CITIZENSHIP BY BIRTH
Brazil · Citizenship by birth
Article 12 of Brazil’s Constitution generally recognises citizenship by birth in Brazil, except certain cases involving foreign parents serving their own country. A civil registry records the birth and the Federal Police handles passports.
Nationality, registration & parents
Birth in the country
Brazilian civil birth registration
Family-reunification residence
From travel planning to documents
Entry & family planning
Travel planning covers entry documents, length of stay, healthcare arrangements and costs. A child’s nationality rights do not replace parents’ entry permission.
Birth registration & documents
Take the hospital’s DNV birth record and parents’ identity documents to the civil registry for the certidão de nascimento. Apply separately to the Federal Police for the child’s passport with the required parental authorisation.
Parents’ status & onward travel
A foreign parent with a Brazilian child can apply for residence through family reunification. Parentage, identity and applicable police records form part of the application. Residence approval and any later naturalisation are separate procedures.
Budget & long-term planning
Budget for healthcare, insurance coverage, accommodation, registration, certification, travel documents and professional services. Allow time after birth for registration and passport issuance, and arrange the documents needed for onward travel.
Frequently asked questions
Does every local birth confer nationality?
Article 12 of Brazil’s Constitution generally recognises citizenship by birth in Brazil, except certain cases involving foreign parents serving their own country. A civil registry records the birth and the Federal Police handles passports.
Do parents gain status automatically?
A foreign parent with a Brazilian child can apply for residence through family reunification. Parentage, identity and applicable police records form part of the application. Residence approval and any later naturalisation are separate procedures.
Which documents should follow birth?
Take the hospital’s DNV birth record and parents’ identity documents to the civil registry for the certidão de nascimento. Apply separately to the Federal Police for the child’s passport with the required parental authorisation.