Brazilian citizenship by marriage : a subtile path to get it

Written by Attorney Julio Vero | Nov 19, 2025 9:39:03 PM

 

How to Get Brazilian Citizenship by Marriage: A Complete Guide for Foreign Spouses

If you’re a foreigner married to a Brazilian and want to get Brazilian citizenship, you might wonder if there’s a direct legal pathway. While Brazilian law does not automatically grant citizenship through marriage, there are ways to use the rules in your favor and significantly reduce the required time of legal residence in Brazil.

This guide will explain step by step how to navigate the process and why hiring a lawyer can make it faster and smoother.

 

1. Step 1: Register Your Marriage in Brazil

Whether you got married abroad or in Brazil, your marriage must be officially recognized by Brazilian authorities.


 • Married abroad? Register your marriage at the Brazilian consulate or embassy.

 • Married in Brazil? Make sure your marriage certificate is valid for legal purposes and can be used for citizenship applications.

 

2. Step 2: Obtain the Correct Visa

After your marriage is registered, you need a visa to legally reside in Brazil.


 • This visa establishes your legal residence, which is required to request citizenship.
 • The law reduces the residency requirement for spouses of Brazilian citizens, allowing faster naturalization.

Get in touch with a lawyer to know your obligations to maintain the required permit during your stays abroad.

 

3. Step 3: Apply for Brazilian Citizenship Through Naturalization

Once you have 1 year of legal residence in Brazil under the proper visa, you can request citizenship through naturalization.

This reduced residency requirement applies only to spouses of Brazilian citizens.

Proper documentation, including your marriage certificate, visa, and proof of residence, is required.

 

 

4. Why Hiring a Lawyer Can Make Your Citizenship Process Smoother

Brazilian bureaucracy can be complex. Mistakes in your application can delay or even prevent your citizenship.

As a lawyer specializing in Brazilian nationality and naturalization, I can help you:

Ensure your marriage is correctly registered

• Ensure you won't have your residence permit withdrawn during your time abroad

Obtain the right visa for legal residence

Prepare a complete citizenship request with all supporting documents

Avoid errors or delays that are common in DIY applications

 

5. Take Action Today

Don’t risk unnecessary delays. Schedule a consultation today and start your journey to Brazilian citizenship with professional legal support.

 

 

Your Brazilian heritage might be closer than you think.