Key facts
| Italian descendants | An estimated 30 million; over 550,000 Italian citizens live in Brazil. |
|---|---|
| Entering Italy | Visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180 in the Schengen area. |
| ETIAS | No confirmed start date yet (the EU postponed it; expected in 2027). |
| Apostille | Notary offices (cartórios) authorised by the CNJ (Brazil joined the Hague Convention in 2016). |
| Italian consulates | São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Belo Horizonte, Curitiba, Porto Alegre and Recife, plus the Embassy in Brasília. |
| Social security | Brazil–Italy agreement: contributions in both countries can be combined for pensions. |
| Driving licence (CNH) | Brazil–Italy agreement to convert the CNH without an exam; we confirm current rules and deadlines. |
| Working holiday | No agreement with Italy. |
Italian citizenship for Brazilians in 2026
Since 28 March 2025 (Decree-Law 36/2025, Law 74/2025), people born abroad who hold another citizenship only qualify for Italian citizenship by descent if:
- they filed the application or court case by 27 March 2025; or
- a parent or grandparent holds, or held at death, only Italian citizenship; or
- an Italian parent lived in Italy for 2 continuous years after becoming a citizen and before the applicant's birth.
In 2026 the Constitutional Court upheld the reform (judgment 63/2026) and then referred questions to the EU Court of Justice (order 147/2026), so the issue is still open. The Court of Cassation (Joint Sections, judgment 24045/2026) resolved the minor issue favourably: a minor born in a jus soli country did not lose Italian citizenship when the parent naturalised. This matters a lot for cases filed before 2025.
The 'great naturalisation' is not an obstacle
The argument that Brazil's 1889 great naturalisation made Italian immigrants lose their citizenship was rejected by the Court of Cassation in 2022: loss requires a voluntary, explicit act. Italian courts still follow this in 2026.
Consular queues and the court route
For those who already had the right and filed before 27/03/2025, a court case in Italy remains the way out when the Consulate queue is too long. We follow ongoing cases and appeal delays and refusals.
If you no longer qualify by descent
- Citizenship by residence: if a parent or grandparent was an Italian citizen by birth, you can apply after just 2 years of legal residence in Italy (instead of 10), with B1 Italian and sufficient income.
- Work: an offer from an Italian employer under the Decreto Flussi, or the EU Blue Card for qualified professionals.
- Study: a degree or master's in Italy, then conversion to a work permit.
- Digital nomad visa: if you work remotely for foreign clients and earn at least around €28,000 a year.
- Elective residence: for retirees or people with high passive income.
Brazilian documents: where to get them
| Document | Where |
|---|---|
| Birth, marriage and death certificates | Civil Registry cartório (full, recent copy) |
| Ancestor's certificate of non-naturalisation (CNN) | Ministry of Justice |
| Criminal record | Federal Police |
| Apostille | Authorised cartório |
| Translations | Brazilian sworn translator + apostille, or asseverazione in Italy |
Frequently asked questions
My great-grandfather was Italian. Can I still apply?
Under current law, generally not, unless the application or court case was filed by 27/03/2025. It's worth a review: residence in Italy with a shorter period may be another route.
Can I still get recognition while living in Italy (via the Comune)?
Only if you meet the requirements of the new law. Before travelling for this, confirm your case with a lawyer.
Does the great naturalisation prevent me from qualifying?
No. The Court of Cassation rejected that argument in 2022.
Can I convert my Brazilian driving licence (CNH) in Italy?
Yes, there's a Brazil–Italy agreement. It must be done within the set period after taking up residence; we check your case.
Last updated: 2026-10-23. This guide is general information and does not replace a lawyer's advice on your specific case. Italian immigration rules change often.