, and no criminal conviction or, if convicted, rehabilitation.
Family ties to Brazil
For those with a Brazilian child or who are the spouse or partner of a Brazilian, the required period of residence may be reduced to one year, with the other requirements maintained.
Immigrant from a Portuguese-speaking country
For immigrants from Portuguese-speaking countries, naturalization requires only one uninterrupted year of residence and good moral character.
Child or teenager living in Brazil
For those who settled in the country before turning ten, provisional naturalization may be requested. It can become definitive if the naturalized person applies within two years after reaching the age of majority.
04 · STEPS
How visa and citizenship legal support works
Immigration planning organizes every stage of your process into a personalized legal plan, taking into account your profile, your goals and Brazilian law. We identify the most suitable immigration path, the documents required and, when the goal is Brazilian nationality, the most efficient legal route to naturalization. All of this so that you can make decisions with confidence, avoid setbacks and have more peace of mind at every stage of your journey in Brazil.
01
Profile analysis
We review your current situation, your goals in Brazil and the documents you already have.
02
Personalized immigration plan
We define the most suitable immigration strategy for you and, when the goal is Brazilian citizenship, the legal path to naturalization.
03
Documentation
We guide you and prepare with you the documents required by the Brazilian consulate and the Federal Police, including translations and apostilles, when necessary.
04
Follow-up
We follow your case through to the final decision and, when applicable, guide you through the next steps up to the naturalization application.
05 · WHO HANDLES YOUR CASE
Laís Sampaio
Lawyer with a Master's degree in International Legal Sciences from the University of Lisbon and a specialist in International Law Practice from PUC. Practices International Family Law and Immigration Law, serving Brazilians and foreigners with family or property ties in Brazil.
Brazilian Bar Association · OAB/PB No. 24116 · Consultations in English and Portuguese
Frequently Asked Questions
I am still abroad. Where do I start to move to Brazil?
In most cases, with the visa application at the Brazilian consulate that has jurisdiction over where you live, with the documents required for your reason for moving. After arrival, you must register with the Federal Police.
I am already in Brazil. Can I still regularize my immigration status?
In many cases, yes. Depending on the situation, it is possible to apply for a residence authorization directly with the Federal Police, without leaving Brazil.
I work remotely for a foreign company. Can I live in Brazil?
Generally, yes, through the digital nomad visa or residence authorization, provided the required income or funds are proven.
What documents are usually required for a visa or residence in Brazil?
It depends on the purpose of the application, but usually a passport, proof of marital status, documents specific to the immigration purpose and a criminal record certificate are requested. When issued abroad, documents usually need translation and apostille.
My visa was denied. Can I appeal?
In many cases, yes, through a request for reconsideration or an administrative appeal, depending on the case.
I want to become a Brazilian citizen. Does that change the choice of visa?
Yes, it is advisable to consider this goal from the start. Naturalization requires residence in Brazil for the minimum period set for each type, so planning for Brazilian nationality when choosing the first visa helps avoid rework.
How long do I need to live in Brazil to naturalize?
Under the general rule, four years. The period may be reduced to one year for those with a Brazilian child, spouse or partner, and immigrants from Portuguese-speaking countries need one year of uninterrupted residence.
Could I lose my original nationality by naturalizing as a Brazilian?
Brazil does not require you to renounce your original citizenship in order to naturalize. However, some countries provide for the loss of the original nationality in case of voluntary naturalization in another country. For this reason, it is worth checking this question before starting the process.