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International and immigration matters: foreigners in Brazil and Brazilians abroad

By Francisco Chagas Moreira Neto, OAB-CE 30.410 · Updated on October 18, 2026

SUMMARY

Moreira & Diógenes Advocacia is a law firm based in Fortaleza, Brazil, and serves clients throughout Brazil. We give guidance on Brazilian law in matters that involve more than one country. Service is available in Portuguese, English or Spanish.

Who we help

Foreign nationals who live in Brazil or want to move here.
Brazilians who live abroad and have matters in Brazil.
Families with documents, marriages, assets or diplomas from more than one country.

Each case depends on its own facts and documents. Decisions belong to the competent authorities, and we do not guarantee outcomes. Our role is to explain the options under Brazilian law, organize the paperwork and represent you where a lawyer is needed.

Foreigners in Brazil

Visas and residence permits: for work, study, family reunion, investment, retirement or digital nomads, under the Brazilian Migration Law (Law 13,445/2017).
Registration: anyone entering Brazil with a temporary visa must register with the Federal Police within 90 days. Registration gives the migrant ID card (CRNM).
Refugee status: under Law 9,474/1997. Irregular entry does not prevent the request.
Naturalization: as a rule, 4 years of residence in Brazil, the ability to communicate in Portuguese and no criminal conviction. The period may be shorter in some cases.
Diplomas: revalidation of foreign university degrees by Brazilian public universities.

Brazilians abroad

Documents: powers of attorney at a Brazilian consulate, apostilled documents and electronic notarial deeds (e-Notariado).
Divorce: a simple consensual divorce granted abroad can be recorded directly at the Brazilian registry office. Other foreign judgments need recognition by the Superior Court of Justice (STJ).
Inheritance: assets located in Brazil are inventoried in Brazil, even if heirs live abroad.
Tax and social security: the departure notice and departure return to the Brazilian tax authority, and social security agreements between Brazil and other countries.
Dual citizenship: since Constitutional Amendment 131/2023, a Brazilian no longer loses Brazilian nationality just for acquiring another one.

How to contact us

Send a short message through the WhatsApp button on this page. Tell us the country where you live and the subject. Please do not send documents or personal data in the first message.

A lawyer from the firm will reply in Portuguese, English or Spanish, as you prefer.

Frequently asked questions

Can you help me if I live outside Brazil?

Yes. We handle matters under Brazilian law for people who live in Brazil or abroad, with remote service.

Will I lose my Brazilian citizenship if I become a citizen of another country?

No. Since Constitutional Amendment 131/2023, acquiring another nationality no longer causes the loss of Brazilian nationality.

Is my foreign divorce valid in Brazil?

A simple consensual divorce can be recorded directly at the registry office. If it also covers custody, support or property, recognition by the STJ is required.

Does your matter involve more than one country? Send us a message with the country where you live and the subject, without attaching documents. A lawyer from the firm replies within 1 business day.

Informational content, in accordance with Provision 205/2021 of the Brazilian Bar Association (OAB). It does not replace the analysis of a specific case and is not a promise of results.

Questions about your case?

Tell us about your situation on WhatsApp. A lawyer from the firm replies within 1 business day, Monday to Friday.

Full guide (in Portuguese)

Full guide in Portuguese: visas, residence, naturalization, foreign divorces, inheritance, diplomas and dual citizenship.

Read the full guide (in Portuguese)

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