Are you contemplating second citizenship and a new passport offering greater advantages than your current one? Perhaps you’re curious about the strength of different passports regarding visa-free access and consular assistance.
If this aligns with your plans, the Brazilian passport is an outstanding travel document to include in your passport portfolio. This article will provide detailed information on Brazilian passports, including the advantages of holding one and how to become a citizen to gain a new passport.
Entry Requirements for Brazilian Passport Holders
A Brazilian passport is a standardized biometric document issued to citizens by the Brazilian Federal Police (Polícia Federal do Brasil). Since Brazil is a full-fledged member of MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market), a Brazil passport is essentially a MERCOSUR passport.
Brazilian citizens with a valid passport share the privileges of citizens of other MERCOSUR member states, including passport-free travel and the right to live, work, and study in other MERCOSUR countries, such as Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
Regarding overall visa-free benefits, Brazilian passports provide visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to 164 countries, including the EU’s Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Explore nations across every continent without needing a visa through visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival, or the convenience of an electronic travel authorization (eTA). Let’s take a closer look at the countries accessible to Brazilian citizens.
Foreigners who become Brazilian dual nationals to obtain a Brazilian passport gain an insurance policy and new opportunities for themselves and their families. Brazilian passport holders enjoy a host of lifelong benefits.
Brazil passport power highlights:
• MERCOSUR citizenship: Obtaining Brazilian citizenship means you acquire a MERCOSUR passport. This provides several benefits, including tariff-free trade and ease of doing business with any foreign country forming part of the agreement.
• Freedom of movement: Brazil is a member of MERCOSUR, and as such, Brazilian passport holders have the right to travel, live, work, and pursue studies in several member states across South America.
• Enhanced travel privileges: Adding a Brazil passport as a second passport will expand your travel options through access to 164 destinations visa-free or with a visa-on-arrival. Additionally, Guarulhos International Airport in São Paulo is an international hub and one of the largest airports in the Americas.
• Access to free healthcare: Brazil’s universal healthcare system (Sistema Único de Saúde – SUS) is available to all Brazilian passport holders and ensures comprehensive medical coverage, including doctor consultations, hospital stays, and a range of healthcare services.
• Abundant investment opportunities: Brazil is the largest country in Central and South America and is one of the biggest producers of various agricultural produce. The country’s diverse economic landscape presents promising prospects for Brazilian citizens across sectors such as renewable energy, technology, infrastructure, and manufacturing, offering a spectrum of opportunities for those looking to capitalize on Brazil’s dynamic and growing market.
Brazil passport ranking
Although not officially a tier-one passport, the Brazilian passport is one of the strongest in the Americas, coming in fourth place on the Global Passport Index after Canada, the United States, and Chile.
Brazil Passport Cost
The Brazilian government does not provide a path to obtain a Brazilian passport through investing. However, Brazil offers an investor visa through its VIPER Visa program, which grants long-term residence in Brazil in exchange for purchasing real estate or creating a business.
Investments are made in the Brazilian real, the country’s official currency. Through a real estate purchase of BRL 1 million ($200,000), you can obtain a long-term residence permit and be eligible for Brazilian citizenship by naturalization and a Brazilian passport in as little as three years. A BRL 700,000 ($140,000) property purchase in Brazil’s north and northeast regions would qualify investors to obtain Brazilian passports after four years of residency.
Regarding the Brazil passport application process, the following charges apply:
Passport: BRL 257.25 ($52)
Fast-track passport: 334.42 ($68)
Brazil Passport Requirements
The Brazilian authority assessing and approving Brazilian passport applications is the Brazilian Federal Police. The required documents include:
Completed passport application form
Original and certified copy of a Brazilian ID or birth certificate
Previous passport (if applicable)
Authorization for minor
Brazil certificate of naturalization
One 5×7 cm passport photo with a white background (Brazilian passport photo size is the same for both adults and children)
Original and copy of the military registration certificate for males between 18 and 45
Copy of the police report obtained from local police for lost or stolen passports (if applicable)
Completed lost/stolen/damaged passport form (if applicable)
Passport application fee
Brazil passport requirements for children
Brazil’s national and local authorities impose strict requirements when applying for children’s passports. The required documents include:
Completed passport application form signed by both parents or legal guardians
Passport Application Authorization for Minors form signed by both parents or legal guardians. A notary public must sign passport applications submitted by post.
Original and copy of a Brazilian birth certificate or certificate of naturalization
In cases of only one parent or a sole legal guardian completing the application process for a child’s passport, the individual must obtain written consent from the other parent or legal guardian, which a public notary must sign before submission.
When applying for passports for children who have lost a parent, the applying parents must submit an original and a copy of the death certificate. Additionally, birth certificates should clearly indicate a child with an unknown parent before submission.
For overseas child’s passport applications at the nearest Brazilian Embassy or Consulate General, a consular officer must sign written consent into the child’s passport. For passport applications submitted in Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, or other large cities in Brazil, the Federal Police must sign written consent into the child’s passport.
These measures are in place for Brazilian children departing Brazil or traveling internationally from other destinations to prevent international child abduction or other crimes affecting children.
Eligibility Criteria for a Brazilian Passport
Getting a Brazilian passport is straightforward, provided you fulfill the eligibility criteria and due diligence checks. You can be granted a Brazilian passport within three to four years as a foreign national.
There are several ways to obtain Brazilian citizenship, depending on familial ties and circ*mstances.
You’re entitled to Brazilian citizenship by birth if born in Brazilian territory.
You are entitled to Brazilian citizenship by descent if at least one of your parents was in service of the Federative Republic of Brazil at the time of your birth.
You are entitled to Brazilian citizenship by descent if you had at least one Brazilian parent at the time of your birth and are registered in a competent Brazilian Embassy or Consulate General or you reside in Brazil and choose to acquire citizenship after 18.
You are entitled to Brazilian citizenship by marriage if you have a Brazilian spouse and complete one year of residency in Brazil.
You are entitled to Brazilian citizenship if you have a Brazilian child and complete one year of residency in Brazil.
You’re entitled to Brazilian citizenship by naturalization after four years of lawful residence (three years if you acquired an investment visa by purchasing a property for BRL 1 million).
Brazil citizenship by birth
Jus soli is the most common way Brazilians acquire citizenship. A person born in Brazilian territory is considered a Brazilian citizen at birth, regardless of whether one or both parents were foreign nationals at the time of their birth.
Brazil citizenship by descent
A person with a parent who had Brazilian citizenship at the time of birth is entitled to a Brazilian passport if:
At least one of their parents was in service of the Federative Republic of Brazil
They are registered in a competent Brazilian Embassy or Consulate General
They live in Brazil and choose to acquire citizenship after 18
Brazil citizenship for family members
Two individuals qualify for Brazilian passports as family members of Brazilian nationals. These include:
The spouse of a Brazilian national
The parent of a Brazilian child
Should you hold either status and have a valid marriage certificate or birth certificate of your child, you’re eligible for Brazilian citizenship by naturalization after one year of residency.
Brazil citizenship by naturalization
The naturalization process in Brazil requires four years of continuous residence with a valid residence permit. The Brazilian government provides an unofficial form of Brazil citizenship by investment by allowing those who purchase real estate in Brazil valued at least BRL 1 million to become a permanent resident or acquire citizenship after three years of residency.
Although Brazilian citizenship is available to individuals with criminal records who have proof of rehabilitation, certain crimes, including armed robbery, sexual assault, domestic violence, and violent crime, may disqualify foreign residents from becoming Brazilian citizens by naturalization.
How to get a Brazilian passport by investment
Applications for Brazil’s investor visa program provide a path to obtain a new passport in Brazil after three to four years of residency.
To gain eligibility to obtain a Brazilian passport by investing in the Brazil economy, you must:
Be at least 18
Have a clean criminal record or proof of rehabilitation
Make one of three investments:
Invest at least BRL 500,000 ($100,000) in a new or existing business in Brazil.
Purchase real estate for at least BRL 1 million (BRL 700,000 for investments in north/northeast regions)
Invest at least BRL 150,000 ($30,000) in a Brazilian company related to innovation, basic or applied research, science, or technology
Submit your application to the relevant Brazilian authority and obtain your investor visa
Complete four years of residency with no more than six months outside the country for each year
Submit your citizenship application and the necessary documents to the Federal Police. You may be asked for more paperwork, to prove proficiency in Portuguese, or to attend an in-person meeting to give biometric data.
Await approval and further checks by the Ministry of Justice and Public Security (Ministério da Justiça e Segurança Pública)
Retrieve your Brazil citizenship certificate and apply for a Brazilian passport with the federal police
Processing Time for Brazilian Passport Applications
How long it takes to process a Brazilian passport largely depends on whether you applied through local authorities in Brazil or overseas at a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate. Passport applications submitted to Federal Police offices in large cities like São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro usually take four to six weeks to process and issue.
Applications submitted to a consular officer at a Brazilian Embassy or Consulate General overseas generally take six to seven weeks to be processed. Applicants who wish to receive their applications by mail must submit a prepaid return envelope or label with their application. A fast-track passport in Brazil has a processing time of 24 to 72 hours. You may be eligible to receive a fast-track application process in exceptional circ*mstances, such as an immediate relative’s death or urgent medical treatment.
Dual Citizenship in Brazil
Brazilian authorities impose certain restrictions on dual citizenship for natural-born Brazilian nationals. In contrast to nations like the United States and Ireland, where nationality laws explicitly allow dual citizenship for all citizens, Brazil permits its citizens to obtain a second citizenship solely if the foreign nation requires it for legal residence or to access civil rights.
On the other hand, naturalized Brazilian nations can gain Brazilian citizenship and a Brazilian passport without renouncing other nationalities they may hold.
Brazilian Passport Validity
Brazilian passport renewal is required every ten years; however, Brazilian passports have several validity periods, depending on the age of the applicant.
Applicant's Age
Validity Period
0 to 1 year old
One year
1 to 2 years old
Two years
2 to 3 years old
Three years
3 to 4 years old
Four years
4 and 17 years old
Five years
18 years old and above
Ten years
Renewing a Brazilian passport
The process to renew a Brazilian passport follows the same procedure as applying for a new Brazilian passport. This involves submitting an application to the Federal Police in Brazil and requesting an appointment to obtain a new passport. When attending the appointment, presenting your old Brazilian passport with the necessary documents can speed up the due diligence process needed for a new passport to be issued.
Important notice: Failing to present an expired passport when apply for a new one may double the fee, although this rule is rarely enforced. You can refer to the Brazil passport page on gov.br for further information.
Do I need to stay in Brazil?
Brazil’s citizenship by investment program applicants must provide evidence of a bona fide connection to the country before they qualify for a Brazilian passport. This means investor visa holders must maintain three to four years of residency, depending on the investment made, and prove knowledge of proficiency in the Portuguese language.
Take a look at our Brazil Citizenship Ultimate Guide by local experts
Click Here
Is it worth having a Brazilian passport?
If you want to improve global mobility for yourself and your family, enjoy a lower cost of living, or retire in a beautiful country, a Brazilian passport is a fantastic asset.
If you would like to discuss your alternative passport options, our knowledgeable consultants in investment migration are available to assist you today. Whether you are considering Brazil’s investment program or Caribbean citizenship by investment programs, like Antigua and Barbuda citizenship by investment, our customized approach ensures that we guide you through each phase of the process.
A Brazilian passport offers many privileges, including:
Lucrative business prospects in a rapidly expanding economy
Visa-free and visa-on-arrival travel to 164 hours
Permanent citizenship with the ability to pass down to future generations
The option to live, work, study, and start a business in other South American countries with MERCOSUR
Frequently Asked Questions About Brazilian Passports:
Can an American get a Brazilian passport?
American nationals can get a Brazilian passport if they obtain Brazilian citizenship by birth, naturalization, marriage, descent, or investment. Passport applications and the required documents must be submitted to the Federal Police of Brazil or a consular officer in a Brazilian Consulate General or Embassy.
Naturalized Brazilians can have dual – or multiple – citizenship. Since the US recognizes multiple citizenship, it is possible to hold the passports of both countries.
How strong is the Brazilian passport?
According to the Global Passport Index, the Brazil passport occupies the 47th position. A Brazilian citizen can travel visa-free to 164 countries. The list of visa-free and visa-on-arrival countries for Brazilian passport holders includes the Schengen states in the European Union, the UK, Russia, South Korea, and Japan.
How can I renew a Brazilian passport?
Brazilian nationals can renew their passports at a Federal Police station if they are in Brazil at a Brazilian Consulate General or Embassy if they are in a foreign country. Passport holders are advised to apply for new passports six months or more before their expires.
How can I get a Brazilian passport?
If you already a Brazilian citizen, you must apply for a passport via the Brazilian authorities (the Federal Police if you are in Brazil or the Brazilian Consulate if you are in another country). If you are not a Brazilian citizen, you can obtain citizenship via birth, naturalization, marriage, descent, or investment.
The length of the process and visa requirements will vary depending on your circ*mstances. For example, when applying for citizenship by descent, your Brazilian parent must be on your birth certificate. The naturalization process requires you to obtain permanent resident status before qualifying for citizenship.
Applications with the Federal Police in Brazil take four to six weeks to process, and overseas applications take six to seven weeks. A fast-track application for time-sensitive circ*mstances, such as medical treatment, takes 24 to 72 hours to complete.
Can you travel visa-free with a Brazil second passport to more than 130 countries?
A second passport from Brazil will facilitate visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry to 164 countries, including the EU’s Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
Is the Brazil passport biometric?
New passports issued by the Brazilian government contain biometric information and Brazilians must use their Brazilian passport to exit and enter Brazil.
Does Brazil have a strong passport?
The Brazilian passport ranking, as determined by the Global Passport Index, is 47 out of 197 countries. With its membership in the MERCOSUR trading block, Brazil’s passport offers significant advantages regarding freedom of movement and global mobility.
How many countries can you visit with a Brazilian passport?
According to Global Citizen Solutions’ Global Passport Index, a Brazilian passport currently ranks 47th in the world. It provides visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry to 164 destinations for a Brazilian citizen, including the United Kingdom, the EU, and all South American countries such as Chile, Colombia, and French Guiana. This makes it a highly attractive passport for foreign nationals.
Which countries are visa-free with a Brazil passport?
A Brazil passport provides visa-free and visa-on-arrival entry to 164 countries, including the EU’s Schengen zone, many countries in Asia, and Africa, as well as freedom of movement in many South American countries.
Is it easy to get a Brazil passport?
Acquiring a Brazilian passport is relatively straightforward: Provided you fulfill the residency requirement, including four years of legal residency, and can prove proficiency in Portuguese, you can become a Brazilian citizen and apply for a passport with the Federal Police of Brazil. For additional information, consult gov.br.
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As an expert in the field of citizenship and passport acquisition, I bring a wealth of knowledge and firsthand expertise to guide you through the details of the Brazilian passport. My extensive understanding of the topic is grounded in a thorough knowledge of the various concepts and processes involved in obtaining a Brazilian passport, as well as the advantages and privileges it offers.
Brazilian Passport Overview:
1. MERCOSUR Membership:
Brazilian passports are part of MERCOSUR, offering citizens privileges in member states, including passport-free travel and the right to live, work, and study in countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
2. Visa-Free Access:
Brazilian passport holders enjoy visa-free travel and visa-on-arrival access to 164 countries, including the EU’s Schengen zone, the United Kingdom, and New Zealand.
3. Passport Benefits:
Brazilian passport holders gain MERCOSUR citizenship, providing benefits like tariff-free trade and business ease.
Freedom of movement within MERCOSUR states.
Enhanced travel privileges to 164 destinations.
Access to Brazil's universal healthcare system.
Abundant investment opportunities in various sectors.
4. Passport Ranking:
While not officially tier-one, the Brazilian passport is the fourth strongest in the Americas, according to the Global Passport Index.
5. Passport Cost:
Brazilian citizenship is not directly available through investment, but the VIPER Visa program allows residency through real estate or business investment.
6. Application Process and Requirements:
The Brazilian Federal Police manages passport applications, requiring documents such as ID, birth certificate, and military registration.
Stringent requirements exist for children's passports, with additional documentation for various scenarios.
7. Eligibility Criteria:
Various paths to Brazilian citizenship include birth, descent, marriage, and naturalization.
Dual citizenship is restricted for natural-born Brazilians but allowed for naturalized citizens.
8. Renewal and Validity:
Renewal is required every ten years, with varying validity periods for different age groups.
9. Processing Time:
Processing time depends on the application location, with fast-track options available for urgent circ*mstances.
10. Dual Citizenship Restrictions:
Restrictions on dual citizenship exist for natural-born Brazilians, allowing it only if required by another country.
11. Brazil Passport Strength:
The Brazilian passport provides strong global mobility, ranking 47th globally and offering visa-free access to 164 countries.
12. Biometric Features:
New Brazilian passports contain biometric information.
13. Global Mobility:
A Brazilian passport offers access to numerous countries for travel, business, and investment opportunities.
14. Application for Second Passport:
Eligibility for a second passport involves residency, investment, language proficiency, and a thorough application process.
15. Passport Renewal Process:
Renewal follows the same procedure as the initial application, with variations based on location and age.
In conclusion, the Brazilian passport is a valuable asset for those seeking enhanced global mobility, business prospects, and lifestyle opportunities. Acquiring Brazilian citizenship and a passport involves fulfilling eligibility criteria, navigating the application process, and understanding the associated benefits and responsibilities.
Introduction: My name is Pres. Carey Rath, I am a faithful, funny, vast, joyous, lively, brave, glamorous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.
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• MERCOSUR citizenship: Obtaining Brazilian citizenship means you acquire a MERCOSUR passport. This provides several benefits, including tariff-free trade and ease of doing business with any foreign country forming part of the agreement.
