Obtaining a Brazilian passport is your key to international travel and a testament to your citizenship. For 2026, the process remains streamlined through the Brazilian Federal Police and consular offices abroad. This guide provides a complete overview of eligibility, required documents, application steps, and fees to ensure a smooth and successful application.
Who is Eligible for a Brazilian Passport?
You are eligible for a Brazilian passport if you are a Brazilian citizen. This includes individuals who acquired citizenship by birth, descent, or through naturalization . You must apply for your first passport in person, and the application process is mandatory for all citizens, regardless of age.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Your Brazilian Passport
The application process involves preparing documents, filling out forms, and submitting your application in person or by mail.
Step 1: Gather the Required Documents
Having the correct documents is the most critical step. The requirements vary slightly for adults and minors. The following checklist will help you prepare.
Documents for Applicants Over 18 Years Old
- Receipt of Application Submission (RER): Complete the form online via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, print it, and sign it .
- Passport Photo: Provide one recent color photo with a plain white background, taken within the last six months .
- Current Passport: If renewing, submit your most recent passport, whether valid or expired. If it is lost, provide a completed Loss Form or a police report .
- Proof of Brazilian Nationality: Submit your original Brazilian birth certificate, marriage certificate (if applicable), or naturalization certificate .
- Brazilian Photo ID: Provide a valid ID such as a RG (Cédula de Identidade), CNH (driver's license), or professional board ID .
- CPF Number: As of 2024, presenting your CPF (Cadastro de Pessoas FÃsicas) is mandatory for all applicants .
- Military Documentation: Men aged 18 to 45 must provide a Certificate of Military Enlistment, Reservist Certificate, or Certificate of Exemption .
- Electoral Documentation: Literate citizens aged 18 to 70 must be in good standing with the Electoral Court and provide an Electoral Clearance Certificate (CQE) .
Documents for Applicants Under 18 Years Old
- Receipt of Application Submission (RER): Completed and signed by the minor (if aged 16-17) and both parents or legal guardians .
- Passport Photo: Same requirements as for adults .
- Current Passport or First-Time Statement: Submit the previous passport or indicate that it is the first application .
- Brazilian Birth Certificate: Provide the original certificate .
- CPF Number: Mandatory for minors as well .
- Authorization for Minor: A notarized authorization form signed by both parents or legal guardians is required. Specific rules apply if only one parent is available .
- Photo IDs of Both Parents: Provide original, valid photo IDs for both parents .
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Access the online Form Filler on the official Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Itamaraty) website to complete your application . This generates a barcoded Receipt of Application Submission (RER). Print this form and sign it in the designated area. Do not sign it if you are submitting the application in person until the consular officer instructs you to do so.
Step 3: Get Your Passport Photo
Your photo must meet strict government standards to be accepted :
- Size: 2x2 inches (51x51 mm)
- Background: Plain white or off-white
- Recency: Taken within the last 6 months
- Expression: Neutral face expression, looking directly at the camera
- Attire: No uniforms or white clothing. No hats or head coverings unless for religious reasons.
Step 4: Calculate and Pay the Fees
Passport fees are standardized but vary by age group. Payment must be made with a U.S. Postal Money Order payable to the "Consulate General of Brazil" or the specific consulate handling your application . Personal checks or cash are not accepted.
| Applicant Age | Passport Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| 0-3 years | $40.00 |
| 4-17 years | $80.00 |
| 18 years and older | $120.00 |
Step 5: Submit Your Application
Where you submit your application depends on your location.
- In Brazil: Submit your application in person at a local Brazilian Federal Police office .
- Outside Brazil: Submit your application to the Brazilian Consulate or Embassy with jurisdiction over your area of residence. Many consulates offer both in-person and mail-in submission options .
If applying by mail, include a pre-paid, self-addressed return envelope with tracking. For in-person appointments, schedule ahead through the consulate's e-consular system .
Processing Time and Receiving Your Passport
After submission, standard processing typically takes 3 to 4 weeks, though this can vary . Once ready, you will be notified to pick up your passport, or it will be mailed back to you using your provided return envelope.
Your new Brazilian passport will be valid for 10 years for adults and for 1, 3, or 5 years for minors, depending on their age .
Special Circumstances
Applying for a Minor
Applications for minors require additional steps to ensure the protection of the child. The authorization from both parents or legal guardians is crucial, and the specific rules can be complex, especially if one parent lives abroad or is unavailable .
Lost or Stolen Passport
If your passport is lost or stolen, you must immediately report it by submitting a signed Loss Form or a police report from the local authorities where the loss/theft occurred. This document is mandatory for your application, and failure to provide it may result in a reduced validity period for your new passport .
Name Changes
If you have changed your name due to marriage or other reasons, you must provide supporting legal documents, such as a Brazilian marriage certificate or a court order, to reflect the change in your new passport .
New for 2026: ETIAS for Brazilian Citizens Traveling to Europe
Starting in 2026, Brazilian citizens will need to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before traveling to most European countries for short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period .
Key ETIAS Details for Brazilian Travelers
- What it is: ETIAS is a travel authorization, not a visa. It is a simple online application .
- Cost: The fee is €7 and is free for applicants under 18 or over 70 .
- Validity: Once approved, ETIAS is valid for three years or until your passport expires, whichever comes first, and allows multiple entries .
- Application: The process is entirely online and most approvals are granted within minutes .
Benefits of Holding a Brazilian Passport
A Brazilian passport offers significant global mobility and other advantages:
- Visa-Free Access: Provides visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 164 countries and territories, including the entire European Schengen Area, the United Kingdom, and Japan .
- MERCOSUR Privileges: As a member of MERCOSUR, Brazilian citizens have the right to live, work, and study in other member countries like Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay with minimal formalities .
- Dual Citizenship: Brazil allows dual citizenship, so you can hold a Brazilian passport alongside another country's passport without renouncing your original nationality .
Conclusion: Your Gateway to the World Awaits
Obtaining a Brazilian passport is a straightforward process when you are well-prepared with the correct documents and a clear understanding of the steps involved. By following this comprehensive 2026 guide, you can navigate the application with confidence, whether you are in Brazil or abroad. Remember to apply for your passport well in advance of any planned travel and stay informed about new requirements like the ETIAS for European trips. Your Brazilian passport is more than a travel document—it is your key to exploring the world.