How to prove your proficiency in Portuguese for Brazilian naturalization?

One of the mandatory requirements for applying for Brazilian naturalization is proving your ability to communicate in Portuguese. But how do you do that?

To avoid mistakes in your application, you must know which documents are accepted according to the Ministry of Justice's regulations. These guidelines establish eight ways to prove your knowledge of the Portuguese language, and we will explain some of the main ones below.

Celpe-Bras Proficiency Certificate

Celpe-Bras is the official exam offered by the Brazilian Government to certify foreigners who need to prove their proficiency in Portuguese. The exam is held every six months, and tests can be taken at higher education institutions, diplomatic missions, consular offices, and cultural centers dedicated to promoting the Portuguese language.

For more information:

https://www.gov.br/inep/pt-br/areas-de-atuacao/avaliacao-e-exames-educacionais/celpe-bras

Portuguese Course for Foreigners

Many schools accredited by the Ministry of Education (MEC) offer specific Portuguese language courses for naturalization purposes.

The Ministry of Justice accepts online courses as long as the assessments are conducted in person.

As a suggestion, we recommend the courses offered by FAAP and Faculdade Sensu. We know these are accredited and their certificates are accepted in the naturalization process for those who pass:

https://www.faap.br/extensao-e-livres/on-campus-intensive-portuguese-courses-for-foreigners/

https://faculdadesensu.edu.br/proficencia-em-lingua-portuguesa/

Undergraduate or Graduate Diploma from a Brazilian Institution

You can present a diploma for a bachelor’s degree, technologist degree, or graduate degree (Specialization, MBA, Master’s, or Doctorate) from any Brazilian school or college registered with the Ministry of Education, provided the course was taught in Portuguese.

In addition to the diploma or certificate of completion, you must also provide your academic transcript (histórico escolar), showing the subjects taken and the grading method.

Completion of Elementary or High School in Brazil

An academic transcript or equivalent document proving the completion of elementary, middle, or high school (including "supletivo" adult education) at a Brazilian institution recognized by the State Board of Education.

Equivalency exams for adults, such as ENCCEJA, are also accepted.

Passing a Civil Service Exam (Concurso Público)

If you take and pass a Brazilian civil service exam, you can present your official appointment decree (portaria de nomeação). This serves as valid proof that you possess the necessary Portuguese language skills for naturalization.

Do you have questions about your naturalization application?

We are here to help! We offer various types of consulting services—from basic assistance in organizing your documents to full-service support where we handle every step of the process for you.

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