Brazilian nationality law
Brazilian nationality law is based on the principle of Jus soli. As a general rule, any person born in Brazil acquires Brazilian citizenship at birth, irrespective of status of parents. Nationality law is regulated by Article 12 of the Brazilian Federal Constitution.
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[edit] Birth in Brazil
Any person born in Brazil acquires Brazilian citizenship at birth. The only exception applies to children of persons in the service of a foreign government (such as a foreign diplomats).
[edit] Natural Brazilians born abroad
Brazilian law considers as Brazilian citizens people born abroad in two cases:
- a person born outside Brazil of a Brazilian parent who is in the service of the Brazilian government; and
- a person born outside Brazil of a Brazilian parent, provided that that person either be registered with a Brazilian consular office or later move to Brazil and confirm one's citizenship before a federal judge.
Between 1994 and 2007, registration with a Brazilian Consular office did not confer Brazilian citizenship. As of September 2007, a constitutional amendment reinstituted consular registration as a means of acquiring Brazil's citizenship.
[edit] Naturalization as a Brazilian citizen
Foreigners may apply for Brazilian citizenship if they meet the following criteria:
- permanent residence in Brazil
- fifteen years of uninterrupted residence in Brazil[1]
- ability to speak and write Portuguese
- sufficient personal or family resources to support themselves
The residence requirement may be reduced in certain circumstances:
- only one year's residence is required for those who have a Brazilian spouse, parent, or child
- for nationals of Portuguese-speaking countries, one year's residence is required
- those with "professional, scientific, or artistic ability" may apply after two years
- persons of higher net worth may apply for Brazilian citizenship after 3 years
- relevant services to the country
[edit] Loss of Brazilian citizenship
Since 9 June 1994, acquisition of another country's citizenship should not cause loss of Brazilian citizenship. Those who lost Brazilian citizenship before that date may be able to apply for reinstatement.[2]
[edit] Dual citizenship
Dual citizenship has been permitted in Brazil without restrictions since 1994. However, all Brazilian citizens must enter and leave Brazil on a Brazilian passport.
[edit] Military service
Male Brazilian citizens have a 12 month military service obligation, unless the citizen has a physical or psychological condition (though registering for the army is mandatory, most people do not serve).
[edit] References
[edit] External links
- Brazilian Consular Portal (multi-language site)
- http://www.helplinelaw.com/law/brazil/citizenship/citizenship.php
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