Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Navigating the process of obtaining a Brazilian passport may seem complex for globe-trotting opportunity seekers, but with the carefully detailed steps and practical advice we provide, this journey becomes significantly more manageable.
Whether you’re a Brazilian citizen or a newly naturalized foreigner, understanding the required documents, associated costs, and processing times can make all the difference in your experience.
Discover how to avoid common pitfalls and optimize each step of the process so your dream of international mobility becomes reality with a Brazilian passport in hand.
Steps to Obtain a Brazilian Passport
Preparation of Required Documents
- Valid Brazilian ID card or passport expired less than 2 years
- Original birth certificate or certified copy
- Brazilian driver’s license accompanied by document proving place of birth, if applicable
- Recent ID photo meeting official standards
- Previous passport (if applicable) or official declaration in case of loss/theft
- Military certificate for men between 18 and 45 years old
- Proof of voter registration and compliance with electoral obligations, if required
Online Appointment Scheduling
- Access the official portal:
- Complete the electronic form with all requested personal data
- Print the protocol page (RER), sign it, and prepare all documents for submission
- Select a time slot to submit the application at the consular post or federal police office
Federal Police Interview
- Present all original documents during the appointment
- On-site fingerprint collection
- Payment of associated fees (varies by age, passport type, and specific situation)
| Type | Estimated Fees |
|---|---|
| Adult passport | ~257 BRL |
| Minor passport | ~161 BRL |
| Lost passport renewal | possible surcharge |
Processing Times
Standard timeframe: between 6 to 10 business days after submission of complete application
Delays may occur due to errors in the form, missing documents, or high demand periods
Passport Collection Method
- Mandatory in-person pickup in most cases at the office where application was submitted
For some consulates abroad, postal service may be available for an additional fee; verify this during submission
Practical Tips to Avoid Common Errors
Pay attention to the following points:
- Verify that each document is legible and recent; outdated photos are often rejected
- Update any document containing a previous name due to marriage/divorce before submission
- Strictly adhere to requested format for each document (photo size, certified copies…)
- Plan ahead for military enrollment or electoral obligations if applicable
Useful Resources for Non-Brazilians/Foreign Residents:
- Official Brazilian consular portal:
- Complete list of requirements by country/region on
- Specific advice for expatriates available from local embassies
Good to Know:
Make sure to have photocopies of all your documents to avoid additional visits; for those living abroad, allow for longer processing times and consult the embassy for specific requirements
Cost and Required Documents for Brazilian Passport
Current Cost of Brazilian Passport Application and Renewal
The standard cost of a Brazilian passport is R$ 257.25
An expedited (“fast-track”) passport costs R$ 334.42
The amount may vary if applying abroad, for example: in Canada, it’s 180 CAD for adults, 120 CAD for minors aged 4 to 17, and 60 CAD for children under 4
The cost may double if the old passport is not presented during renewal application, though this is rarely applied in practice
Cost Comparison Table
| Passport Type | Brazil (BRL) | Canada (CAD) | Standard Timeframe | Expedited Timeframe |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (18+) | 257.25 | 180 | Standard | 334.42 BRL |
| Minor 4-17 years | 257.25 | 120 | Standard | 334.42 BRL |
| Minor 0-3 years | 257.25 | 60 | Standard | 334.42 BRL |
Types of Passports Available in Brazil
- Standard passport: For adults and minors, valid for most travel situations
- Emergency passport: Issued in proven emergency cases (e.g., medical emergency, death of relative), higher cost
- Provisional passport: For very specific cases, variable validity and cost
- Diplomatic or official passport: Reserved for state representatives, not accessible to general public
Documents Required for First-Time Brazilian Passport Application
- Application form printed from official website
- Valid Brazilian ID card (RG or other recognized document)
- Birth certificate (if ID doesn’t show parentage)
- CPF (tax identification number) – often integrated in ID card
- Proof of payment of application fees
- Proof of current electoral status (voter certificate or justification of absence for ages 18-65)
- Military service certificate or exemption (men aged 18 to 45)
- Previous passport, if exists
- Depending on case: marriage certificate, name change ruling, naturalization certificate
Summary List of Documents for First Application
- Completed and printed application form
- Recent ID photo in required format
- Valid Brazilian ID card
- Birth certificate (if necessary)
- CPF
- Proof of payment
- Proof of electoral status
- Military service certificate (for men aged 18-45)
- Previous passport (if applicable)
- Other specific documents depending on situation
Additional Documents for Renewal
The old passport must be presented
If the old passport is unavailable, a loss or theft declaration is required, and cost may increase
Update civil status documents if changed (marriage, divorce, name change)
Importance of Document Validity
Ensure you provide valid and current identification documents. An expired, damaged, or inconsistent document may lead to refusal or delay in passport issuance. Any incomplete application is systematically rejected and requires a new appointment
Procedure in Case of Passport Loss or Theft
- Report loss or theft to local police and obtain official report
- Present this declaration during replacement application
- Replacement cost is generally same as first application, but may double if old passport isn’t presented without valid justification
- For abroad applications, also provide proof of residence and, if necessary, other documents according to consulate requirements
For more details and recent updates, always consult the official Brazilian Federal Police website or relevant consulate
Good to Know:
The cost of Brazilian passport varies by region and urgency, with separate rates for adults, minors, and emergency passports; required documents include ID photo, application form, proof of Brazilian nationality, and for renewal, declaration of previous passport. In case of loss or theft, a police report is necessary, and additional fees may apply for replacement
Processing Times for Passport Issuance
| Application Type | Average Processing Time | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Standard application (passport) | 8 business days | Time calculated from receipt of complete application at consulate. This timeframe doesn’t include possible document shipping |
| Expedited application | Not available (generally) | No emergency service is offered for Brazilian passport issuance |
Key Process Steps That May Influence Timelines:
- Pre-filling online application form and generating protocol (RER)
- Scheduling appointment and submitting original documents at consulate
- Verification of document completeness and compliance (identity, recent photo, signed forms, etc.)
- Payment of fees according to accepted methods (postal money order or certified check only)
- Administrative processing (verification, validation, passport printing)
- Notification of passport availability (in-person delivery or postal shipment according to choice)
- Passport collection, sometimes by appointment or dedicated time slots
Factors Affecting Timeline Variations:
- Time of year: Timelines may extend during high-demand periods (school holidays, national holidays)
- Region or consulate used: Depending on application volume, some consulates may have slightly longer timelines
- Application completeness: Incomplete or non-compliant applications result in extended processing
Tracking Application Progress:
- Online service allows tracking application progress using RER code, applicant name, and birth date
- Once passport is ready, it no longer appears in the system, meaning it has been shipped or is available for pickup
- It’s also possible to contact the relevant consulate in case of doubt or necessity
Practical Tips to Avoid Delays:
- Carefully verify required document list before submission
- Ensure identification documents and photos are current and compliant
- Plan renewal several weeks before current passport expiration date
- Avoid high-demand periods if possible
- Use only payment methods accepted by the consulate
- Keep receipt and application number for online tracking
For any passport application, anticipation and thorough preparation of the application are essential to meet announced timelines
Good to Know:
Processing times for Brazilian passport vary between 6 and 10 business days in standard time, but may be reduced for expedited applications; it’s recommended to verify required documents before applying and track progress via local authorities’ online services
Why Obtain a Brazilian Passport?
Advantages of Brazilian Passport
- Visa-free travel to up to 171 countries, including United Kingdom, European Union, United Arab Emirates, and Russia
- High ranking in passport power indices: 18th worldwide in 2025 according to GetGoldenVisa, 19th according to VisaIndex, and even 11th by Passport Index
- Freedom of movement within MERCOSUR, facilitating residence, paid work, and studies in Argentina, Uruguay, Paraguay, and other member countries
- Full citizenship rights in Brazil, including access to universal healthcare (SUS), civil rights (voting), consular protection abroad, and access to local financial markets
- Expanded professional opportunities, thanks to possibility of working freely in Brazil or MERCOSUR without specific permit
Brazilian Passport Ranking Statistics
| Ranking | Number of Visa-Free Accesses | Source / Year |
|---|---|---|
| Global Passport Index | 4th Americas | 2025 |
| Guide Passport Ranking Index | 19th worldwide | 2025 |
| GetGoldenVisa | 18th worldwide | 2025 |
| Passport Index | 11th worldwide | 2025 |
Testimonials & Anecdotes
“Getting my Brazilian passport allowed me to accept a job offer in Uruguay as soon as I received it. The relocation was simple thanks to the freedom offered by MERCOSUR.”
“Thanks to my new Brazilian passport I traveled spontaneously to more than ten European countries without heavy administrative procedures. This opened unexpected professional opportunities during international events.”
Context: Personal or Professional Reasons
- Professional: facilitated access to qualified jobs in Brazil or throughout MERCOSUR; opportunity for entrepreneurs wanting to establish in multiple South American markets; increased mobility for international consultants
- Personal: family reunification with relatives already residing in Brazil or elsewhere in South America; quick access to universal healthcare; increased legal security during frequent travels
Summary List of Main Advantages:
- Exceptional international mobility
- Possibility to quickly settle in several South American countries
- Automatic access to Brazilian social rights
- Gateway to flexible professional life
- Strengthened sense of cultural belonging
The Brazilian passport thus stands out as a major asset both for those seeking new professional life and for those wanting to freely explore the world with fewer administrative obstacles
Good to Know:
The Brazilian passport allows visa-free travel to more than 140 countries; it also offers ease of employment and residence not only in Brazil, but also in other MERCOSUR countries, in addition to ensuring citizenship with valuable rights
Disclaimer: The information provided on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or professional advice. We encourage you to consult qualified experts before making any investment, real estate, or expatriation decisions. Although we strive to maintain up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the proposed content. As investment and expatriation involve risks, we disclaim any liability for potential losses or damages arising from the use of this site. Your use of this site confirms your acceptance of these terms and your understanding of the associated risks.
Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
