For expat families · Brazil

Baby born in Brazil: citizenship, passport & paperwork

Brazil follows jus soli — birthright citizenship. Any child born on Brazilian soil gets Brazilian citizenship on Day 1, regardless of the parents' nationality or visa status. Here's exactly what that means in practice, and how to complete the paperwork.

Short answer

Yes. Your child is Brazilian from birth. You don't need permanent residency. You don't need to apply — you just register.

The legal basis: Article 12, Section I(a) of the Brazilian Constitution of 1988. It's automatic, not discretionary.

The questions every expat parent asks

Does a child born in Brazil automatically get Brazilian citizenship?

Yes. Brazil follows jus soli (birthright citizenship). Any child born on Brazilian soil — regardless of the parents' nationality or immigration status — is entitled to Brazilian citizenship from birth. This is guaranteed by Article 12 of the Brazilian Constitution. There are no exceptions for foreign parents on tourist visas, work visas, or overstay status.

Do both parents need to be physically present to register the birth?

No. Only one parent needs to appear at the Civil Registry office (Cartório de Registro Civil) to register the birth. However, to register both parents' names on the birth certificate, both parents should ideally be present — or the absent parent can prepare a notarized authorization in advance. The birth must be registered within 15 days (extendable to 3 months in some cases).

What documents do you need at the hospital to start the registration?

At the hospital, you'll receive a Declaração de Nascido Vivo (DNV) — a live birth declaration signed by the attending doctor or midwife. You then take this to a Cartório de Registro Civil to create the official birth certificate.

Documents needed at the Cartório:

  • DNV (Declaração de Nascido Vivo) from the hospital
  • Valid ID for both parents (passport acceptable for foreigners)
  • CPF number for both parents (if you don't have one, get it first via Receita Federal)
  • Marriage certificate or civil union documents (if applicable)
  • RNE or CRNM if you have Brazilian residency (not required, but speeds things up)

Does the child also keep their home country citizenship?

In most cases, yes. Most countries allow dual or multiple citizenship — including the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and most EU countries. Your child can hold both Brazilian citizenship and citizenship from any country where they're entitled (e.g., by descent from you as a US/UK/EU citizen parent).

A few countries limit dual citizenship (some EU states). Always verify your home country's specific rules. But for US, UK, Canadian, and Australian parents: dual citizenship is generally permitted.

Do I need a CPF to get a birth certificate for my child?

No — the birth certificate (Certidão de Nascimento) is issued first by the Cartório. But you'll need your own CPF as a parent to complete the registration. If you don't have a Brazilian CPF yet, get one at any Receita Federal office before the baby arrives — it takes 1–5 business days and requires only your passport.

Does my child get a CPF automatically?

Since 2019, some Cartórios automatically issue a CPF alongside the birth certificate. Ask the Cartório if they offer this. If not, you can register the child's CPF at any Receita Federal office or online at gov.br once you have the birth certificate — takes 1–5 business days.

Full timeline: born → Brazilian passport

1

At the hospital — get your DNV

The hospital issues a Declaração de Nascido Vivo after the birth. Keep this document safe — it's the foundation of everything that follows.

Timing: Day 0–1

2

Register at the Cartório — get the birth certificate

Take the DNV to a Cartório de Registro Civil within 15 days of birth. Registration is free. You'll receive a Certidão de Nascimento on the same day or within 24 hours. This document legally establishes your child's Brazilian citizenship.

Timing: Days 1–15 after birth

3

Get the child's CPF

Register the child's CPF at a Receita Federal office or via gov.br. You'll need the birth certificate and your own ID. Some Cartórios issue the CPF automatically at registration — ask when you go.

Timing: Days 15–20

4

Apply for the Brazilian passport at Polícia Federal

Book an appointment at your local Polícia Federal office. Bring: certified birth certificate, child's CPF, both parents' valid IDs and CPFs, 2 passport-sized photos. Fees: ~R$257 (~$50 USD). Children under 5 get a 5-year validity passport.

Timing: Days 20–30. Passport issued in ~10–15 business days after appointment.

5

(Optional) Register child's citizenship with your home country

If you're a US citizen, register the birth at the nearest US consulate to get a US Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA) and apply for a US passport. EU/UK citizens: similar process at your country's consulate. This is separate from the Brazilian process.

Timing: Anytime. No urgency, but do it before leaving Brazil long-term.

Total timeline summary

Birth → Brazilian birth certificate: 1–15 days. Birth certificate → CPF: 1–5 days. CPF → Brazilian passport: 10–20 business days. Total: approximately 4–8 weeks from birth to holding a Brazilian passport.

In Florianópolis specifically

What about your own visa while having a baby in Brazil?

Having a Brazilian-citizen child does not automatically grant you residency in Brazil (unlike in some countries). However, being the parent of a Brazilian citizen is a basis for a permanent residency application under Lei 13.445/2017.

Most expat parents arrive on VITEM XIV (Digital Nomad visa) or VITEM V (work visa), have the baby, then convert to a family reunification residency based on the Brazilian-citizen child. This is one of the most reliable paths to Brazilian permanent residency for foreign nationals.

Full visa guide for Florianópolis →

Planning your move to Florianópolis?

Full relocation guide → varvara.ai
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